Tag Archives: BEAUTY

DO IT RIGHT, E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, INNOVATION, Life, MENSWEAR, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN…MERCURY RETROGRADE!

Leave a comment

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

Well for some. If you’ve been cleansing your soul and sorting out aspects of yourself that haven’t always agreed with you and folded them up and labeled them for safe-keeping then you should be OK. Partner that essential me-time with burning some white sage and a few protective crystals then you should be doing alright…I mean nothing is ever certain.

Mercury retrograde definitely gets a bad rep. It is often blamed as the cause of many disruptions on our little blue planet.

You might experience delays in travel (unless you drive a starship equipped against such forces), your car could break down, the text you sent a few hours ago still hasn’t been received, an email got lost somewhere in the internet, or you start receiving many wrong numbers over its course. So, be well prepared for about a month of potential chaos (retrograde ends August 2).

Since the retrograde is also attributed to trouble with technology such as computer, we felt it vital to get this post up before it’s too late!

Mercury in Roman mythology is a version of the Greek god Hermes – messenger to the Gods, and a divine trickster. He loves to prank mortals when they least expect it for his own amusement. He also has influence over business, financial gains, and is described as a bringer of good luck (at least in the Illiad by Homer, anyway). Searcher of lost things,  he also served as your personal guide to Hades (the Underworld)…so not that bad right?

 

I guess the thing to take in account is there are elements in this world that are beyond our control. Like an important meeting cancelled last minute, the slideshow you prepared is faulty during presentation, or your train is experiencing a major delay, your phone breaks, miscommunications to loved ones…whatever it is; it is important to remember these events do not shape who we really are.

Where things may get messy is when Mercury, seeker of truth, speaks to you and forces you to unearth shit you maybe wanted to keep under wraps from not only the world, but yourself. During this period, you might feel these tensions escalating.

Here is your moment to look that energy in the face and tell it to fuck right off! No retrograde will get you down, especially if you stick by our motto:

CONCISIONEM STYLO, ACCURATIUS CORDE, IUDICARI VITA

Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.
-Victor Hugo

YOU are in control of your destiny. YOU are in control of your emotions. And most of all, YOU are in control of your life, who you are, and how the world sees YOU.  Be the best version of YOU that you could imagine, or better yet, the best version of YOU that you couldn’t even imagine!

We’ve said it before, and we will say it again: Style is more than how you dress. It’s a way of life. Here’s another motto that always struck a chord:

Style is knowing who you are, what you want, and not giving a damn!

-Gore Vidal

That being said…if anything in your life feels like it’s going out of style, now’s the time to ask yourself the hard questions. What needs to be sorted? What needs to be rearranged? What could use some nurturing? What feels missing? and most importantly: What or for many of us, WHO, should we delete?

Time for some serious “Bye Felicia!” moments, because coupled with the solar eclipse at the beginning of the month and the upcoming lunar eclipse…the choices we make within this period will be essential to the rest of 2019.

I have a feeling if you are reading this you are in tuned with your spirit, so are probably sitting pretty, looking pretty, and feeling the abundance the Universe has offered those worthy. Those who haven’t sorted their shit, are sure to experience a (or a couple) dark nights of the soul. Toxic people. Toxic energies. Toxic choices…before we even know it sometimes, our world has been polluted with so much darkness, and it feels like there is no way out.

Best to get out of the shadow and bask in the light.

I only worry for the general sense of anxiety and tension that is sure to reside in the collective for the next few weeks. . .but again, we know what’s up! So, them’s the breaks!

On top of it all it is Cancer season so emotions could also be like waves crashing on the rocks of a shore. Hopefully not too many tears…

They often say don’t make big decisions, however, sometimes life can’t wait for a Mercury retrograde to pass to put the pedal to the metal. After all, the retrograde effect Mercury seems to take three times a year is but an optical illusion based on the position we here on Earth see Mercury in the sky (approximately 48,000,000 miles away), and since the planet whips around the Sun almost three times the velocity it does Earth, three times a year we witness what looks like the tiny planet moving backward in the sky.

