V for Vintage

People love stories because they can generate from anywhere. A majority of stories come from movies, TV shows, books, or even grandparents; but stories can also come from letters, photos, jewelry, or even clothes. As a vintage enthusiast, I can’t help but fall in love with an old Polaroid Camera, or a white 50’s dress, a typewriter, or sometimes an old telephone (the kind with a long cord).

For so long I wanted to buy a pocket watch because I felt my collection wasn’t full without one. It took months to find the right one, and preferably a cheap one too. One day, while I was at a flea market, I found a plain and simple silver pocket watch for $10 and so I bought it. Except it wasn’t so plain or simple. On the back of the pocket watch was engraved three words: Thinking of you. Suddenly my brain formed stories: A soldier leaving for war and giving it to his soul mate as a reminder of his love. Or star-crossed lovers who, against all odds wound up together; maybe it is a family amulet. I craved for the true story, but even to this day, I still don’t know it.

The pocket watch kept me thinking, was life better before the 21st century? Before Instagram and Facebook? Before Apple and TV? Was life better: When people cared for their neighbors and knew their names? When they had to walk or bike three blocks to the ice cream parlor because they didn’t have a car? When people actually dressed nice and cared about their appearance? When kids had a regular hangout spot after school and actually had to talk face to face to their crush instead of hiding behind a screen? When people wrote long, meaningful letters or recited poetry? Life back then didn’t seem so bad.

People ask me why I am a vintage enthusiast, and it’s very simple. I find it incredible how materialistic objects can preserve memories and stories.  Senior Alex Maldonado comments, “Vintage goods help connect our modern day society to the old rustic world. In a sense, they are the closest thing to time travel; they are pockets of authenticity that let us experience a world of wonder-one that our generation is oblivious to. They are a rarity that house the past in a simple yet opulent manner.”

With a new owner comes a new set of stories, stories waiting to be told. I can’t understand why many people do not see the beauty behind vintage things. Finding a unique shirt is better than getting the same shirt your classmate has from Forever 21. Monica Murillo adds, “To me, vintage style is a way of stepping back into the classic past.”  And there’s some kind of magic that happens when you use a polaroid camera, that feeling of doubt because you’re not sure if the picture will look nice.  But it shouldn’t matter; the camera did its job, capturing the moment. It allows me to actually appreciate the things that were once so popular. And that’s what truly matters.

Much love,
Jocelyn

 

Smallpools: A Glorious Pitch

Picture this: You are surrounded in a room with about 500 strangers. It’s dark and the only lights shine onto the stage. Front and center stands a microphone, a keyboard and Sean with his brown hair and cute boyish smile. On his side are two guys, Mike on  guitar and Joe on bass.  Beau (French for beautiful) drums in the back. He not only lives up to his name, but makes magic on the drums. Some people are singing, some are dancing, some both, but all are captivated by the music. You turn to your friend and smile, a genuine smile; because you find yourself drowned in a sensational feeling of exhilaration and amazement. You’re singing and dancing and possibly looking like a fool, but you don’t care. Everything seems to pause for one moment and in that moment you are infinite.

This is what it feels like to see Smallpools in concert.

Smallpools is a Los Angeles based indie pop band formed by Sean Scanlon, Mike Kamerman, Joe Intile, and Beau Kuther in 2013. Their first single was “Dreaming” which charted #1 on The Hype Machine and #23 on  Billboard’s Alternative Songs. “Dreaming” was featured on the FIFA 2014 soundtrack as well as The Vampire Diaries season 5 premiere. The band and their song “Over and Over” was also featured in a promotional video for Snapchat Stories in October of last year. Since the release of their EP(July 16, 2013), they have opened for Walk the Moon, Twenty One Pilots, Two Door Cinema Club, and Neon Trees. Aside from touring, they have played at Lollapalooza.

         

Recently, they went on their first headlining tour with Magic Man. Magic Man is a sythrock band formed by frontman Alex Caplow and guitar player Sam Vanderhoop Lee. Soon afterward they added Justine Bowe (keyboards), Joey Sulkowski (drums), and Gabe Goodman (bass) and thus became Magic Man. Their dazzling music takes you on a journey from “Paris” to “Texas” with a triumphant energy that is infectious and glimmers into the crowd. Their debut album, “Before the Waves,” was released this summer.

A few months ago I got the chance to see Smallpools and Magic Man, along with opening act Pamena Wedding at the House of Blues in Anaheim. From the moment each band stepped on stage everything seemed to change. Their music radiated into the crowd and the next thing I knew I was dancing around, bumping into people. It was true magic,  and I witnessed it. The concert seemed to last all night even though it ended by 11 pm, and I was poisoned with energy and exhilaration. At one point Smallpools threw three inflatable killer whales to accompany their single “Killer Whale,” which dancers passed  around the floor. Afterward, I took photos with Alex, Sam, Sean, Mike, Beau, and Panema Wedding, and even spoke to some of the members of Panama Wedding, Sean, Beau, and Mike. They were all genuine guys who cherish their fans. If you ever get the chance to seem them concert, I suggest you do; you won’t regret it!

