Last dance, last chance for love

thrifted sequin crop top; aa disco pants; bp jean jacket; steve madden wedges

Saturday nights at the Redwood Roller Rink are "Disco Skate" themed.

They play corny disco songs like Last Dance by Donna Summer and my personal favorite, September by Earth Wind and Fire.

They turn off the house lights and turn on the disco nights, and kids come to skate the night away.

Should be told, it's somewhat of a workout and also really fun with a open-minded group of friends.

Excuse the poor quality of my camera phone pictures.

Wish I had more pictures of the rollerdisco to share with you! This won't be my last visit so I've got to brainstorm for more outfit ideas.

We stopped in a sketchy part of town to pick up some beverages, which is where my photo was taken.

Not going to lie- once I took the skates off, I felt like CholaGaga wearing this!

Wicked!

Thrifted lace, pants, shoes, satchel; AA tights; f21 earrings; Nars lip colour

This is the ultimate thrift outfit. That sounds so snobby and dumb but these pieces are a few of my favorite thrift finds.

I found the long sleeve lace tee at Thriftown on Mission Street.

The high-waisted pants were a treasure from Wasteland. As were the flats (gift from my sister).

I really love this outfit, as "outdated" and "90's mommy" it may be.

It is more important to feel great and love what you're wearing than dress to impress your society and/or peers. That's the beauty behind fashion. You are out to impress yourself. I am constantly challenging myself to create looks that inspired me.

I bought tickets to see Wicked with my ma for Mother's Day. We celebrated rather late but with finals and whatnot, the timing was perfect. My mother and I made a real trip out of it. We rummaged through her closet and picked this nice ensemble for her to wear. She doesn't go "out on the town" very often so we got quite giddy putting outfits together.

When I look at this picture, I see that my mother has really influenced my personal style. Penny loafers, linen pants, button-up shirts, the floral fabric she uses for quilting.. her taste is reflected in my style. I used to hate to admit that she influenced me, but now I am happy to say it! My mom is one of my best friends! She is cute and dainty and the most patient and valuable shopping buddy.

Go thank your mom for her fashion advice! Whether she used to your buy clothes for you (boys), or lay out your outfits every day (girls), she helped you become the confident fashion-oriented person you are today!

Oh! If you haven't seen Wicked already, go see it at the Orpheum Theater in SF before it is too late- you won't regret it!

Magic

fashionable facebook friend, featuring janell

What was the best show/concert you attended in 2009?
Ah, 2009 was a good year for concerts. I really don’t think I can pick just one! Here’s a few:
- Miike Snow & Esser at Popscene
- Band of Horses at Outside Lands Festival was MAGICAL
- The Matches last show at The Fillmore
- Fanfarlo at Schuba’s in Chicago
- Dirty Projectors at Bottom Lounge in Chicago
- The Gaslight Anthem & Good Old War at Bottom Lounge in Chicago

What show/concert are you looking forward to in 2010?
Ooo, so many! But I’m definitely looking forward to catching the Magnetic Fields on tour early this spring.

What are the top 5 most played tracks on your itunes?
1. “Chelsea Hotel No. 2” by Leonard Cohen
2. “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure
3. “Boxcars, Boxcars, Boxcars” by Street To Nowhere
4. “Kids and Heroes” by The Bouncing Souls
5. “Red At Night” by The Gaslight Anthem

From what artist are you dying for a new track/album?
I would love to hear something new from The Helio Sequence. I’m also really looking forward to hearing what Audrye Sessions has been working on as of late. And I can’t wait to see what Local Natives and A B & the Sea release in 2010.

HOLD UP- Wanna give any quick shout-outs? :D
I jus wanna say HOLLA to mah gurlz…Y’all bitches knows who you is.

What is the inspiration for your style?
Concert-goers, San Franciscan architecture & people, Mad Men, bejeweled thrift store finds, cyanotypes, TULIPS, crayons with abstract names, Oakland attitude, retro jewelry/accessories, and I’ve been all up in Jason Wu’s grill on style.com
Also a hodgepodge of strong, confident women: Zooey Deschanel, Rita Hayworth, Patti Smith, Natalie Wood, the 90s version of Gwen Stefani, Karen O, Emily Haines, my best friends, and all the women in my family
Love this blog: vanessa jackman
This one, too: because i'm addicted

What is your recent "default" outfit?
Fitted, dark jeans, black boots, basic shirt, cardigan/structured blazer, and some kind of eccentric/bold necklace or earrings to spice things up.

What is your quick fix to dress up an outfit?
A smile and a little shimmy. I honestly believe that confidence is the best accessory for any outfit and a smile or a strut is the quickest way to show that off. That or a chunky, vintage necklace!

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE CHICAGO WIND?
Oh lordy. The wind in Chicago can be quite the trickster.
Here are some quick tips:
- Accept the fact that your hair is never going to stay the way it looked when you left the house
- Imagine the wind is a fan and you’re a model strutting down a runway…it makes it more enjoyable
- Gauge the intensity of the wind by looking out your window at flags, trees, people on the street, etc. before leaving
- Sunglasses are a great investment to protect your eyes
- DO NOT WEAR A FLOWY DRESS/SKIRT WITHOUT SOMETHING BESIDES YOUR UNDIES UNDERNEATH! Invest in some cute tights, leggings, or at least some booty shorts if you still want to show some leg

How do you feel about hats?
LOVE. They can suppress frizzies, add a pop of color/texture to any outfit, or protect my head in less than desirable weather. I typically opt for little knit caps or berets, but more power to the women who can rock a bold fedora or a large, floppy, 70's earth mother hat!