Not everything is always as it seems….Be kind to yourself. Rest, and enjoy life: after all, it’s summer!

In honour of the hilarity of this new Mercury Retrograde (July 7, 2019 – August 2, 2019) we’ve compiled a hilarious and sometimes savage collection of the ultimate retrograde memes and gis courtesy of the INTERNET.

 

So remember, back up your shit (just in case,) and reflect on everything life has shown you, and be open to receiving new information you may never have dreamed to receive. The retrograde doesn’t have to be all so bad…it’s what you do within that matters.

So let’s give it up for the A-holes, douchebags, and also the heroes and mentors in your life, and everyone in between!

Happy Mercury Retrograde!

Until next time,

{theEye}

+

 

THANKS FOR READING! Remember XIXIXI gets you 25% OFF in the {SHOP}. FREE SHIPPING in the U.S. / CANADA

 

 

 

FASHION, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, TELEVISION, Video, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

Here She Is . . . Miss American Vampire {1970}

Leave a comment

For our first post of 2019, we thought we’d do a classic vintage post about this most bizarre and unusual moment in time: The Miss American Vampire competition of 1970!

Move over Miss Universe (as amazing as that Lava walk was, Ms Catriona Gray), these ladies came to slay in their most imaginative  Vampire-esque looks, coupled with their charm, poise, and stage presence, as well as their videogenic quality; contestants were all hoping to take the grand prize of  a role in House of Dark Shadows! 

There aren’t many photos of the competition, or archival imagery available but these are some photos from the New Jersey regional competition in which Ms. Christine Domaniecki was crowned by Barnabas Collins himself (played by actor Jonathan Frid; who is also definitely deserved of a {STYLE IDOL} moment)!

The competition was held in several cities including Miami, Dallas, Philadelphia, with the finalists competing for the title in Los Angeles on September 10, 1970.

According to one of the judges:

“It was fun for the first five minutes. After that it got terribly depressing. Some of the girls came in bikinis. Some of them came dressed as witches or vampires or dead bodies. One girl stood in front of me and just stared.”

In a strange turn of events, the eventual winner of the National Competition actually never followed through with any of the rewards of her title choosing instead to stay in Los Angeles (House of Dark Shadows was shot in New York).

The full reasons are unclear, however, you may recognize the original Miss American Vampire, actress and activist Sacheen Littlefeather {AKA Marie Louise Cruz),  from her perhaps her most famous role: accepting Marlon Brando’s Academy Award for “The Godfather” in  1973!

Brando was boycotting the Academy Awards in reaction to Hollywood’s portrayal of Indigenous Americans in the movies, as well as the recent incidents at Wounded Knee, and so Ms. Littlefeather took the stage to speak on behalf of the legendary actor.

Whilst her message was powerful, it was not so well received, garnering boos and jeers from the audience. Also, two days after the ceremony, while visiting Mr. Brando at his house bullets were fired into his front door. Scrupulous media slander also followed, and she claims that this also led to her being blacklisted in Hollywood.

 

So, in the end, the title of Miss American Vampire and the prize of appearing on House of Dark Shadows eventually went to New Jersey Regional Winner, Christine Domaniecki, who appeared on the show in the highly coveted role of . . .  Bar Maid.

I guess, any opportunity is an opportunity!

Funny enough, even with all the dramas and confusion, the Dark Shadows crew was ready to do it again with new pageant: Miss Ghost America in promotion of their new show Night of Dark Shadows! 

Granted, the prize was not as exciting as a cameo appearance (Dark Shadows was technically off the air), however, the winner did receive an appearance on The Dating Game , as well as a $250 savings bond. The winner was 18 year old Kate Sarchet.

I’d kill to find some video footage of either pageant, so if you know a source, please let us know!!!

So what do you think? Should we be bringing back these ghouly pageants??? Tell us in the comments sections below!

