Saturday Special : Flash Fiction Series 10

Play It : American Classics

Aerosmith - the American version of British classics.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - all American.

American classics...concert experiences..."So much fun!"

Billy Squier - "Stroke" ... "Everybody Wants You"

Journey - "Don't Stop Believin" ... "Lights"

As seen live...amazing I imagine

Hard rock Hotel -

American staple

American classic

Passion for Fashion

Fashion on its own appears to be a weekly theme, so on this Remember When Friday, I thought I would reflect on my love for the industry.

I am an academic by education, so how I ended up with a passion for fashion is a true mystery.

Kitsy Lane -

Kitsy Lane was a fashion jewelry startup launched in 2012.  There was no need for an interview and there was no starter kit fee.  I came across Kitsy Lane as a random advertisement in an unrelated web search.  Out of curiosity, I clicked through and immediately loved the products.  I set up my own unique online boutique and went from there. 

Kitsy Lane did have many corporate flaws that affected boutique owners and customers.  The company eventually shut down and is no longer in business.

Chloe + Isabel -

Chloe + Isabel is a fashion brand with roots in fashion jewelry.  There is a required interview.  If selected, there is a starter kit fee at a healthy cost...but so worth it. 

All accepted applicants are titled "Merchandiser."  Merchandisers are set up for success with unique boutiques to customize on their own.  Pop-ups,  or in person trunk shows, are highly recommended to generate optimal commission income.  Merchandisers and customers are offered incentives to maximize the Chloe + Isabel experience.

Merchandisers -

For every $500 in sales, Merchandisers receive a $50 credit.  For every $1,000 in sales, the credit amount increases. 

Ultimate Merchandiser incentive -

Financial and title growth
Merchandise Manager, Senior Merchandise Manager, Divisional Merchandise Manager ... Forever 40

Forever 40 - Once a Merchandiser generates consistent 5-figure sales, they are inducted into the Forever 40 club where they are permanently set at 40% commission.  Commissions begin at 25%.

MM (Merchandise Manager) is the immediate sought after once achieving $1,000 every month for three consecutive months.  SMM and DMM tend toward the corporate side and any advance beyond that may lead to an official corporate position and relocation to New York City (HQ).

Chloe + Isabel has grown from jewelry to accessories to themed collections to men's accessories and so much more.

I remained as a Merchandiser for three years and eventually stepped down in 2017.  My passion for fashion, however, was sparked with Chloe + Isabel.  I learned a great deal about fashion, especially with regards to styling.

Every passion in life is launched from one moment.  My moment was C + I.

I will never know how I went from being a History major and earning a post-graduate Paralegal certificate to officially saying I have a passion for fashion.

Upon reflection in this Remember When Friday, my love for fashion is meant to be. 

Upon reflection in this Remember When Friday, my love for blending music and fashion is meant to be.

Wednesday Once Over

 

 

 

In the post The Devil Wears..., I featured two songs from the movie, The Devil Wears Prada.  I did not really fill out the post,  so in this edition of Wednesday Once Over, I would like to start over.

 

Book to Film -

 

- Lauren Weisberger's 2003 novel

 

Screen Adaptation -

 

- 2006

- Meryl Streep ("Miranda Priestly" - fashion magazine editor)

- Anne Hathaway ("Andrea "Andy" Sachs - Priestly's co-assistant)

- Emily Blunt ("Emily Charlton" - co-assistant)

- Stanley Tucci ("Nigel" - art director)

- Adrian Grenier, Simon Baker, Tracie Thoms (supporting roles)

 

The Devil Wears Prada Awards -

 

Meryl Streep

 

- 14th Oscar nomination

- Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical

 

Cast -

Critical acclaim and nominations

Interesting Facts -

- Fashion designers did not appear as themselves "for fear of displeasing U.S. Vogue editor Anna Wintour...inspiration for Priestly" (Wikipedia)

- Designers allowed clothes and accessories to be featured in the film

- "one of the most expensively costumed films in history" (Wikipedia)

The full storyline can be found on Wikipedia.

And then there was the music list for The Devil Wears Prada.

In the The Devil Wears... post, the songs I featured were indeed in the film.  Interesting note, though, is that they were not in the movie's soundtrack album.  On the other hand, Alanis Morissette's version of Seal's "Crazy" was in the soundtrack album.

The balance of fashion and music was on an even keel. 

