Street Style: SXSW 2014.

SXSW, a huge music festival that has continued to grow each year, is officially over. For the past 2 years, I've traveled down to Austin, TX to experience the large crowds and amazing line-ups SXSW offers it's festival goers. The coolest perks of SXSW are the access you have to artists, endless networking opportunities, free music shows from some of the most well known or underground artists, and street style. 

While I didn't attend this year, I put together some of the best street style pics from around the web. Take a look at some of the hippest, funkiest kids around SXSW 2014. Also, check out my Guide to SXSW and previous posts from SXSW 2012 and 2013: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. 

Which looks are you feeling?

Made in America 2013.

Here are some of my photos from the Made in America music festival last month.

We had a great time despite the massive crowds (seemed like way more people than last year) and heat. Next year I'll probably just sit it out and just catch the highlights online.

Some of my favorite acts this year were Empire of the Sun, Black Hippy, Calvin Harris, Beyonce (based on production), Macklemore, and Phoenix.

Adorable Jaden Smith in Wonderland Magazine.

It's hard to believe Jaden Smith is only 14 YEARS OLD. It seems like he's already been around for a while seeing as though he already has a few movies under his belt and even a clothing line since his acting debut in 2006. Jaden's featured in Wonderland Magazine with an exclusive interview and a few shots styled by Andrew Davis and photographed by Rory van Millingen.

I love him in this floral sweatshirt by Katie Eary. It has the perfect touch of masculinity among all the flowers. The second look with the KTZ t-shirt and skateboard looks like something he'd wear on his own. He is just so cute. The Smith's are winning right now, as always.

Check the full interview for Wonderland here.

Danny Brown for Uniqlo + The UT TruckShop.

The video above is the first in a series of one minute bio's from Uniqlo called "Life in a Minute". Thought it was adorable. Peep.

After doing a lookbook for Mark McNairy earlier this year, Danny Bri-Zown is now collaborating with UNIQLO. He's been getting his fashion grind on, hasn't he?

He'll be popping up at different locals for their new UT TruckShop, which is a traveling UNIQLO pop-up shop. They'll be trucking around New York and will have live performances every Saturday in April at Gansevoort Plaza. Seems like a really cool event, so if you're in NYC, stopping by wouldn't be a bad idea. Cool music, plus cool tees at awesome prices? Sounds like a Saturday to me.

Head to uniqlo.com for more info....or to just shop. :)

SXSW 2013: Part 1.

I went to SXSW last week and had one hell of an unforgettable experience. Aside from a little drama and a RIDICULOUS amount of long lines, good times were had. We were there Wednesday until Sunday. I honestly was anti technology for the first night, so I missed that outfit, but this post covers our Wednesday travels and Thursday.

Wednesday was alright because there really wasn't much going on, but we fell into some fun spots on the street. I think my favorite place was this silent disco that I had been wanting to try for a while. They had 3 stations: rap, Diplo, and a kind've pop/techno. Hella fun. If you get the chance to go to a silent disco, go. It's pretty hilarious.

Thursday we hit up this New York hip hop showcase at North Door. I'm happy we went because somebody jumped on my face, which was highly enjoyable. I don't know WHY I am ALWAYS involved in a mosh pit (which also happened all over me) or somebody stage diving. It's not a party unless my face gets smashed. Last year at the TDE show, I was single handedly holding somebody in the air that jumped off the stage. My life, I swear. But anyway, we saw Joey Bada$$(!!) and Pro Era, Mr. Motherfuckin Esquire, Flatbush Zombies, Action Bronson, Smoke DZA, and A$AP Ferg. Peter Rosenberg was our hilarious host and it was a great time for hip hop. I just wanted to see Joey Bad with his deep voice having self.

Oh and earlier that day we met Wild Belle on the streets. LOVE THEM!

Pics below :)

layover in ATL

with Wild Belle :)

Mr. Mothafuckin Esquire

Joey Bada$$

Flatbush Zombies

The Pretty Mustache's Guide to SXSW.

SXSW Music Festival starts this week, as many of you may already know, and since I went last year, I figured I'd give any newbie's a heads up on what to expect. I will be there this year starting tomorrow, so if you're in Austin, hit me up. I'll be trying my hardest to wild the fuck out.

Don't take any thing you wouldn't want to get dirty. 