Until next time,

{theEye}

+

BEAUTY, DO IT RIGHT, E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, MENSWEAR, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

KYLIE + TRAVIS vs. JANE + SERGE

Leave a comment

Since the beginning of time (or at least, the beginning of our blog) we have been saying there is a definitive relationship our collective {PAST} plays into the {PRESENT} – always influencing and helping create what inevitably will be known as the {FUTURE}!

Well here we have a case of {PAST}, {PRESENT}, {FUTURE} featuring the notoriously infamous billionairess Kylie Jenner and her new man, Crown Prince of Rap, Mr. Travis Scott on the latest cover of GQ causing controversy for being a “cheap rip-off” of  a now forty year old photo shoot of iconic French couple of cool Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin shot by Helmut Newton.

It is absolutely undeniable, and I don’t think they were trying to be chill about the inspiration, or rather recreation, but who is to judge her for that. If anything, I find it strange that Paola Kudacki, the photographer, would feel comfortable putting her name on such a mainstream copy of the work of a great artist like Helmut Newton! Now the controversy has flooded the internet, but then again, for the right paycheck these days, a little backlash isn’t the worst if it pays the rent.

Obviously, inspiration from the past is one of the cornerstones of our beliefs, but being 2018, it might be nice to have a fresher interpretation of the past than just a flat out copy. Where’s the fun in that?

Take the past, and turn it on its head. Blend one influence with another. Go on a ride through the past and bring me forward into the future…

And if you take a look at the original photo series shot way back in 1978, the rawness, sexiness, and coolness really shines through! How can you be a rebel if you’re trying….Serge and Jane are just so relaxed, irreverent, and thereby: BAD ASS!

Needless to say, Jane and Serge will always be on top in most versus situations, so….sorry Travis and Kylie- maybe next time. And maybe next time, just be yourself!!!

I know Travis and Kylie have turned a few looks, but Jane and Serge really TURNED LOOKS! Just a few below!

circa 1970, France — Serge Gainsbourg dances with wife Jane Birkin at a party. — Image by © Keystone/Corbis
FRANCE – AUGUST 28: Premiere : “Slogan” by Pierre Grimblat in Paris, France on August 28, 1969-(16555) Serge Gainsourg, Jane Birkin and Pierre Grimblat. (Photo by Yves LE ROUX/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

We need more originality these daze . . . be inspired, but make it your own! That’s half the fun of life.

Not the most creative choice, but different strokes for different folks! Definitely appreciate her bringing to a whole new generation the beauty and boldness of Serge & Jane (who are definitely due for a {STYLE IDOL & DIVINITY} post or a {VINTAGE RED CARPET ROMANCES} story) … that is a really cool thing.

We know this story is all over the internet right now, but still wanted to give our E.O.F. P.O.V. on the whole situation.

So, let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Until next time,

{theEye}

+

 

 

REMEMBER: XIXIXI gets you 25% OFF in the {SHOP}

+SHOP NOW+ or click the banner below

 

BEAUTY, DO IT RIGHT, FASHION, MENSWEAR, Rebel Society, STYLE IDOLS AND DIVINITIES, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage

STYLE {WISE} Romeo, Romeo . . .

1 Comment
Where for art thou, Romeo?

Ro·me·o
ˈrōmēˌō/
noun
noun: Romeo; plural noun: Romeos

1. an attractive, passionate male seducer or lover.

There’s nothing so timeless as a Romeo . . . its amazing after hundreds of years, a fictional character could still be so prevalent in our culture. I guess, not so surprising, considering he was created by the genius that is William Shakespeare.

He is a wonderful archetypal character of a beautiful boy, young and naive, but full of vigour, and somewhat tragic in the end….so, like many young men, which is what most certainly resonates. We recently acquired a really cool vintage theatre costume with some Shakespearean swag which got us thinking on the topic.

CHECK IT OUT IN THE {SHOP}

I don’t think many men can deny they have a bit of Romeo in them. I know for certain many men cannot deny they wish they were as bad ass as say Leonardo DiCaprio in Baz Luhrmann’s iconic 90s pop culture cult classic “Romeo + Juliet” which brought the tale to the beach and the streets and mansions of Los Angeles for a hyper technicolor MTV version that still resonates today, especially when it comes to style.