My take away -
The Devil Wears Prada is powerful and intriguing.  In real life, I can imagine intimidation from many angles - such as those featured in the film.  I can somewhat imagine inspiration for those looking to get their foot in the fashion door.  In the end, The Devil Wears Prada is a phenomenal movie worth watching.

 

 

 

 

 



Shakedown - Rock or Jazz

"Shakedown" in two genres.  Could this possible?  Apparently so.

A brief background on "Shakedown" in jazz -

- Steve Laury is an American guitarist
- Stepping Out (featuring "Shakedown") is Steve Laury's first solo album
- Released in 1990
- No. 14 Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart

(Wikipedia source)

Your take away -
"Shakedown" on YouTube -
Jazz as performed by Steve Laury OR Rock as performed by Bob Seger
Which do you prefer?
(I personally opt for both.)

Shakedown

Shakedown

 

 

 

Where "The Heat Is On" defined Beverly Hills Cop as the original in the cinematic series, "Shakedown" defines Beverly Hills Cop II. 





Two simple words out of the whole of "Shakedown" defined the song and purpose of the film - "you're busted."

"Shakedown" History -

- Written by Harold Faltermeyer and Keith Forsey
- Recorded by Bob Seger

"Shakedown" Honors -

- No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
- No. 1 Album Rock Tracks
- Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song (1988)
- Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song (1988)

Interesting Facts -

- "Shakedown" vocals originally slated for Glenn Frey
- Lost both award nominations to Dirty Dancing's "I've Had The Time of My Life"
- "Shakedown" was performed by Little Richard at the 60th Academy Awards

(Wikipedia source)

Saturday Special - Flash Fiction Series 9

Play It : British Classics

20th Century British iconic classics invading the 21st Century to capture the attention of Millennials. 

The Beatles.  The Who.  The Rolling Stones.

Duran Duran.  The Police.

Sting.  Paul McCartney.

A go for platinum in copies sold.

Millennials found a groove in British classics that they could not find now.

The Heat Is On

In this special edition of Remember When Friday, I am posting what would have been for Wake Up Monday.

Summer has arrived, so bring on the heat.  As the theme song to Beverly Hills Cop, the heat is on.

 

 

 

Background -

 

- Written by Harold Faltermeyer and Keith Forsey

- Recorded by Glenn Frey

- Offered to sing by Forsey and Faltermeyer

- Upon agreement, Frey recorded the vocals in one day

 

Honors -

 

- No. 2 on Billboard Hot 100 (March 1985)

- No. 2 on Australian Singles Chart (1985)

- No. 8 on Canadian Singles Chart

- No. 12 on UK Singles Chart

 

(Wikipedia source)

 

Beyonce Style

In today's edition of Anything Goes Thursday, I once again combine music and fashion in one...much the way I did with Victoria Beckham in Spice Girl Look.

In this post, I am featuring Beyoncé, a phenomenal performer and outstanding singer.

 

 

 

(A full background of Beyoncé can be found on Wikipedia.)

 

House of Dereon -

 

- Ready-to-wear (RTW) fashion line by Beyoncé and her mother/stylist Tina Lawson

 

- Inspired by three generations of women in the family - Beyoncé, Tina, and Tina's mother, Agnez Dereon

 

- Launched in 2006

 

- "Where the sidewalk and catwalk meet"

 

- Casualwear

 

- Modeled by Beyoncé and sister Solange Knowles

 

- Style - a mix of '70s style (reflective of Tina), '40s style (reflective of Agnez), current style (reflective of Beyoncé)

 

Criticism -

 

- 2008 release of girls line - The Dereon Girls Collection

 

- Advertisements showed young girls in full makeup and high heels

 

- Washington Post poll - 62% response believe the ads oversexualize young girls

 

(Source - Wikipedia)

 

My take away -

Beyoncé is reflective of many styles - classic and elegant, modern and trendy, and bold and daring.  Her input in the design process defined the ultimate outcome...which could either be entirely successful (such as appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Tyra Banks Show, in select recorded songs, in London Fashion Week) or have a downfall (mainly response to the Girls Collection).

 

I will admit one notation - although the clothing line rings true to Beyoncé's style mix, there is no sign of plus size.  Every model down the runway is rather thin.  As a plus size, this is concerning, because the dresses alone are gorgeous and I would love to wear them. 

 

In any case, fashion and music once again go together.



Happy Birthday, John Taylor

Best wishes to his most Happy Birthday, John Taylor!

