Click here to view the embedded video.

Grey Ant (the older sibling to Grey Antics), widely known for its contemporary and sleek eye-wear, recently put out a short film by Jessica Hundley in which we observe vampires that are not of the glittery-skin, werewolf fighting variety. We love this tongue in cheek clip! It’s a nice break from whatever Hump Day responsibilities continue to plague you until the weekend. Enjoy “The Morning After”…

Check out the Lorena Blouse! This cute secretary blouse with tiny burgundy colored velvet dots is not only a perfect top for the workplace, but can also be worn on lunch dates or even on a night out if accompanied by the right pant/skirt. I love the mock turtleneck and the back has top to bottom button closure, so cute!

This first look would definitely be my lunch date outfit. I paired the blouse with a pair of chic leather shorts, a skinny belt, and a pair of contrasting suede pumps to give this outfit a bit of bite. For a similar effect try the Hot Shorts by Stones, the Silynna Belt by remi & reid, and the Bella Shoe in Magenta.

This second outfit is much more dramatic, something I’d wear on a night out. I contrast the sweet Lorena blouse for something more sinister to transform the obvious looks into something more sinister. Black velvet pants, black suede pumps, and a 1940′s bolero is all I need to satisfy the inner bad girl! Check out these other items on the site: the Vinyl Legging by Cheap Monday and the Dora Kerby Cardigan from *Vintage Boutique.

My last outfit is perfect for a day in the office. Try a pair of flared denim and a slim fitting blazer. The Lakota Jean by ONeill and the Caleb Blazer by BB Dakota are perfect for this look.

Photography: Emily Wilson

Click here to view the embedded video.

KTV caught all of our Nuclear Summer: Swim 2012 lookbook action on film, showing that everything from the accessories to the lighting and the landscape evoke an eery sense of beautiful creatures surviving some worldly disaster. Stylist LIL GOVERNMENT on the production:

For this lookbook, “Nuclear Summer” conjured up a bleak, dreamy and post-apocalyptic mood, shaped by both the expansive, futuristic beaches of Deer Island and washed out, natural color palette of the season’s swimwear. Our girls walked the shores searching for remaining life on the planet, retreating into the cold water as the sky darkened.

My two favorite shots for the day were Danielle (the blond) coming out of the rocks wearing the seaweed and sturgeon skull headpiece, and also the shot of Isabela (brunette) with her hands on her face coming out of the water, which has a voyeuristic quality. Both images brought me right into the moment…

I love the way the black Cheap Monday bikini top looks with the leopard print Costume Dept. high-waisted bottoms. The bottoms are cut perfectly at both the leg and waist, making them eternally flattering to just about any body type. Also, the mint-green printed bustier bikini is ideal for the small-busted woman, and the galaxy print on the cutout one-piece is divine.

Wondering how they got the models’ hair to hold those perfect beach waves? Hairstylist Kara Hurston, of Shag salon, suggests using a surf spray: “I like to use the Apres Beach spray by Oribe. You can spray it on once it’s dry and it will create a little shine and enhance the curl.”

Watch the swim selections in motion above and check out the full lookbook below.

Check out this picture of the infinitely hot Johnny Depp, when everybody knew him for his role in the cult movie classic Cry Baby. Not only did Depp star as a 1950′s teen rebel, but in 1990 Johnny was breaking hearts around the world with his striking looks and similar bad boy antics. Before starring in the movie musical, Depp started his career on 21 Jump Street, a hugely successful TV series where he played a young undercover cop investigating anything from drug abuse to to homophobia. Now that you’re familiar with Johnny’s early years of success, check out his latest vampire flick Dark Shadows. If it’s anything like the rest of his films, it shouldn’t disappoint!

Hi Meg, how’s it going? What are you up to right now?
Right now, we’re rehearsing at Doctor Rosen Rosen’s studio. We have a cellist we’re rehearsing with, and we’re working on all the songs off the EP. I’m performing live for the first time on June 7 in LA.