If you are a true fest head, you want to get down and dirty and truly into the experience. And that means outside shows, mud, rain, ridiculous ass music fanatics all in your bubble, all that. You don't want to be thinking about you brand new J's getting ruined in a mosh pit. Just have fun. Last year I walked out of the S.O. Terik TDE show looking like a straight up homeless person and literally had to throw away my shoes. Do you think I cared? No. Why? Because that shit, was epic. Oh, and don't wear heels. That would just be stupid. 

Be prepared to walk a country mile 
If you have a car, find a spot downtown, and park it. You will walk til you drop, and that's real. 6th Street is the place to be, so if you find yourself on 6th, you're can't really go wrong. Also, Austin has tons of adorable bike cabs that you'll want to utilize. They're pretty inexpensive, and a great way to see the city.

RSVP to everything
I learned last year that it's all about finding tons of showcases, and getting on the list. It's free to RSVP, so just do it to everything you may be interested in. I'm not going to lie, I did not show a single RSVP last year, and got into everything. Not sure what to expect this year, but just be prepared. The great thing about SXSW is that most shows are free AND a lot offer free food and drinks. That'll save you some doe.

Now that you've RSVP'd to the world, be prepared not to even go to 75% of that. 
Your plans will change once you get down there. Why? Because there's a million doper low key things going on that you haven't even heard of yet. Keep your ear to the streets because secret shows spread like wild fire and people love sharing what they know. Oh, and try to get to the Illmore. It will rock your socks.

There will be lines
There will be over 2,500 official artists performing at over 100 venues, and Lord knows how many unofficial artists. I suggest if there's somebody you really want to see, get there early. Last year there were about 50,000 attendees, and trust me, you won't be the only one trying to see Snoop, Kendrick, Justin Timberlake or anybody else of musical worth. So hop in line, and ride it out. Chances are, it'll be worth it.

Make friends.
A great SXSW experience is like survival of the fittest. How bad do you want to be in the exclusive joints? We heard about so many things last year just by word of mouth. In the bathrooms exchanging info with other girls, meeting folks in the crowds while passing the green, and meeting up with buddies from back home. Keep it social. Use Twitter and Instagram to figure out where the hidden shows are. Don't be afraid of getting creative and meeting new people. A stranger may be your way into the best show of the festival.


Don't forget to eat
I feel the need to throw this in here because last year I feel like I ate once a day. Maybe twice. I felt like a malnourished child. We were just go, go, go the whole time. It's like once you stop, you miss something. But still don't forget to eat, you want to be ready for mad festivities.

Last but certainly not least, you will see famous people. Don't be a groupie.
I repeat, don't be a groupie. I urge you not to run up to anybody screaming, unless you see Prince or JT, I WILL give you a pass there, lol. But really, celebs are normal people (that happen to be famous) that enjoy SXSW just as much as you do. There will be tons of artists down there cruising the streets and performing. Don't spoil there experience by doing the damn most. Talk to them like a normal human being and life will be enjoyable for everyone. (And Erykah Badu was cool as hell. Really liked her.)

PS: Grumpy Cat is at SXSW. If you get a picture with her. PLEASE let me know, so I can cry with joy. Sidenote: the cat's real name is Tardar Sauce, which is hilarious if you ask me.

Style Post: Vintage Rabbit Fur Bomber.

Hola friends.

Last week I went to, get this, an Earth, Wind, and Fire concert. Talk about the Mecca of R&B/ Funk. Amanze managed to get us free tickets, so it really wasn't an option whether we were going or not. These are legends we're talking about here....40 years in the making. Great show, great memories.

Dear 2012.

Dear 2012,

I love you.

2012 was filled with fashion, music, travel, art, and tons of fun. Art museums, restaurants, and dope cities galore like Miami, Va Beach, Chicago, Atlanta, and Philly. I pursued my love for fashion and styling by starting this blog. I went to SXSW with my sister Jai, which was THEE shit. And while there saw the most trill TDE show in existence  I kid you not. Went to a random ass Illmore mansion party that popped with all types of performances. Try going to the restroom and coming back to A$AP Rocky roaming through the crowd, and right past me, performing something like Pesos or Purple Swag. Juicy-J's black ass performing "Slob on my Knob" live with the most bass possible. It's the East St. Louis in me that keeps that love for 3-6 Mafia strong. And let's not forget not even RSVPing to the Red Bull tent, but ending up with VIP and backstage access with the homies. Random shit rules my life.

