Back to work we go! Stay tuned

From the Hypefiends shoot, where the girls and I exhibited an array of “streetwear parodies”.

Following my last write up (see below), I received a personal email inquiring why we don’t often write about men’s “streetwear” here at The Fresh Fiends. I wasn’t going to acknowledge the subject or even reply to the email, because who am I to knock anyone’s hustle and also because I can’t relate to any certain “scene”, much less a MAN’S scene. But because this is the perfect platform to state my opinions, I’ll oblige my inquirer to the best of my ability. Back in the day, the term “streetwear” was coined to describe aspiring clothing companies who wanted to offer a high quality product (but something you couldn’t find in a department store), while incorporating the inspiration of their surroundings. Most of these companies consisted of surfers, skateboarders, and artists who had strong, legitimate, and influential messages to convey. But in any industry, rising demand and popularity increases the chance for a product to lose its integrity. The quality is compromised, designs get lazy, and the SCENE outgrows the MESSAGE like weeds in a garden. The number one reason we don’t acknowledge most streetwear labels is simple: the influx of the ego. The companies we DO write about are family and brands that we generally respect as human beings: those we admire as ARTISTS. And by nature, we support the ladies in all of their endeavors…that’s a given. But when it comes to the guys nowadays, the common ground for most labels seems to be based on who can “out-cool” who. That is NOT a message. We don’t care who came out first. We don’t care how quick you came up or how big you think your “buzz” is. Our concern is creativity, motivation, integrity, and above all else: the VOICE. This isn’t Hypebeast and if you’re sad about it, I truly apologize. Say something we haven’t heard before and then maybe we’ll CONSIDER writing about it. Until then, best wishes and let us get back to work, thanks!

Vintage 1980’s Rhinestone Dress-$40

Vintage Mickey Mouse Hooded Top-$30

Vintage Studio 54 Multi-Colored Sequin Top-$25

Brought to you by the lovely Betsey J, here are a few of my favorite pieces from this adorable online boutique. Happy Shopping!

Happy House Vintage

images via cyanatrendland

Swash S/S 2010 campaign shot by David Duran. View the entire campaign HERE.

Congratulations to our friend Gabby Rosales for making the cover of local gem, Java Magazine. The spread also features clothing and accessories from another Phoenix favorite, Butter Toast Boutique. Lookin good Gabby

Thanks to one of our commentators, I was able to find the website belonging to a co-creator of Cosby (see Anyone Home? post below). The visuals on HRSTUDIOPLUS are as stimulating as the line was. I haven’t swooned over anything since The Boobs (AND finding my Jeffrey Campbell knockoff wedges). Much love and thanks to our readers, who are the most helpful little things in the world!

Whatever happened to men’s brand, Cosby Clothing?? Their Crime Mob/Pusha T And Malice shirts were dope (as well as their “Still Creepin” lookbook) AND they really didn’t say much, which I admire. Brands that create QUIETLY and let the work speak for itself win my respect. I didn’t know much about this line but what I DID know, I loved!! Can anyone explain their mysterious disappearance?

A project near and dear to my heart. Introducing The Beginning, brought to you by Dearly Departed and DJ Fashen. Available for download HERE.

gold (my favorite)

teal

silver

pink

La Petite Diamond Earrings- $22

Spring 2010 goodies by our local lovely, Yardley December. See her entire collection HERE.

Currently obsessing over Nestle Abuelita drinking chocolate. Rich chocolate tablets (infused with cinnamon) that you melt in hot milk. My dad recently gave me a box and thanks to him, I’m addicted! I’m not a hundred percent sure where you can get it here in Phoenix, so if you’re new to this product like I was, check out Abuelita’s website. For a homemade version of Mexican hot chocolate, visit Recipezaar.com MMM