How excited are you?
So excited! I mean that’s what I’ve been missing over this past year, playing live shows.

What’s the best part about music to you?
Of course I love recording there’s beautiful things about it, but to me, I think actually being alone and writing a song, in your own space writing a song, or working with Dr Rosen Rosen on a song, is the best for me. Or, playing live.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Tell us a little about what you were going through when you wrote “Monster.” Does life always affect your lyrics and your music?
If I didn’t have stuff going on, then I wouldn’t be writing or I wouldn’t be playing music. I would always write by myself you know in my bed or sitting in the bathroom or somewhere weird, you know? I think only once in my life, I came up with ideas for lyrics first. I love when I’m creating by myself, and it’s usually acoustic or piano, you know. I just pick it up and I come up with a guitar riff and a melody together. In every song I’m feeling something and I have to be able to express what I’m feeling.

You’re a woman of many musical talents, what’s your favorite instrument to play?
There’s something about bass that, that’s my baby, and I really love playing it. It’s not even that it brings the music, it brings the feeling of the music to a song. There’s something tribal about the bass.

You’re definitely a nineties girl, what do you like about the nineties?
That’s what I grew up with. I was like the really emotional teenager, which we all are you know.  I looked up to my brother a lot, he was a couple years older than me. When I was 13 he was really into Nirvana and Alice and Chains and Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix…he was the one that inspired me.  He was drawn to that melancholy music so I got drawn into that as well.

Boy bands or girl bands?
I was always more into male bands. There was something less cheesy about that to me, and more expressive. I was always into that male vocal style, at least in my early teens.

What are you listening to right now?
I listen to a lot of classical, Einaudi Ludovico, he’s a classical pianist. I listen to an amazing cellist Zoe Keating. I mean I’ve been listening to a lot of instrumental stuff. I really like Arcade Fire a lot, they’re awesome. Honestly, it just changes. I Pandora classical a lot.

You were born and raised in Tennessee, but have been living in LA for the past five years. Do you love LA?
I miss all four seasons so much! I don’t want to say that I hate LA, but I’m tired of it. I just need to move around like every two years or so. There’s things I love about LA too. I’ve found stuff like hiking and I’ve made my best friends here. But, I think I’m going to end up in New York.

When you’re in the city I find it’s always nice to go out and get some nature.
Yeah, I love hiking, and I love going to the movies alone, actually. I like playing chess, that’s something that kind of gets me out of my head for a while, there’s something really soothing about it. And, what else do I do… I like to paint.

Click here to view the embedded video.

You make all these funny little online videos too, like one where Barbie comes up to you in a wheelchair. What’s your favorite one?
That was the Doctor’s idea with the Barbie. Yeah that’s um making videos that’s being creative for me. I’m a pretty strange cat.

What’s one item of your wardrobe you could never go without?
I like my watch a lot, I just like having comfortable clothes. Material things like as far as clothes, I don’t have anything that I’m insanely attached to, it’s all like thrift store stuff, like from Goodwill. Maybe a hairband?

Visit Meginthedark.com for more of Meg’s songs, and look out for her live shows and new singles. She’ll be performing on June 7 at Bootleg Bar in LA at 10 p.m.

I adore Julie Sariñana of Sincerely, Jules and would kill to raid her wardrobe. The perfect combination of girly and edgy meets casual and polished is always exuded in her style posts — it is the blend true fashionistas crave most! WhoWhatWear is no stranger to hunting down these savvy dressers in their Style Stalker series, so we get can behind their stamp of approval for Julie in this month’s segment. Check out her colorblocked brights Sunday look, featuring the Rundown Skinny Crop Color Jean in Techno Sunset by Insight, and her crisp beachy getup, featuring the Romance Blazer and the Low Rider Slouch Short in Floral both by Insight as well.