If I may be so bold - Play the *F* bass, John!

On Roger Taylor's birthday, I posted notable musicians in 1960 - the year he was born.  On this day, John Taylor's birthday, I shall do the same.

Once again, Elvis Presley was a trending musician in 1960.  In that year, he was known for -

"Stuck on You"

"It's Now or Never"

"Are You Lonesome Tonight?"

Every decade has well-known fan favorite musicians.  Elvis Presley lives on beyond his passing.  Duran Duran continues to live on.

Nick Rhodes once said in a documentary how eternally grateful he was to have John switch to bass guitar when Andy Taylor appeared for electric.  A move proved more than grateful.

And so on this day, June 20, 2018, I hope for only the best for - yes - Nigel John Taylor.

Duran Duran Girls On Film

The Devil Wears...

...Prada

 

"Suddenly I See"

KT Tunstall

 

 

 

"Suddenly I See" was the backdrop to the beginning of The Devil Wears Prada.

 

 



 

"Jump"

Madonna

 

 

 

"Jump" was the backdrop in the middle point of The Devil Wears Prada.

 

Although The Devil Wears Prada is based in fiction, the premise nonetheless is fashion.  Music in the film kept the energy and interest at a strong pace.

 

Once again, fashion and music.

 



Apology

Dear readers and passersby,

I am so sorry for not posting as of last Sunday.  My internet was completely shut down until tech support could arrange assistance yesterday.

I am now back up and running.

Saturday Special : Flash Fiction Series 8

Play It : Brand New Day

New Year.  My year.  A birthday celebrated and now passed.

A brand new day.

He wanted to go solo with his music and not be tied to the band.  They said fine, but don't anticipate a return.  This tense last straw drove him out.

He had a decent voice and was once told he could even lead.  He took this comment (by a former band mate) and ran with it.

He launched an indie record label, created a 13-song album with just his vocals and a close friend playing an acoustic guitar, and upon release, soared in popularity beyond his experience with the band.  His comment from so long ago landed solo success.

A brand new day for his new year.

Remember When Friday

Polyvore.  Music.  Set List. 

Memories.

Polyvore was once an online community for users to express personal style interests through "sets."  Style could be women's fashion, men's fashion, beauty, art, or even home décor.  I chose women's fashion (and briefly men's fashion out of curiosity) as the best form for learning really.  After well over 1,600 sets, I was essentially self-taught in the world of fashion.  Designers.  Seasonal looks.  Fabrics.  Colors.  My forever love of lace.  My forever pass on leather for shoes (but ultimate preference for suede).  A lot of neutral and dark colors.  An odd hesitation for vivid colors.  Bridal!  My point is - I really learned the world of fashion.

Music.  I will never understand the connection between musicians and models.  I will never understand the well-off between the two.  Obvious reasons aside, I still will never know.

Set List.  Music and fashion.  March 2018.  My journey began in the month of March.  (Sad note - Where there were once Polyvore images to link to music themed posts, there are no more.)  This is where today's Remember When Friday takes its cue.

Runway Music (look to the June archives) launched a personal passion for me.  The reception has since fueled the passion.

And so on this Remember When Friday, I am looking back on anything music and fashion related.

Spice Girl Look

Spice Girls - the definition of unique pop culture in the 1990s.

Melanie Brown ("Scary" Spice)
Melanie Chisholm ("Sporty" Spice)
Emma Bunton ("Baby" Spice)
Geri Halliwell ("Ginger" Spice)
Victoria Beckham* ("Posh" Spice)
*At the time, Victoria's last name was Adams.

A full background of the Spice Girls can be found on Wikipedia.

On this Anything Goes Thursday edition, I would like to focus on "Posh" Spice - Victoria Beckham.

The Spice Girls were not one to sing, but Victoria Beckham is well known for her fashion line...where music and fashion are brought together in one.

 

The brand is under her name - Victoria or Victoria Beckham.  Her work is featured in Net-a-Porter, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue...just to name a few.

 

The clothing designs are modern, somewhat daring, and with a hint of pure elegance and class.  The fabric colors are rich, solid, mixed, and accent the style of the outfit.  Pants and skirts seem to dominate the brand, but classic dresses are also included.  Interest can be found in every ready-to-wear style.  I personally love the dresses for their timeless look.  Casual T-shirts and pants are also stylish.