Do you remember the first time you watched the “Love at First Sight Scene” in the film with that glorious neon aquarium and that haunting “Kissing You” song playing…shit! I mean, come on!!! Claire Danes is especially gorgeous, and her sensitive acting abilities really shine through.

People would kill me for actually saying this, but they were robbed of Academy Award nominations, truly.

I’m not going to lie, we were pushing the tropical shirts long before every major fashion house started picking up the trend (see: +THE CASE FOR HAWAIIAN SHIRTS+), and we’re not upset about it…in fact, its so wonderful to see more guys take risks with their style because of inspirations like this!

While, Dicaprio’s gang chic Romeo is uber cool, we wanted to look back on some previous Romeos – most especially Leonard Whiting from Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 “Romeo & Juliet”, which is hands down our favourite.

Quick shout out to Douglas Booth in the 2013 version – very handsome guy, but the film is redundant AF – so here’s a quick pic should suffice.

Zeffirelli’s film is unique, as it was the first time two unknown teenage actors were cast in the lead of such a massive Shakespeare production, and a world-wide search brought the world the ethereal youthful beauty of Olivia Hussey (she ain’t no hussy, but she did also star in the cult Canadian horror flick “Black Christmas” – you can’t miss those eyes) who was only 15 at the time, and the handsome Leonard Whiting (17) , who lets face it, really does look like Zac Efron.

Certified, he did it first!

 

Their chemistry is unpalpable, and the entire production is lush and dripping sophistication- Roger Ebert even went as far to say it is the best film of Shakespeare ever made. Respectfully it was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, and Director, and won for its gorgeous cinematography, and Danilo Donati’s sumptuous costumes.

It even inspired the fashion scene at the time with the two stars appearing in various fashion magazines rocking mod styles with a medieval flare. The two teens were definitely a big IT couple of the moment. So, if you haven’t seen this classic, do yourself a favour already!

Another Romeo might be the OG of movie star Romeos – Leslie Howard who starred opposite of Norma Shearer in George Cukor’s 1936 film. Neither of them really exude that youthful innocence, seeing as they are grown ass adults!

But, the vibe is full-on Hollywood glamour with a dazzle and flare that is just so fabulously extra, and sadly missed today!!! Also, very inspired by Leslie Howard’s perfectly coiffed hair!

We all know the story, so let’s just take a look at a few snaps to spark and inspire the Romeo vibe.

Pretty wicked! So, if you’re looking to channel your inner Romeo, we have some picks for you from the {SHOP}!

Remember, XIXIXI gets you 25% OFF of these, and all our hand-picked curated vintage finds! FREE SHIPPING in CANADA, also. Don’t be shy to message us for any details.

To learn more about these pieces, browse our {SHOP}

We’re also huge fans of HBO’s ‘WESTWORLD’ so what a delight to find one of our favorite quotes originated from this fine inspiration…

“These violent delights, have violent ends”

– Shakespeare, “Romeo & Juliet”: Act 2 , Scene 6
+

We can’t wait to see what the next incarnation of this idol of style will be in the {FUTURE} . . .

Until next time,

{theEye}
+

 

BEAUTY, E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, FAVOURITE FIND, MUSIC, Music Minute, PARIS, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

{MUSIC MINUTE} “GIGI IN PARADISCO” by +DALIDA+

Leave a comment

Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti ( 17 January 1933 – 3 May 1987) better known as Dalida (داليدا‎)

+Before Beyonce there was Dalida.+

This exotic beauty of Italian descent and born in Cairo, Egypt rose to international fame throughout the 1960s and all the way to her suicide in the 1980s. A suicide over a broken heart only days after appearing in television interviews perfectly normal…love was her worst enemy in life.

She sold upwards of 140 million albums; Beyonce has sold 17 million solo, and 17 million with Destiny’s Child which really puts it into perspective (although, our girl Rihanna has sold upwards of 230 million records, so . . . ).