We are so excited for No Doubt to reunite in a few months and we noticed punk rock style icon Gwen Stefani is looking better than ever lately!  Having a badass moto jacket like the one Gwen is rocking is totally essential to every girl’s wardrobe. Why not try it in an unsuspecting color like bubblegum pink by one of our favorite new brand’s Naven?  Though it’s almost identical to Gwen’s, we especially love the unique details like its contrast black stitching and gold zippers, making it stand out a bit more.  Just like Gwen, you can add to this look with eye-catching patterned jeans like the Providence Pant by RVCA, which are huge this season.  Throw on the Rib Knit Pullover by NTICE and accessorize with the Theresa Belt by Cheap Monday and Cheap Monday’s Monolit Wedge Booties to pull the outfit together. Don’t forget to complete the look with a ballerina bun and bold red lip!

Beck’s is a brewery known for its support of visual art by constantly collaborating with emerging artists from all over the world. In the past, the brand has featured work by renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Yoko Ono, Damien Hirst, and Jeff Koons. Per the usual tradition, this summer Beck’s is releasing labels designed by six different artists, including M.I.A. — and we are smitten! Starting now and ending this July, you can find these limited edition bottles at a store near you.

Artists include:

• M.I.A. – London
• Geoff McFetridge – Los Angeles
• Aerosyn-Lex – New York
• Bert Rodriguez – Los Angeles
• Freegums – Miami
• Willy Chyr – Chicago

Brand manager Chris Curtis explains, “We are always looking to support artists who are doing really interesting and groundbreaking work. The stuff that may go unnoticed at first, but can’t be ignored. These artists are shaping our culture and we are excited to share their creative ideas with Beck’s drinkers around the country.” Not only is it exciting to see a company support the arts in such a huge way, but the labels are aesthetically pleasing and visually spice beer drinking up a bit. I, for one, will most definitely be on the look out for these bottles this summer!

[via NYLON and PSFK]

– Mary Rachel Kostreva

How do crazy people go through the forest? According to Species by the Thousands, they take the psychopath. Don’t you feel a certain pleasure in buying unique indie jewelry that always trumps the passing, cheap thrill of its fast fashion counterparts? Species is one of the more exciting brands working out of Brooklyn recently, and everyone from Refinery29 to NYLON is discussing this charming label. Founder Erica Bradbury has been building its cult following since 2006, citing moons, plants, animals, ghosts, witchcraft, and bearded men as inspiration. With a motley mash up between 70′s nostalgia, the natural, and the supernatural, Erica successfully translates this moody aesthetic to jewelry and apparel. We caught up with Erica to bring you a Species primer…

Describe your brand in 10 words.
In the woods in a van with a bearded man listening to psychedelic music and wolves hollowing.
(woods, van, psychedelic, 70′s, masculine, howling wolves, creepy, fun, young)

What path led you to jewelry design?
After getting an M.F.A. in painting I moved to Brooklyn. I started working for an accessories designer, she showed me where to buy jewelry supplies and I quickly fell in love with it.

Name your most personal motif from Species collections and tell us why!
The nature motif, twigs, bones and animals. I watched a lot of Twin Peaks in my early teen years. I became really scared of the woods.

You have an interesting brick and mortar arrangement with fellow indie brand Cold Picnic, appropriately titled A Thousand Picnics. How was this endeavor conceived?
I knew Phoebe from grad school and she went on to study fashion in Boston, where she met Peter..a few years went by and we were all in Brooklyn making jewelry and wanting to make housewares and accessories. We thought it would be nice to build an environment we could work in and house our experiments.

What can customers find besides jewelry?
Besides jewelry we have candles and apothecary we make, spell kits, dream catchers, printed apparel, fair trade wooden bowls from Kenya, rugs and blankets and character pillows.

Why Brooklyn?
Well Manhattan is weird and we didn’t want to move.

Can we expect more apparel from Species anytime soon?
Yes! There’s some at the store now and I am working on new prints for Fall.