What was your favorite holiday gift this season?
Perfume! I got Lola by Marc Jacobs.

What was your new year's resolution?
Explore the world a bit more and meet new people.
And also to update my blog on a regular basis (and stick with it!)

Why are you such a goofball (lol!!)?
HAHA. Your use of the word “goofball” has got me giggling!
I love smiling. I love laughing. I love to make other people laugh. I’ve been through a lot of difficult things and had a lot of , so I made a decision a long time ago that I wasn’t going to waste this life being sad or angry. Instead, I make sure that everyday I dance, I sing, I learn something, I smile, I enjoy the beauty in everything, and I go a little crazy.
Well, that and the fact that I grew up intensely admiring teenage boys from classic 80's movies and ska bands probably boosted my goofball rating quite a bit. HA

All photos featured in this post belong to Danielle Heinson.

I've known Janell for a long time, no doubt.

Her simple outfits are always dressed up with color combinations

& her dressy outfits are always sophisticated and polished.

Lately I've been desperate for color in my outfits and she is the perfect inspiration.

Notice her use of colorful accessories or the way she dresses louder items down to fit her look.

Plus she makes bomb playlists! Check it out!

This magical playlist was specially made for us by Janell. Thanks Janell, you rule!

btw did you see alexia wasser from imboycrazy posted my video? :D

xoxox esb

All my life I pray for someone like you

Went to karaoke with my co-workers and friends.

F21 denim; American Apparel halter bodysuit, sheer calf-high polka-dot socks; Marshalls Oxfords; thrifted jewelry
It's been freezing outside so I wore a jacket, not shown.

I was disappointed when I chose "Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival and there was a silent rally among my friends. Come on guys, if you don't know who CCR is, we may have to re-evaluate our friendship!!

Most popular tracks from karaoke night with my diva co-workers:

Reflection- Mulan/Christina Aguilera

You Belong With Me- Taylor Swift

The Real Slim Shady- Eminem

Material Girl- Madonna

All My Life- K-Ci & Jojo

The Thong Song- Sisqo

Air Force Ones- Nelly

Call Me- Blondie

Video coming soon!

<3esb

Behind the music

Before I post a new winter/christmas/holiday/rainy day playlist, I thought I'd give you some explanation behind the music I have posted.

1. Ghetto Love- Spinerette

This song is always playing at my work and my coworkers and I became addicted to the song. American Apparel plays VivaRadio and you can listen from home! Some of my favorite playlists come from Maxwell Williams, Subbacultcha!, Mae... Just Mae, Nate Walton & Nathan Brown.

2. Be My Baby- The Ronettes

I was obsessed with Dirty Dancing when I was younger, duh. I would always identify with Baby because she had big hair and a big nose.

3. Hungry Eyes- Eric Carmen

Rest in peace, Johnny Castle.

4. Kiss the Devil- Eagles of Death Metal

My girl Veronica played this for me when I took a visit to Long Beach.

5. Just My Imagination- The Temptations

Always reserve a track on your playlist for the oldies'. It will be a guaranteed success.

6. It's Five- Architecture in Helsinki

I have loved this song throughout all of my teenage years, it doesn't get old.

7. Raindrops- Basement Jaxxx

Another favorite at my work, Jesse and I sing all the time.

8. Dance, Dance, Dance- Lykke Li

I recently bought and iTouch and I engraved lyrics to this song on the back! "I was a dancer all along/ dance, dance, dance" Can't help but "trip on my feet" when I listen to this song. And I am a dancer- so I feel a deep connection. Have you seen the collaboration with Bon Iver? Yum.

9. Such Small Hands- La Dispute

Do you love MewithoutYou? I do. You'll love this band as well. His voice is so sexy.

10. Absinthe Party- Minus the Bear

YOU HAVE TO DANCE TO THIS SONG, YOU HAVE NO CHOICE.

11. Shit Luck- Modest Mouse

Get down to this song- thrash.

12. Man in the Mirror- Michael Jackson

Rest in peace, MJ. The MJ jacket is becoming very popular, check it out on Nana in Los Angeles. Adorb!

13. In for the Kill- La Roux

Another VivaRadio favorite.

14. Pale Blue Eyes- The Velvet Underground

I made a mix for this boy recently, and this was one of the tracks- he has lovely blue eyes :)

15. The Lady is a Vamp- The Spice Girls

When was the last time you watched SpiceWorld? GO WATCH IT NOW! Thank goodness for Netflix Instant.

16. Stay By My Side- Good Old War

A boy sent me this song recently, I fell in love with the album. Very homey and good-feeling. It was nice to watch the video of them standing around and singing on a rooftop in Cali.

17. I've Just Seen a Face- Across the Universe Soundtrack

Love this movie, love Jim Sturgess, there's something sexy about a man that can sing.

18. Never Ever- All Saints

Another Viva track- I love the 90's.

19. Sway- Peter Cincotti

Saw a couple dance to this song- I melted. I think it was in a Brittany Murphy movie.

20. Inmates- The Good Life

I can relate to this song. Got to love great lyrics.

(lol)

Leave me suggestions of all your favorite holiday/winter songs!