STUMPED FOR A HALLOWEEN COSTUME?

I recently started thinking about my plans for Halloween and whether or not I want to dress up. If I do  dress up this year, I'm not sure what/ who I would want to be...  Last year I wanted to be Wendy Williams, but I'm over that, still love her, but I'm over the outfit.  This year I was  thinking about doing something that commented on the social climate in the US ... Perhaps an oil spill, a defunct subway line, or a bailed out bank. Realizing I may be over-thinking the whole situation, I've got my side eye on these Lady Gaga costumes and accessories from  Rubies.

Put on by the lipstick ladies

LADY GAGA'S TELEPHONE VIDEO FEATURING BEYONCE

I was watching the beginning like yo, this totally reminds me of MJ's video/ mini movie for Beat It, then she did the shuffle, step out [when she was leaving the prison] just like him and it totally confirmed the reference. I particularity love her interpretation of prison stripes, chains, and the work out yard. Older female body buliders as guards, inmates working out in heels, the smoking shades... all genius. When Gag meets up with B the theme switches to a Quentin Tarantino vibe with the Pussy Wagon [from Kill Bill- a feminist classic] and the diner from Pulp Fiction. I, of course, love that they kill everyone and get away in the Pussy Wagon. The name of the car works even better with two girls in it.


My favorite looks from Beyonce were the jeweled, old school soldier's jacket with cut offs and the bee keepers outfit. Her face looked really pretty through the veil... My favorite looks from Gaga were the beer can hair, and the waitress outfit [with the phone cord as a headband, receiver as an eye piece, vinyl dress and cast boots]

LADY GAGA BARBIES BY VEIK

 

 

 

RIGHT DOWN TO THE SHOES!

29-YEAR OLD DOLL LOVER AND D.I.Y. AMBASADOR, VEIK, IS IMPRESSING EVERYBODY WITH HIS CELEBRITY REPLICAS. HIS INSPIRATIONS INCLUDE STYLE.COM AND, RIGHT NOW, LADY G.,  BUT VEIK SAYS THE REAL REASON HE DOES IT IS FOR THE LOVE OF HAND MADE STUFF AND EVEN SHOWS HOW HE CREATES THE LOOKS ON HIS FLICKER PAGE.

EVER SINCE MY VISIT TO TOYS 'R' US TIME SQUARE, I HAVE BEEN CONTEMPLATING TAKING UP COLLECTING BARIES AGAIN. IF MATTEL STARTS RELEASING POP STAR  BARBIES I DON'T THINK I WILL BE ABLE TO RESIST ANY LONGER.  TOO OLD TO PLAY WITH BARBIES MY ASS!



READ AND SEE MORE ABOUT VEIK AND HIS WORK [HERE] AND [HERE].

Lady GaGa X Hello Kitty

Just when you thought Kimora did it up with her diamond Hello Kitty jewelery, GaGa trumps her with a hello kitty gown! To set off the imagery kitty called in fabulous photog duo, Markus Klinko and Indrani  take the shots.

do you love her eyes? 

they are actually closed and the make up is fashioned after anime character's eyes

 These photos will be a part of an exhibit in NY & LA this month

celebrating Hello Kitty's 35th anniversary.

images via mmh

THE REUP

Last week I took it to Target [Don't laugh at me. It's the closest legit music retailor to my crib in Bed-Stuy] to update my music collection. My purchases included recent releases and albums dropped earlier in the year that I have been meaning to pick up or just never got for free from my friends. I do try to make it a point to buy physical cds when I can though 1, to suport the artists and 2, to see the album artwork in its intended layout. So, here's what I got...

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Part II: train music

Raekwon's solo album is basically an ill extention of 8 Diagrams with a little less karate flic and a little more street. Rap vets, like the Lox and Beenie, were feature artists along with members from Wu. Head nodding bass and elaborate lyrics make it ideal for listening to during a commute with your headphones in so, you can hear every word. The album artwork is dope because it refers back to the first Cuban Linx album.

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx [Part I] Album Artwork

Ghostdini Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City: work music

This album artwork is classic Ghostface Killah: opulent and fantastical with Ghost positioned as the overseer. I think he got all his grimy lyrics out on the Cuban Linx album because this LP is definietyly for the ladies. Lyrics are sensitive, honest and sometimes lewd addressing a lot of relationship issues. Guest spots were filled by a unique blend of upbeat R&B singers making the album soulful and catchy. Perfect for jamming while you work.

The Renaissance: work/ getting ready to go out music

I don't know how I survived the whole summer without this album! Q-tip combines upbeat, happy production with interesting, fast paced lyricism with out getting corny. The result, something you could listen to when you are about to get to work or while you're pre-gaming and getting ready to go out. The album art work is monotonous, though, consisting of different variations and views of the cover look.