Shop some of our picks above, clockwise from top left: the Vertebrae Tie Necklace, the Skull Cross Necklace, the Skeleton Cuff, the Priestess Bangle, the Pebble Ring, and the Skull Ring.

The days of looking at retro photos of your mom and wishing she saved all her awesome denim bellbottoms are finally over! The fashion gods have heard our prayers with the reemergence of Dittos, an iconic denim brand from the ’70s. First causing a stir in the fashion world when they debuted in 1972, Dittos remained a closet staple for many women up until the mid-’80s and were the first “must-have” label jeans. Dittos devotees swore by their excellent fit (especially around the butt area), loved their huge array of color options and appreciated their modest pricing. Their signature element was their U-turn saddle stitch down the backside of the jean, and up until now, you were only able to find them in thrift shops or on eBay.

The brand made its first comeback back in 2007 as a premium denim brand designed under license by Daniella Clarke (Frankie B. Jeans), but are now owned by New York’s Jordache Enterprises, who have restored it to its vintage glory and revamped its look, beginning with their Spring/Summer offerings, as well as their upcoming 2012 fall collection. Bright colors, lots of flares and higher rises are the essence of the brand, with many celebrities like Ashlee Simpson and Kourtney Kardashian being spotted around town in their very own Dittos jeans. But to get you through the hot summer months, they’re currently offering cutoff shorts (check out Misty and Anna) in practically every color of the rainbow, in addition to their highly coveted denim.

While their heart may lie in vintage flares (like the new Melanie style) and high-waisted numbers, they’ve also they’ve also created a number of new styles to fit the times for their Fall/Winter 2012 Look Book, including skinny silhouettes (there’s even a jegging style called Jessica), a variety of rises from mid to low (like their Bella, a mid-rise slim bootcut) and novelty finishes like shine, prints and coatings (think crocodile and leopard prints and shiny coatings) in their Dawn cut. And the best part about it all is you don’t have to break the bank to fit into a pair of Dittos, since they’re reasonably priced at less than $100. Sporting the sexy ’70s style has never been easier now that the brand that started it all is back! Oh, and wear with caution ’cause your mom might just be snagging them from your closet for herself.

– Kristie Bertucci

Check this one out!  In the summer of 1971, the Rolling Stones leased a home on the south of France often refereed to as Villa Nellcote. This is where they recorded most of the songs on their famed album Exile on Main St – right in the basement of this old mansion!

[Via glossaria.blogspot.com]

Does Tabatha even need an introduction? We’ve all witnessed this girl grow into one of the coolest personalities in the streetwear world, putting her thoughts in writing for Married to the Mob‘s Mobliving. Tab is not only a riot but also very relatable: her dream Saturday night involves blunts, TV, and wine (amen!) and she is as gracious as anyone to be in her dream career. In this must-read interview, she shares her favorite meal (not what you’d expect), the chicest thing her mom has taught her, and possibly writing fiction down the line.

As someone born and raised in NYC, could you ever imagine living in another city? Would you ever want to?

Well most people don’t know this about me, but for the record I was actually born in France. I’m French on my Mom’s side, and even though the whole fam was already living in NY when I came into the world, my Mom really wanted me to be born on her turf. So if I had to live somewhere else, it would probably be Paris. It’s just so devastatingly gorgeous there, inspiration lurks behind every beautiful corner! Otherwise maybe Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – you can’t help but come alive in that city. At the end of the day, I’ll always be a NY girl though – Brooklyn to be exact.

What is your favorite thing about living in NYC? Favorite stereotypical personality to encounter on the street?

The fact that I can experience any world culture within a few block walk. If I want a specific dish from some far away part of the world, I’m sure to find it in at least one borough. And as far as stereotypical personalities go…I love my habibi’s at the deli. In the hood everyone refers to those dudes as “Ack” (like Achmed) but they’re the ones who hold down the neighborhood. Always characters! Plus they’re good peoples too. I’ve borrowed money from them for cabs on multiple occasions.

Are you into the gallery scene at all? What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday night?

