Where's Brooklyn At? Where Has Urban Culture Gone?

Where's Brooklyn At?  Where Has Urban Culture Gone?

There is no such thing as urban radio anymore!  While driving, I turned to KYS 93.9 and they were playing a techno-ish song by Rihanna.  Yes it is Rihanna, but it's still techno.  While I have had my fair share of late nights with glow sticks and red bulls with vodka (the only way to drink at a techno club), I want urban music on my urban radio station!  So I switched to its local competitor, 95.5 PGC and they were playing a techno ish song by Dev.  I guess her song would be classified as more dance than techno, but again, I want urban music on my urban radio station.  If urban music no longer exists, play gogo!  I mean this is DC, right?!

This music fiasco got me thinking, is urban culture as we knew it, dead?  I was a teenager in the 90's, to me urban music was Biggie, Nas, Jay Z, Mary J Blige, and Monifah (where the hell is Monifah?!)  Urban music was hip hop and r&b.  Now urban music has merged into the mainstream with pop and techno beats.  And the fashion!  While some of you may say urban fashion is alive and well, I beg to differ.  However, to state my argument properly, we all must agree there is a different between metropolitan urban and country urban.  For all you southerners, (remember I am from Phoenix, raised in New York and moved to DC, and yes DC is the south!  Mason Dixon line, you DMV'ers forget!) being in the south doesn't make it "country" (so please, you can return your guns to the safety position) some of the countriest places (as far as fashion) I've been are in Western New York, Michigan, and Illinois.  Sorry, but it's true.  My point is the distinction between metropolitan urban and country urban includes Kool Aid colored weaves with sneakers, belts, shirts, nails, and eye contacts matching.  To me that's just country.

With that said, go to a major metropolitan "urban" area (code for...) and the women look like they stepped out of Lucky Mag or People's best dressed list.  Urban fashion has become quite mainstream.  In my beloved 90's urban fashion was baggy jeans, over sized shirts, Karl Kani, Maurice Malone, Versace shirts, timb's (Timberlands), Air Max, and Up's (for you non-New Yorkers Air Force 1's).  While I appreciate not having to look at a mans under wear in public, I am a little leary of men wearing the same jeans as their girlfriends.  I'm just saying.

So to wax nostalgic about when urban was urban, here are some of my favorite "old school" looks.

Not necessarily 90's, but it epitomizes urban cool from the era with a funky mix of masculine and feminine street wear.  Remember the Manolo Blahnik boots (some of you remember the Steve Madden version better, wink, wink)

Janet Jackson from the "You Want This" video.  Yes, baggy jeans and a half  top/sports bra!  Nothing could be more 90's urban.

Denim everything!  Oh the 90's urban fashion was all about denim...and dark lacquered lips! 

Aaliyah, may she rest in peace.  Who could forget the Tommy Hilfiger craze?  You know, when your jeans and shirt screamed Tommy?  Even the beautiful Aaliyah wasn't spared.

In my search for more 90's urban fashion I came across an article "’90s Hip Hop Icons and the Fall 2011 Looks They Could Be Wearing" and they have some fabulous examples with their 2011 runway counterparts.

Oh...when urban was really urban...I miss those days.

XOXO,

 

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Hi. My Name is Nicole, and I Am Addicted to Denim

Hi. My Name is Nicole, and I Am Addicted to Denim

Yes, I am.  I am an addict.  I love jeans!  The signature slice of Americana that since the 1800's has been a staple of every one's wardrobe.  From Levi's to Calvin Klein, from Gap to Banana Republic,  from Jordache  to Guess, from Maurice Malone*to Paper Denim, from Rock N Republic to J Brand, from 7 for all Mankind to Citizens of Humanity, from Evisu to True Religions to the no name brand stretchy Canal Street or Broadway and 27th Ave denim "like" jeans, I have had (and still have) them all.

I have spent outrageous amounts on denim, that I wouldn't be caught dead in the following season.  I have also worn jeans that I should have retired long ago, with rips and frays and stains (I can't believe I admitted that) but just couldn't let them go.  I've worn denim to school, to parties, on vacations, family reunions, on dates, to clubs, to art galleries and to no where in particular.  My addiction to denim has been a long one; through ups a downs, through fashion  nirvana's to fashion faux paus, my denim never left my side (nor my rear).

Instead of joining a 12 step program, I have found a new supplier!  Genetic Denim! (And I love my new dealer!) I know you other fashionistas have known about Genetic Denim for a while and Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, Cindy Crawford and a whole slew of starlets I could care less about have been seen in Genetic Denim.

As most of you know, I am not a big follow the trend person.  I hate following what everyone else is doing!  But these jeans are so haute!

I actually ordered the Cypress in Lilac!  As soon as I get a camera or a decent camera phone, I swear I will take shots!  (Can you suggest any good digital cameras?!  I need help Retail Addicts)

One of the many things to love about this brand is that it doesn't try to fit everyone in the size 00 model.  This brand understands real women have curves! 

From the site: "Every individual holds a specific Genetic Code, body types differ as does fashion influences. Genetic Denim seeks to present each person with the best possible fit for their body, accentuating assets rather than forcing everyone into the same mold. It combines global fashion trends with individuality of fit and wash to tailor denim to your body. With nostalgia for the bohemian yet basic denim styles from the 70’s, Genetic Denim has created a line with life and timeless appeal. Genetic Denim pays homage to the centuries past while remaining modern with its edgy, yet sophisticated and confident, but still carefree silhouettes. 

The core lineup includes Shya- Skinny Cigarette,Shane Faux Front Skinny Cigarette,Cypress- Slim Bell and Liam-Straight Leg Gene, all produced in a variety of washes including the softest denim in the denim market, the Genetic Denim Legging. There isn’t one thing that sets Genetic Denim apart in the marketplace, there are many. Fashion-forward style and underground cool, mixed with fabrics, washes and cuts from around the world ,make Genetic Denim a classic global fashion brand with a touch of new age chic. Genetic Denim isn’t only a fashion brand; it’s a way of life that reflects individual personality and style while seamlessly fitting denim to your body in pure comfort. Genetic is the lifestyle brand of the 21st century"

Anywhoo, the price point starts at around $180, which is a steal for quality denim, without screaming logos, that you can wear next month!

What is your favorite denim?  If you have Genetic Denim show us how you rock it!

*For those of you who don't know Maurice Malone, in the 90's he created an urban brand which I was a fan of!

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