Special thanks to +THE ULTIMATE FASHION HISTORY+ Channel and its fabulous curator Amanda Halley for introducing us to this dazzling Diva. I’m sure we will focus on her again in future posts! The more you dive into her memory, the  more incredible she becomes.

There was actually a biopic released in 2017 about her which we are dying to see! Check out the trailer here.

This is a wonderful disco extravaganza from 1979-1980 (?) entitled “GIGI IN PARADISCO”. It’s a total odyssey of 1970s crazy euro party glamour!

 

Let us know what you think in +COMMENTS+ below…

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance…

I hope you dance!

Until next time,

{theEye}

+

BEAUTY, E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, FAVOURITE FIND, HISTORY {is made at night}, NEW YORK CITY, Rebel Society, STYLE IDOLS AND DIVINITIES, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

I DON’T NEED YOU TO TELL ME I’M BEAUTIFUL! I KNOW I’M BEAUTIFUL!!!

1 Comment

Fresh off our VMP DRAG FASHION FLAUNT at this year’s Vintage Marketplace, we can’t stop thinking about how incredible drag queens are, especially those of the {PAST} who paved the way for the {PRESENT} culture and creativity and will continue to invoke its {FUTURE}.

We know everyone who is anyone keeps up with RuPaul’s Drag Race, and the past season’s ALL STARS edition featured a wickedly hilarious Snatch Game that had Brooklyn babe AJA take on one of Herstory’s most legendary queens – founder of the House of LaBeija, and star of the cult 1968 documentary “The Queen”, Crystal LaBeija!

 

+GET A TASTE+

And she took her on with gusto and glamour, and also delivered this beautiful spirit back into the forum of the mainstream…much in the way Jinx Monsoon brought us Little Edie of “Grey Gardens”, and Sasha Velour took on Marlene Dietrich; keeping these divinities alive for younger generations is absolutely key!

How sad it is when you hear a young man or woman denote they have no idea who these iconic legends are . . . stay educated, kids!

“The Queen” is a fabulous film directed by Frank Simon, and provides an up close and candid look at the behind of the scenes of the 1967 All-America Camp Beauty Contest in New York City. It is a wonderful portrait of a time gone by. . . New York City is rough and tough, and men from all around America shack up in tiny hotel rooms in anticipation of the pageant discussing the difficulties of being gay in America. They are all fabulous, and its wonderful to see their final transformations from the male versions of them you see in rehearsals. This transformation truly proves the power of style and image to invoke strength from within.

Illustrated herstory by Laurel Lynn-Leake

By far, the most fabulous moment has to be Crystal’s freak out when she is named fourth place storms out and then rips everyone a new one backstage. Absolutely ICONIC…you are going to have to see it to believe it! And if you are a fan of Drag Race, you will really appreciate what Aja brought to the table even more.

We stumbled upon a full version of the film on Youtube, so check it out below and enjoy!

+Look out for Andy Warhol’s cameo (he was a judge in the pageant)+

Did you know Frank Ocean sampled Crystal Labeija ???

We love moments like this in pop culture where the {PAST} races into the {PRESENT} and ultimately shapes our {FUTURE}. . .  rebel queens like Crystal LaBeija will live on far past those who chose not to be the truest, most incredible versions of themselves.

I don’t need you to tell me I’m beautiful! I KNOW I’M BEAUTIFUL!!!

 

And really, we should all fell this way! Screw the haters- you rock!

Listen to that spirit within you, and let it free…

Until next time,

{theEye}

+

 

 

BEAUTY, E.O.F. SNAPSHOT OF THE DAY, FASHION, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

E.O.F. SNAPSHOT OF THE DAY {FEBRUARY 1, 2018}

Leave a comment

 

+ I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY+

 

or rather, WINONA does . . .

She’s right, though.

So lets not invoke that shame and guilt in the {future}

Let everyone be who they are meant to be!

Why is that so hard?