I’m definitely not a gallery opening type of girl. Aside from my Dad’s shows or friends’ openings, there’s like a 2% chance of catching me in Soho or Chelsea at some random show. It’s not because I don’t like observing art, those things are just always such social shit shows. Pack a bunch of pretentious art folk into a tiny space and watch them mingle…not really my thing. If I’m going out, I like to go to chill spots like cozy little restaurants or bars where we can drink and bullshit for as long as we want without being bothered. For the most part though, I spend all my time at home. Blunts, TV, and wine – all I need really on a Saturday night!

With a major street artist in your family tree (your father is Futura 2000), how did you pull from his influence to create your own sense of style and art?

As much as I’ve always adored my Father’s work, even from an early age I knew that was his thing and that my style was super different. His work is abstract and rather masculine in some ways, I’m much more influenced by feminine/girly shit and when I draw/paint, it’s really literal. He instilled me with the creative blood, but it runs much differently than his. Plus I don’t see myself so much as an ‘artist’, rather a writer – the other stuff comes as a hobby afterwards.

I am so jealous that you are half French! What is your favorite French food and what is the chicest thing you learned from your mother?

Haha good questions! I actually just got back from a little vacation at my Grandparents in the South, and any time I go down I always send my grandma a list of dishes I really want her to prepare. God, there’s so much good stuff. If I had to choose a classic favorite though…maybe rabbit with assorted mushrooms. I love aioli too! As far as chic things learned from Mama…there’s enough to fill a book. She did teach me how to hunt octopus in Sonia Rykiel bikinis on the beaches of St. Tropez though. Pretty fucking chic if you ask me! [Ed. note: Agreed.]

Your brother, Timothy McGurr (13^th Witness), has built a blog on instagram. You are also a visual creative. Do you use the platform and what are your thoughts on its meteoric rise?

I’m super late to Instagram, but yea I use it and yea…I’m already addicted, sadly. My Dad and Bro are fully obsessed, but I’m definitely not on their level. It’s an absolutely genius application though. As visual and aesthetic creatures who need instant gratification, it’s about as good as it gets. So much better than reading tweets too! Follow me: @Tabathammm!

Clearly growing up in the industry has aided your blossoming career. What advice do you have for similar web writers and artists that may not have the experiential learning under their belt?

It’s undeniable – my creative family certainly helped me get as far as I am today, but at the same time, I’ve never wanted to be someone who got props just for having some famous genes. For me, that would just be embarrassing. If you believe in yourself, keep it real, come up with dope original ideas, and don’t rip others off, the path will open itself up for you. If you know that what you’re doing is special, keep at it and develop a little platform for yourself. Whether it’s a website or blog, just have a place where people can come look at your range of work, and if it’s as good as you believe it to be, people will vibe off it and start sharing. Before I started writing for Leah on Mobliving, I was just another punk ass kid with endless thoughts on my mind. Putting them all in that one place allowed me to create an audience – however small it was in the beginning – and over time they grew and expanded with me. Don’t get it twisted though – freelance writing isn’t always an easy gig. Running your own blog is one thing, but submitting pieces for publications that over-edit and under-pay isn’t nearly as fun!

For someone so young you have a lot to say about dating! We especially love your article series on Complex, “The Harsh Truth.” Tell us your best flirting trick.

It’s so funny how I landed this sex/relationship column even though I’m really not experienced in said realm! I guess they just thought I had a really blunt way of talking about that stuff, but I was happy to accept the challenge. My best flirting trick is just being myself I suppose. I feel like guys can tell when a chick is acting phony – at least the guys I’m into – and anytime I just kick it with someone without putting up a front or attitude, they seem appreciate the realness. If that doesn’t work, eye-fucking should do the trick.

You are quick to catch on to the latest internet memes and viral content. How do you stay up on it? Is it like a 3am-can’t-sleep-when-will-sleeping-pills-kick-in kinda thing? Because that’s when I do MY best web surfing (and during lunch obviously, but I often reserve that for food porn).

