photo

from the woods. is going undercover for now. you should go out and enjoy the wilderness as well! Much love.

raise your freak flag

Annnnnnd we're back!

If this is your first time hearing about Tom and Gary's Dynamic Dance Party then I cast no shame upon you for not attending.  But I can guarantee that you ALL would have been there given a little prep time and a slight explanation.  The good news is Tom and Gary's traveling roadshows have been gaining popularity as they weave through the city  I even got to chat with Tom about the inception of the idea and how Vancouver (their hometown) saw over 20,000 freaks spewing onto the streets for a unique and unified dance party experience. My advice--never ever miss an opportunity to join the DDP madness.  We laughed, we cried, we swayed and we swam in just about ever water feature in downtown Pittsburgh.  Below is some evidence of the all the beautiful humans out there not afraid to fly their freak flag.

No boombox left behind, people.  And large, obscure items to party with are highly encouraged.  Rage proper my friends and show some support if and when Tom and Gary come jivin along through your town.

follow the dudes in banana suits...

even the King came out to see what all the ruckus was about

strobes and boomboxes of all size, all provided by Tom and Gary. 

Captain America and his globe-domed sidekick

the night kicked off with a funky dance circle under a seriously cramped overpass

the mustache-donning, sleeveless suit-wearing co-creator, Gary. nevermind the pool party debauchery

The parade ended underneath parkway on the walking bridge/water pools heading to Point State Park.  Kids were riding bikes through the water, swimming races were held and everyone got the funk down.  But, no boombox left behind..
.http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/all-clear-in-point-state-park-after-early-morning-bomb-scare-637531/
 Enjoy the video halfway down  the page featuring yours truly and our army of goofballs. (Look for the shark fin and globe-dome boy).

For more info about Tom and Gary's "public art" project check out the official DDP website! and do not miss the next downtown disco rodeo.


Stay cool, my friends
-shane

dreaming of: simplicity.

Hi, all! Because Shane's internship camera needs come first, and also due to my computer's lack of card reader, it's been tough to get outfit/adventure photos up over the past week. However, I'm back for my second round of my new inspiration series to tell you what I'm wanting to live the rest of my life in (...this week).

Just like with songwriters and some artists, I believe that it takes something special to concoct detailed outfits that are incredibly eye-catching and unique, however it takes even truer talent to create something simple that's just as striking. A lot of the garments in these photos are similar to ones I have in my wardrobe, and you probably do too, but in my attempts to make a great outfit, I often forget that sometimes it simply takes a top, a bottom, and a pair of shoes to look great. I expressed a similar interest not too long ago, when I posted about Madewell's Spring 2012 Lookbook!)

The same goes for guys! While not a ton of guys I know wear anything too complex, it's nice to remember that a plain tee and a pair of jeans, when they fit well, look amazing (a concept Jace has down pat!).

Thanks for bearing with us as we shuffle around cameras! Have a good one :)

-christen

*click on photos to be taken to their source.

dreaming of: length.

Who can relate to my ferverous fits of fashion, that go something like: 
1. the 'nothing to wear' mini break down we all know too well
2. the 'muuust...go...onnn' attitude being the only thing keeping me from just going back to bed to avoid getting dressed altogether
3. the assembly line of passing clothes from closet to body to floor
4. eureka! Finally finding the outfit that could
4. the definitive decision, meaning, I conclude that if I had a variation of this outfit to wear every day, I'd be set for life (which inevitably only lasts a week, tops)


Beginning today, I'm going to share with you a weekly inspiration post that spotlights a style I would wear every day for the rest of my existence...if I could only make up my mind on which one to choose! My latest neurosis: length.

The lust isn't limited to hemlines - it goes for hair, too!

What trends or timeless styles are you craving these days?


-christen


*click on photos to be taken to their source. 

european picnic.

The perfect way to spend a beautifully mild, breezy, lazy Sunday in Highland Park. Need we say more?

my tj maxx tunic, shane's bullhead green jeans, pacsun tee ($4!)

If you'd like to have a delicious European-style picnic of your own, don't forget to pack:
a fresh loaf of bread or baguette
a soft cheese
a cured meat (we chose Delallo spicy sausage)
a perfect red tomato or two
fruit, like grapes, raspberries, or a soft pear
wine 
(We also packed hummus, carrots, and tangerine juice for good measure!)


Happy Monday!

it's mathematical.

How many times have you been thrifting, and seen the perfect print on a sweater, skirt, or dress, but wished the piece itself wasn't so outdated? Sometimes that's half the fun of it, but other times it's only an inconvenience. The last time Shane and I made an afternoon of browsing around the Handmade Arcade, we found the perfect solution to that dilemma just before we walked out the door! How cool is this up-cycled sweatshirt by Holly Hue?!

holly hue hoodie via handmade arcade, h&m pants

Sometimes going the handmade route can get pricey, thus defeating one of the main purposes of thrifting altogether, but every now and then these unique creations are totally justifiable...years ago, before I was of the age or interest to even need it, a credit card commercial taught me this simple equation to rationalize any semi-pricey purchase I neede help insisting would be worthwhile...

price of garment ÷ the amount of times you wear that garment = actual price of garment.

Flawless!

;) christen 

on the riverwalk.

Today's weather flip-flop, complete with snow and windchills below our April comfort zone, might bring some of you down. Then again it might have some of you freaks out there jumping for joy, but if nothing else can lift your spirit today, let it be these three radiant ladies who are sure to make anyone let loose a big, old fashioned ear-to-ear.  

"Act natural!"

I was ever-so lucky to enjoy lunch and an afternoon stroll with the lovely Christen and two faces who are new to our posts, Kelly and Bridget. It's been a hot second since we were first introduced to Bridget and Kelly on the bass-filled dance floor of the DJ Mike Kim household, but not a beat has been skipped! I'll let the pictures talk for themselves, but if you catch one of these three beauties on the street, give them your best five second jig for being above the norm and never backing down from a good time.
-shane