I had most of my adventures with my boyfriend Amanze. Always down for a good time and is always looking out for me. At Made in America, he fought through a crowd of thousands and back just to get me some water. Real ass dude. And he's probably the smartest, most compassionate person I know. Because of 2012, I have an even better appreciation for life and the people that are important to me.

It was a year of growth.  A year of learning and understanding. Finding out what motivates me and adopting new goals in life. I realized in 2012, that I want it all. Oh, and I am determined to have it.

2012 was a good ass year and life is only going to get better from here.

Cheers.

Kanye and His Kilt.

If any of you hit up the Watch the Throne tour, you got a front row seat to the kilt show. Kanye recently made headlines again during the 12.12.12. Sandy Relief Concert when he rocked a black leather kilt from Riccardo Tisci with a Givenchy hoodie.



The video footage above is from when Kanye and his team were first figuring out the logistics of his beloved kilts. I love seeing them in there making the vision come alive and doing something different. You aren't going to find many that can make this look work, so when you find them, you better make it happen.

I love you Kanye...and your little kilt too.

Solange and Beyonce at Solo's Bowery Ballroom Show in NYC.

Solange is currently on tour for her latest EP "True" that dropped a couple weeks ago. I've listened to a few tracks and it sounds pretty nice. Plus she looked adorable at her show in all types of retro garb and platform heels. I love that type of stuff.  I wouldn't mind seeing her live and apparently neither would her sister Beyonce.

Bey attended her show at Bowery Ballroom in NYC December 11th wearing a Torn by Ronny Kobo paisley print dress that was hugging those curves.We ain't mad at you girl.

Don't you just love these sisters sistas?

Beyonce Joins Instagram as Baddie Bey.

If you didn't already know, ya girl Beyonce joined Instagram earlier this month, and she has been looking fabulous. More fabulous than usual, I swear.

Her outfits have been the bomb.com. I am really enjoying her pictures. I notice she's wearing a lot of leather, different shades of blue (which I've been feeling this season), baroque prints, statement glasses and hair accessories, and cuff rings on multiple fingers.

Beyonce is just so cute and sweet...and most of all, talented.
Now I just wanna stalk the growth of her child, and we'll be in there.

More pics below:

Luke James in Prince Magazine.

Up and coming soul singer, writer, and guitarist Luke James gets jazzy for Prince Magazine's  "Music Meets Fashion" Issue.

I can appreciate the editing and details of the photos.
They have him styled up quite dapper with a refreshing retro touch.

The New Orleans native was featured this year on "Black Girls Rock" as one of their first male performers.
Catch him on twitter at @WhoisLukeJames.

You can also check out Prince Magazine's interview below:


Prince Magazine Interviews Luke James from PRINCE MAGAZINE on Vimeo.

Baby Kreay.

I just found this pic that Kreayshawn instagrammed late October, and fell in love with her leather jacket. Just looking at it makes me want to go find a jacket at a thrift store and get some sharpies and go ham, Keith Haring style.

What do you guys think?
Isn't this just adorable.

Sidenote: Did anybody actually purchase or listen to "Something About Kreay?"
I'm pretty sure she broke the record for worst debut album sales on a major label. Po child.
Not sure if the album was that terrible, or if just nobody knew about it.
I don't really think they did enough to promote her, but meh.

Peace out.

A$AP Rocky Covers Complex Magazine.

A$AP Rocky snags the December/ January cover of Complex Magazine, set to hit stands December 4th. This is the first solo Complex cover for the hip hop swag master, but I'm sure it won't be the last. As long as the music stays consistent, this guy is here to stay.

A$AP feels so much like the 90s to me, that its refreshing. The style of music, his swag, all this damn gold (that I'm loving), and those braids. I am not mad.

Can't wait for that album in December.
Read the full cover story now over at Complex.

Budweiser Made in America Music Festival.

Budweiser's "Made in America" Music Festival was last week, and it was a great time. Jay-Z chose an interesting mix of artists that could appeal to pretty much everyone there. I had every intention of going there and focusing on The Pretty Mustache, but it was a NON STOP weekend. There was absolutely no way I could do everything...so I chose to be a fest head doing the most. And it was great. Almost passed out, but nevertheless, lol.

I know many of you watched the live broadcast online, but this is the part of the festival you may not have seen. (Artist pics on The Clearance Aisle...including that fabulous Beyonce and Jay-Z photo.)