Until next time,

{theEye}

+

 

 

ART, BEAUTY, E.O.F. SNAPSHOT OF THE DAY, STYLE {WISE}, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

E.O.F. SNAPSHOT OF THE DAY {JANUARY 31, 2018}

Leave a comment

 

Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.
-Marilyn Monroe

 

Words of a wise woman.

Until next time,

{theEye}

+

 

Uncategorized

{STYLE IDOL} HELMUT BERGER (Doesn’t Give a Fuck!!!)

2 Comments

Helmut Berger is what I consider a perfect artist – very serious in his craft, intelligent in his thoughts, without any time or patience for “bullshit” or empty phrases that litter many people’s everyday lives, conversations and relationships.

— Alexander Tuschinski, article about working with Berger on the film Timeless in 2015.

Helmut Berger doesn’t give a fuck what you think about him.

A icon of beauty, sex, and hedonism – the actor experienced great attention through the late 60s and 1970s for his work in film, most particularly with iconic Italian film maker Luchino Visconti whom took Berger under his wing as a muse in art and love.

How couldn’t he? When Visconti first cast the young and rebellious Austrian actor in his film Le Streghe (The Witches) in 1967, it was clear this was a rare star coming closer into orbit, and soon he was doing one iconic role after another playing Martin Von Essenback in The Damned (dressing in Dietrich drag in one of the film’s pivotal moments), King Ludwig II of Bavaria (earning him a David Di Donatello Award for Best Actor), and the title role in the flashy mod remake of Oscar Wilde’s classic – Dorian Gray.

 

He was also the first man to ever grace the cover of VOGUE alongside girlfriend Marisa Berenson – not surprising considering his classic beauty.

Those smouldering eyes, that golden blonde hair, his brooding masculinity mixed with a distinct dandy elegance – its a combination we don’t see in celebrities today.

On screen and off screen, Helmut Berger is definitely an idol of style we need to praise! So, here’s a classic {STYLE IDOL} collection of wicked photos of this bad ass legend of cinema to muse over and inspire your personal sense of style!

Helmut Berger

Yes, I am tainted by the beautiful things in life. But to all those who only want to see me as an agent provocateur and an eccentric I can only say: With every day of my life the number of people I don’t give a damn about grows and grows.

-Helmut Berger

As portrayed in the intensely provocative documentary by Andreas Horvath, Helmut Berger is a rebel without a cause – full of spunk, a lust for life, and a certain je na sais quois that really make a star ignite.

Not many people have the balls to to live as loud as this guy, so major props to him for that; and despite his seemingly reckless antics, we can’t deny the beautiful tapestry of work this man has created with his art and contributions to the legacy of cinema and of course, classic bad ass style!

For the most part, off duty, he’s a very classic jeans and oxford shirt kind of guy, but I love the extravagance and opulence he is able to pull of in many of his film roles, that I believe many other actors would have had a hard time making believable.

Tres chic and a bit of a rebel- Helmut Berger should definitely be at the top of your list for all-time style icons if you are into that kind of thing. We started this blog to help promote the beauty of the {past}, so hopefully we’ll be seeing a little more Helmut Berger realness in the near {future}.

 

What frightens you, what you see or what you don’t?

-Helmut Berger in Salon Kitty

 

Hope this was a good one for you! We love compiling these {STYLE IDOLS & DIVINITIES} for you guys, so let us know what you thought in the comments below!

Also, let us know if you have some interesting ideas!

Keep up with us on INSTAGRAM or FACEBOOK!

Until next time,

{theEye}

+

 

XIXIXI gets you 25% OFF!

BEAUTY, E.O.F. SNAPSHOT OF THE DAY, FASHION, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

E.O.F. SNAPSHOT OF THE DAY {JANUARY 16, 2018}

Leave a comment

Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think.

-Martin Luther King

 

When you’re right, you’re right . . .

Here’s to better daze ahead!

Until we meet again,

{theEye}

+

 

SHOP NOW!

 

XIXIXI gets you 25% OFF!

{click here to SHOP}

+