 

Victoria has a line of handbags as well.  Simple, understated, and perfect for any occasion best define the handbags.

 

Accessories, eyewear, and shoes round out the Victoria Beckham line.

 

My take away -

I doubt music was meant to be, but luxury fashion by Victoria Beckham is a new wave in the industry.

 

 



Two for Two Tuesday - Edition 7

Simon Le Bon has three daughters.  Nick Rhodes has one daughter (only child).  John Taylor has one daughter (only child).  Roger Taylor has one daughter (Roger has three children from his first marriage and one child in his current marriage).  I suppose "Girls On Film" would be the definition for daughters brought into the world of music and parental fashion.

Yet, what about those wild boys?

Simon is the eldest of the band (born October 27, 1958) and is now a grandfather to a baby boy.

Nick is the youngest in the band - born June 8, 1962.  An intriguing wonder - every woman Nick has been in a relationship with has been significantly younger than him. 

In between are Roger and John.

I can see John being a wild boy.  In the past, he was considered the most handsome of the group in online forums.  An interesting fact - John's wife, Gela, is seven years his senior - born on November 1, 1953.

And then there is Roger...reserved in person and electric on stage.  I have never really seen him as a literal wild boy because of his shy personality.

My take away -
I think the guys were best considered "wild" when they formed into Duran Duran.  When the pressures of fame, screaming fans, and consistent recording and touring caught up to the band that led to the break up, "wild" was no longer a definition.  In a way, this is ironic because "Wild Boys" is actually a decent song.  Alas, this is my opinion.

Happy Tuesday.

Wake Up Monday

 

 

Simon Le Bon recently tweeted as an announcement that he is a grandfather to a baby boy.  His middle child, Saffron (born in 1991), is a new mom.

 

With the proud announcement, I am putting a unique twist on the overall theme of this week's posts - all about the boys in Duran Duran.

Sunday Favorite

In this edition of Sunday Favorite, there is one post that simply speaks for itself - Runway Music. 

Runway Music was an intriguing idea to research and write about.  The reception received has since made the Runway Music post an instant classic.

Saturday Special : Flash Fiction Series 7

Play It : His Day

Music history began with an advertisement in the town newspaper.

"I am open to auditions for bass guitarists, electric guitarists, and vocalists."

He looked for only the best, so there was a lot of frustrating rejection.

There was one day, however...

"Yes.  You're the one." - bass, electric, vocal

The band formed to perfection on his birthday.

Their impact on music was historic.

Their very first concert was on his day.

Happy Birthday, Nick Rhodes

Best wishes on your most Happy Birthday, Nick Rhodes.

May this year be a forever best to "The Controller."

Music history in 1962

Elvis Presley appeared four times in the UK Singles Chart -

"Rock-a-Hula Baby" & "Can't Help Falling In Love" (No. 4)
"Good Luck Charm" (No. 5)
"She's Not You" (No. 3)
"Return to Sender" (No. 3)

Ray Charles appeared once in the UK Singles Chart -

"I Can't Stop Loving You" (No. 2)

(Wikipedia source)

Duran Duran Girls On Film

Runway Music

 

 

 

I will never know how or why the two came together, but fashion and music just fit.

 

In the archives, I wrote about front man icons and fashion models in wedded bliss.   I now am pairing music icons with fashion brand icons.  In this case, Duran Duran and Juicy Couture.

 

Why the two?  John Taylor and Gela Nash.  John Taylor does not need an introduction, so I will focus on Gela Nash and her venture business.

 

Gela Nash -

 

- American fashion designer

- Former actress

- Interesting fact ... Date of Birth : November 1, 1953

 

Juicy Couture - (Wikipedia source)

 

- Casualwear and dress clothing brand

 

- Founded in 1997 ... Pamela Skaist-Levy & Gela Nash-Taylor

 

- Signature velour tracksuits

 

- Full line includes clothing, handbags, shoes, intimates, swimwear, fragrance,

accessories, sunglasses, yoga, babywear

 

- Original label "Travis Jeans" selling maternity pants (1995)

 

- New label "Juicy Couture" (1996)

 

- 2001 - Tracksuit introduced and custom designed for Madonna/Madonna turned the tracksuit into a trend

 

- 2004 - Velour tracksuit popular again through Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, and Paris Hilton

 

- Known as a "new money" brand

 

- 2003 - Fifth & Pacific Companies (formerly Liz Claiborne) bought Juicy Couture

 

- 2010 - LeAnn Nealz named President and Chief Creative Officer ... oversee product design, marketing, store design

 

- Style preserved 

 

Down turn -

 

- June 2014 - All stores in the U.S. expected to close

- June 2015 - Final closure in the U.S.