Since my job requires me to be on the computer pretty much all the time, I’m super serious and organized about how I check websites. I have this program called Net News Wire which tracks and updates me on the thousand + sites I’m subscribed too, so like anytime one site posts something new, I get an email-style update. Then when I see something I like, I either put the link on a TO-DO post-it, or I file it into a specific folder. My desktop is super fucking neat and meticulously labeled. The internet is just so infinite, I’d be too overwhelmed otherwise.

How did you link up with Leah those many years ago? What is the most important thing you have learned from her?

Leah and I met at the infamous Spring Street block party in ’04, a summer event which no longer happens, sadly. I was 13 or 14 and with my Dad, who was already friends with her, and since the crews were usually so male-dominated, I was immediately like “who’s that hot, badass bitch over there?” We hit it off instantly. I loved her whole vibe, how she could chill harder than the boys while still looking super fly and feminine. Then I became best friends with her little sister Sarah, and I’d find myself chilling at her apartment every day after school. Soon after, she started the blog and asked me to be her writer, and the rest is fucking history. I don’t think I’d be anywhere near where I’m at career-wise if it weren’t for Leah, she totally put me on. It might sound kinda cheesy, but one of the most important things I learned from her is to ignore haters & nay-sayers and stay true to your own vision. When you’ve got great ideas, so many people will try to steal the control from you or steer you in a different direction – fuck that – you’ve gotta remain confident with yourself and go with your gut. Leah’s never been the type of chick to take shit from others and I’ve always adored her for that.

You’ve been known to be a little bit wary of “streetwear” nowadays. How has the MOB girl grown and where will she be in 5 years?

Even though we were the first chicks on the scene to really be doing female “streetwear”, I think we’ve always strived and succeeded in being more than just that. Between our photoshoots, collaborations, and special projects, we always try taking our products to a slightly higher level – like doing tweed Dunks or throwing wild parties at the Plaza Hotel, it’s all about that juxtaposition between street and sophistication. These days you can still expect our classically bold, sometimes-outrageous tee sayings, but we’ve also added a men’s line, and a brand new sub-line named Leah McSweeney, producing small quantities of cut & sew made in NYC. We’re all about expanding – but without changing who/what the brand represents. In 5 years…she’ll still be the same M.O.B, maybe just with a doper apartment and some slightly more expensive shoes? At least that’s what I hope for myself!

Are you amped beyond belief about your book release?! Can we expected a second edition in the near future? Would you ever consider publishing fiction?

The book release is the coolest thing to happen to me in 2012 so far! I’m beyond hyped, and once again I gotta give props to Leah for pushing me to make it a reality. We sold out of the first run and just re-printed a new batch, but this definitely won’t be my last. And I’d totally be up for fiction – I’ve just got way too much other shit going on right now to focus on such an undertaking. I’m the type of person who can be really obsessive and fall into extremes, so once I dedicate myself to something like that, I’ll have to be locked in a cottage for a year somewhere. Kinda like in that flick Swimming Pool.

Which do you prefer: Heels or flats? Leggings or denim? Hoodies or cardigans? Tattoos or piercings?

Flats, sadly. I wish I could rock heels but my body is against it! Jeggings! Hoodies all day. And tattoos for sure.

And finally, since it is such a guilty pleasure of mine, I’ve gotta ask… which Real Housewives is your favorite?

Oh my God girl, you done it now. Next time can I just do a full interview based on Housewives? It’s my ultimate guilty pleasure (along with Basketball Wives and Big Rich Texas) I love each show for different reasons, but there’s something about Atlanta that really does it for me. It’s just such a fucking hot mess. Like, Marlo? Wow. But it’s almost like choosing a favorite kid – they’re each extremely special to me in their own way!

L Space	WeSC	Married to the Mob	Betsey Johnson	Converse
Leah McSweeney	*Accessories Boutique	Kikkerland	Blank Denim	Mitchell & Ness