Much love,
Jocelyn

Ending the Year with Style

The season for Fall, Halloween, college applications, Thanksgiving, and Homecoming has surpassed us, with fond memories, as we now move into the most enchanting and marvelous time of year. With magic in the air, the aroma of pine trees, and the hot chocolate to keep us warm,  the holidays are truly the most wonderful time of the year.Whether its family, old friends reuniting, or just hanging with your same group of friends, holiday parties seem to bring everyone together for a spectacular night. Your only crisis is making sure you look as chic as your Christmas presents. The holiday colors are so predictable: red, green, and white. Working with these colors might be tricky and you might end up looking like a Christmas tree. Not good. Below are some ideas of outfits you can wear to a Christmas party, dinner, New Year’s Eve party or any occasion.If you do want to wear holiday colors, wearing blue gives a twist on traditional and cliché colors like red.      
                                                                         

There is one thing that never goes out of style: sparkle. A Little Black Dress will look extraordinary with a dash of sparkle especially gold or silver
      

A gold dress with a  faux fur is trés beau.                                              

Because of the cold winter, jackets and sweaters are perfect for holiday parties.            

You can never go wrong with a dash of black.
              

I hope this has given you inspiration,
Jocelyn

I would like to thank my friends Daisy and Tobi for being my models.

Preppy in the Fall

 September consist of a lot of things: going back to school, the weather becomes warmer, fashion week begins, Labor day, and Patriot Day are celebrates. But my favorite day in September has to be the first day of autumn. I love the idea of sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop, the leaves changing color, going to a pumpkin patch, running through a corn maze, the smell of cinnamon and pumpkin everywhere, going to football games, carving pumpkins, Halloween, and my favorite, going on hayrides. And what I love the most about autumn are the colors!

 For autumn I like to wear a lot of dark colors like deep red, brown, misted yellow, burgundy, navy blue, forest green. I love wearing tight or leggings with with my brown riding boots, and lets not forget about accessories! Scarves and hats are a must!! And a little bit of plaid never hurt anyone.

And if its one thing that Clueless has taught me is how to wear plaid! I wore a striped button up shirt with a long sleeve sweater, black leggings, brown riding boots and a plaid blazer that reminds me of the 60s. The shirt is from Abercrombie and Fitch, the boots are from Cathy Jeans, the sweater is from Banana Republic and the blazer is vintage. I just love how this look came together, so cozy and warm! I hope this has inspired you to try something new for the fall, so whether is trying a new look or drinking pumpkin spice hot chocolate, I hope you have a wonderful time doing it. Who knows, you might love it, and you might see me sipping my Mayan Spiced hot chocolate at Kean Coffee while reading a book. Or picking out a pumpkin. Either way, those two are on my bucket list!

 With much love,
 Jocelyn

Music: Young Empires

Good day to all those who wander!

If you are looking for new bands to gush all over before they become instantly famous then the Young Empires is ready to be gushed upon! This Canadian world beat haut rock band is more than ready to be known. Of course they are already known in Canada but for you Americans (like myself) who adore listening to foreign music, this is your band. Doubting how good they are, well they have been praised by NYLON magazine as well as Dazed and Confused. Their music has also appeared on Teen Wolf, Ringer, Jersey Shore, I Just Want My Pants Back, and NYLON TV, all featuring their singles: White Doves, We Don't Sleep Tonight, and Enter Through the Sun.

Their music falls under Indie Rock, Indie Dance, and electro. World beat is referenced to the Latin American and African percussion used in their music. Band member Jacob Palanhuk stated  "We're writing tracks that make you feel wealthy, attractive, powerful; a soundtrack to your haute life ". Their sound has also been compared to bands such as The Killers and Arcade Fire. They also have their own fashion line of T-shirts and sweatshirts. They are worth checking out, its impossible to believe they're not very famous, but don't worry, they soon will be. So hop aboard so you can say you were a fan from the start! Above is their music video for We Don't Sleep Tonight..


With much love,
Josie

Music: Echosmith

If you haven't heard of Echosmith.........

Well now you have! This LA based Alternative Pop band will be taking the charts soon as well as your hearts. Their debut album "Talking Dreams" was released in October of 2013. 

Not only do they create great music, but I believe they are true artist, with their quirky fashion sense and heartwarming music videos. For the second year, they will be touring with Vans Wrap Tour. 

In a way, there is only one word to describe them: Infinite. I guess, they sort of have this charisma that draws you in, and their songs, well we can leave it at that they do all the talking. Maybe it is the feeling that comes when listening to their music, but I feel very young. I feel like I can take on the word, stay up all night on a crazy adventure, driving around a mysterious town. I guess I feel infinite. The feelings make me feel like a true teenager: young, reckless, wild, free, passionate. 

There isn't much to describe about Echosmith but that they are truly amazing. 

You might have heard their newest single "Cool Kids" on LA 98.7 Adult Alternative. If you haven't well here you go.

With much love,

Josie

Fashion: Spring

Today I will be talking about the very lively season of Spring. Yes, the bees are buzzing, the flowers are blooming, the butterflies are roaming and that means Spring fashion is upon us. My Spring outfit today consist of a white loose dress which can be found at Forever 21. I decided to give this outfit a bohemian/ gypsy look by adding a brown flower necklace on my head (which in this case it is being used as a headpiece and can be found at Ross) and adding some Aztec inspired bracelets and necklaces that are from Buffalo Exchange and my Mayan inspired sandals are from Target. To top off any Spring outfit one must consist a pair of SUNGLASSES! I adore sunglasses for the fact that they look good on any outfit and they allow me see perfectly during the Spring and Summer. I hope you enjoy the cold cup of lemonade and smelling flowers and I hope you look chic doing it.

Until next time, 
Jocelyn