- September 2014 - Juicy Couture products sold in Kohl's in the U.S.

 

 



Wednesday Once Over -Edition 6

In Two for Two Tuesday, I noted the word "back" in "Back In the Saddle" and "Back in Black."  When I researched the history of the "Back in Black" song, I noticed that it was a feature on the album Back in Black.  In today's Wednesday Once Over, I thought I would post the history of the Back in Black album.

Back in Black History - (Wikipedia source)

- 7th studio album
- Released in July 1980
- Cover design as a "sign of mourning" for the loss of vocalist Bon Scott

Back in Black Honors -

- 50 million copies sold worldwide
- One of the best selling albums in music history
- Yearlong world tour to promote Back in Black ... One of the most popular music acts in the 1980s
- #26 on Rolling Stone 100 Best Albums of the Eighties
- #82 on VH1 Top 100 Albums (2001)
- #77 on Rolling Stone The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (2003)
- #2 in 100 Best Australian Albums (2010)
- Best selling hard rock album of all time
- Best selling album released by an Australian musical act
- 22X Multi-Platinum (2007)
- 6th rank in best-selling albums in the U.S.
- No. 1 in Australia and the UK


My take away -
Not much could be found about "Back In the Saddle" in song history.  Information I was able to note was rather, let's just say, interesting.  I still like the song.  "Back in Black" on the other hand received great and lengthy praise.  The album of the same name received stellar and honorable praise.  I wouldn't necessarily say I like every song on the album, but "Back in Black" is intriguing for the electric vocal pitch.  Therefore, I like the song.  Therefore, I am intrigued by the band.

Two for Two Tuesday - Edition 6

In today's edition of Two for Two Tuesday, I am writing a play on song titles - "Back In the Saddle" and "Back in Black."  As you can tell, the theme is "back."

"Back In the Saddle" - (Wikipedia source)

- Rocks album released in 1976

- Single released in 1977

- Rather intimate in nature (Follow the link above to see why)

- No. 38 on Billboard Hot 100


"Back in Black" - (Wikipedia source)

- On the album of the same name

- No. 37 on U.S. Billboard Hot 100

- No. 51 on Billboard's Top Tracks chart

- Gold and Platinum in 2006 (RIAA)

- 2x Platinum in 2007

- No. 4 by VH1 on 40 Greatest Metal Songs list

- Second greatest hard rock songs of all time (VH1 in 2009)

- No. 187 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list

- No. 29 on Rolling Stone's The 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time


My take away regarding "Back in Black" -
Impressive.  I always found the song to be intense in vocals, as I did with "Back In the Saddle."  I have really ruled out AC/DC though.  I might give this one a standing chance.

Wake Up Monday

 



I generally reserve Wake Up Monday for concerts, but in today's post, I feel that Steven Tyler's rather loud emphasis on the word "back" is enough to wake up to.

Happy Monday

Sunday Favorite

In this edition of Sunday Favorite, the most well received post this week was actually a rather short post...straight and to the point style. 

Wednesday Once Over - Edition 5

As a brief recap, Wednesday Once Over - Edition 5 covered the history behind Duran Duran's "I Don't Want Your Love."  (Wikipedia was my source.)

As I always say,

And the post says the rest of it.  Follow the link above.

Saturday Special : Flash Fiction Series 6

Play  It : Jazzy

Picture this -

Duke Ellington.  Benny Goodman.  Big band energy.

Picture this -

Jazz clubs roaring with energy.

Picture this -

Rainy, cool day.  Smooth jazz playing in the background.  Quiet energy.  Lulled energy.

The essence of jazz is how you feel when you listen and emotionally engage...right?

Remember When Friday

 

 

Take a stroll down memory lane only to find my first favorite commercial jingle for this year.  Take a stroll down memory lane to reflect on my love for commercial jingles.  On this lane, this Remember When Friday, you will find "Wish I Knew You" by The Revivalists. 

 

What was the product being advertised you may ask?  Blue Moon Brewing Company.

 

My consideration - Do the musicians  behind the jingles gain success or further success after being featured?

 

This memory lane dates back to March of this year - my first month back on Set List.  Remember when indeed.