Kamaal The Abstract: chill flow/ sexy time music

I waited so long to buy the first Q-Tip Album, he had time to make another album and relase it! Actually this album was created a while ago, but Tip's record label at the time refused to release it. Now, at Battery Records, he was given the opportunity to release his "lost tape". This album is nothing like The Renassiance. It's a lot more organic, jazzy neo-souly. An extention of Got Till It's Gone's [Janet Jackson feat. Q-Tip] vibe. Still good, but defiently won't wake you up. That's why I think it's best fitting for the music you would play while drinking a night cap or getting into some sexy time.

Man on the Moon: The End of Day: chill flow work music

Kid Cudi's debut album is real electro, chill hip hop. My friend called it weed rap because he talks about being high so much and has such a relaxed, monotone voice. The beats are super unique tho and there are peaks and valleys of energy which make the album good for working once you're in the zone. The abum artwork is the best of the group with art direction by Mr. Mescudi himself and illustrations by Bill Sienkiewicz.

Black Summers' Night: Chill Flow/ Sexy Time Music

I put this Maxwell album on the "to buy" list because I thought I heard a jam coming from someone's car with his voice over it. I think it was Bad Habits that I heard, the first track on the CD. The album starts out upbeat, gets into more of his smoother stuff and then finishes with an energetic, jazzy instrumental. It's like the neo-soul equivalent to Jay Z's Blue Print 3 with all the instrumentation. While the album does have it's climaxes, it's nothing you would shake your ass to in the club, so it's ideal for the chill flow.

The Fame: Work/ Getting Ready to go out/ Train music

The lady Gaga album was a bit of a dissapoint from both a song and album art work point of view. I bought the album because I love all her singles and needed to have them on hand to play when I wanted. Unfortunately those where all the good songs. In addition to her pop, electronic, hip hop infused singles were these Cindy Lauper meets Christina Aguilera lyrics over Love Shack like beats. Then, the album photos only featured one look. This from the lady that had litterally 7 wardrobe changes for the VMA's? Total bummer, but I'm chalking it up to her being a new artist trying to find her niche with a beginners budget . I still love you Gaga.

Jackson 5, The Ultimate Collection: Impulse buy

Right after MJ passed away I downloaded this mixtape by DJ Jaycee named Michael Jackson: The soulful years [download here ]. It features Jackson Five songs with those crazy, soul-funk beats that a lot of hip hop producers sample now. When I saw this album in Target I remembered how I wished I had those mix tape songs in full legth and just grabbed it with out looking at the song titles. Totally not the songs I was looking for, but good to have in the libary. Album artwork was almost nonexistent.

More Lady Gaga

sort of explains all the costume changes

LOVE HIGHLIGHTS: 2009 MTV VMA

This year's VMAs were choc full of iconic moments:

The choreographed tribute to MJ was so on point, down to the costumes. 

Janet's tribute was emotional.

Wale was getting his Roots on.

Green Day did their thing.  I love Billie Joe's voice.

Jay's swag was undeniable.

But my favorite moments [mostly in style] were...

 madonna's Michael Jackson speech was honest and touching.

russell Brand was ridiculous [I'm still not sure in a good or bad way yet].  did you notice he was even sagging his tiote [not tight; but tiote] trousers? 

pink killed it acrobat style, singing upside down. impressive.

Kanye definitely disrespected with that stunt he pulled,  but I think I know why he went against better judgement....

the real point of this photo is to show what he is wearing. do you see how he is killing the leather button up with black 6" tims??

olivia Polermo on the red carpet hurting the cut out shoulders

With the most wardrobe changes of the night, Lady Gaga entertained  not only with outlandish outfits but also with a creative performance.

red carpet arrival

receiving her award for best new artist

in the audience towards the end of the show

in the press room 

 

her performance of Paparazzi was so fitting for an awards show dedicated to MJ. Not only did her choreography have a Thriller vibe to it, but it also told a story of someone rising to fame, getting torn down, and then worshiped once they're gone.

p.s.  If I had Lady Gaga's body , I would be bi-sexual too. you can't waist all that body on just one sex.

beyonce's Single Ladies performance was cool, but I really appreciated it when all the different dancers [black, white, blond, brunette] joined in. You truly understood the impact of this song on pop culture. B had almost every girl in America waving her hand at her bf this year.

and giving the moment back to Taylor... very classy. well done B.

finally, Ms. Keys looked sophisticated street with her french braid behind the piano.

all photos via MTV