Style - The Clothes I Wear - Josh

Where do you call home?
Valencia, California... most know it as the place where Magic Mountain is.

What's your sign?
I'm a Scorpio...and have no idea what it means. Oops.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A business man like my pops or a dermatologists... I have a weird skin fetish, watch out.
Whose style do you admire?
Shia Labeouf, Justin Timberlake, oh and Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl, but i could never pull it off.
On a more personal basis, I dig Gary Samuelian's, Dyaln Higginson's and Garrett Kline's.

Where do you buy your jeans?
Urban Outfitters, 80's purple.com, Nordstrom, Forever 21, J. Crew

What's the last text you received?
"what happened to you last night "
Photographs by Matt Clayton

Places - Where I Live - D.C. - Part 4

PART 4 - SHOPPING IN D.C.

While people might be decked out in business attire downtown and over on the Hill, DC is home to some of the best vintage shops and boutiques I've come across (which is my cup of tea). You won't go wrong with walking along M Street in Georgetown; where a number of upscale designer boutiques are located along with the predictable (but reliable) shops. One of my favorite spots for great vintage thrifting is right there on M Street, Annie Creamcheese. Adams Morgan also has an array of awesome shops in its trendy neighborhood, my favorite being Mercedes Bien Vintage (only open a few afternoons on the weekend, but a lovely hidden gem) and Meeps. Other great clothing boutiques in DC include Nana and Lettie Gooch both located in the U Street Area. For unique home furnishings, be sure to check out Miss Pixie's (also in the U Street Area) and a fun bookstore/ gathering place (ok, and restaurant) is Busboys and Poets on 14 St. NW.

Hope you enjoyed my DC mini guide! DC really has so much to offer, and I only touched the surface of what is available here in the district (plus, I'M still figuring my way around this lovely city since I've only been living here less than a year.) Thanks to 21st and Ivy for having me guest post this week! You'll have to let me know if you're ever in the district and took up one of my suggestions! xo

Posted by Naomi Davis

Goods - Pillowcases

You spend a third of your life sleeping, why not spruce up your cradle with a nifty pair of pillowcases? Each cotton blend set is topped with fun graphics to retire and wake-up to.

$28.00 at UrbanOutfitters.com

Posted by Andrew Garlock

Places - Where I Live - D.C. - Part 3

PART 3 - MUSIC IN D.C.

Believe it or not, Washington, D.C. is home to some fabulous music venues for all kinds of music, including blues and jazz. In fact, it’s home to the nation's oldest continuing jazz supper club, Blues Alley. There’s also the Bohemian Caverns, where almost all the great jazz musicians have performed over the years on its stage, and HR57.
In the summer, the National Gallery of Art hosts free concerts in its famous Sculpture Garden which we really love. For more current music, there’s the 9:30 Club, Black Cat, and the Birchmere. Of course, there is always some awesome stuff going on at the world-renowned Kennedy Center.

Posted by Naomi Davis
Blues Alley photo by Rebecca Reed

Music - Shark Speed "Education_E.P."

If you’re like me and didn’t think local, progressive rock band Shark Speed could get any better, prepare to be blown away- because they have. The group’s sophomore release, “Education,” is a four-song EP that showcases the band’s progress and maturity over the past year.

In August I sat down with the band and talked about the new EP. One of the most important things for them during the songwriting process was that they didn’t want to recreate “Sea Sick Music,” their 10-song debut album released last January; they wanted to try something new. This idea made me a little nervous because I loved “Sea Sick Music” so much that I actually wanted more of it. So I didn’t know what to expect, and, to be honest, I was afraid of being disappointed.

Then I listened to “Education” and within the first few seconds, I knew the band had done it; they had successfully recorded four new songs, keeping that classic, dance-rock, Shark Speed sound we’ve grown to love while at the same time adding completely different elements. The combination created the perfect follow-up album.

Singer Thayne Fagg’s vocals seem more mature and polished; the use of different samples in the songs is more dominant and noticeable and the overall sound of the EP feels very clean and even more put together than the debut album.

My favorite track on the EP has to be “Like a Dead Dog.” The song has it all: clever lyrics (“Don’t let your thoughts be controlled by whether, so many memories of you penetrate my mind. They’re floating in and out just like a feather or like the hissing of a tape as I push rewind”), a catchy chorus, great vocals and of course, that wonderful trumpet I always look forward to with anticipation at each show.

I told everyone I knew last year that Shark Speed couldn’t have done any better on its first time around with “Sea Sick Music.” Once again, I don’t think the band could have done any better on its second time around. You’re going to love “Education.”

“Education” will be released this Saturday night (January 30th) at Velour.

Posted by Spencer Flanagan

Places - Where I Live - D.C. - Part 2

PART 2 - FOOD IN D.C.

My husband and I spend much of our time exploring the many restaurants and local eateries in DC. For our very first meal in DC my husband and I enjoyed burgers at Good Stuff Eatery owned by Chef Spike from Top Chef and have been back for his award winning burgers many times. Besides being obsessed with burgers, we love eating pizza, so we’ve scoured the district searching for the best slice. 2Amy’s by the National Cathedral and 7th Hill Pizza on Capitol Hill are great options and everyone has to have at least one Jumbo Slice in Adams Morgan. For breakfast, we love getting a stack of the “Blues” (delicious blueberry buckwheat pancakes) and crab cake eggs benedict at Market Lunch at Eastern Market. You can’t go wrong with the crepes at Café Bonaparte in Georgetown either.

Other fun places to try for lunch or dinner include Ben’s Chili Bowl on U. Street, Founding Farmers near the White House, and Pasta Mia in Adams Morgan. The famous Georgetown Cupcake is always good no matter what time of day it is, and be sure not to miss Baked and Wired also in Georgetown for pies, cookies, hot drinks, and other picture-perfect goodies.

Posted by Naomi Davis
Baked and Wired photo by Rebecca Reed

Places - Where I Live - D.C. - Part 1

Hey, I'm Naomi from Rockstar Diaries and I'm so happy to be guest posting here on 21st and Ivy! Over the next few days, I'll be sharing with you a mini guide to where I live, Washington DC. With the help of photographer Rebecca Reed, I’ll show you some fun things to do here in DC, places to eat, music venues, and the best shops in DC. Although it's still my first year living in the district, I'm really excited to share what I've discovered so far. Hope you enjoy!

PART 1 – FUN THINGS TO DO IN D.C.

DC has so much to offer! As our nation's capital, it's full of history, charm, quaint little neighborhoods, beautiful architecture, museums and monuments, as well as diverse people from all over the world. The district is packed with great museums and impressive monuments. I recommend the Newseum for the striking photography of its Pulitzer Prize exhibit and The National Portrait Gallery for the perspective provided by the personal nature of its collections. Of course, there are plenty of great food, shopping, and music options, which I’ll talk about later in the week.
You can catch a play The Ford Theatre after taking a tour of the place where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, go people watching downtown, stroll down Embassy Row. Tour the Capitol or visit The White House and different monuments.

Washingtonians spend lots of time outdoors in Rock Creek Park, running on the National Mall, boating on the Potomac, and biking on trails throughout the metropolitan area. During the spring, there’s the breathtaking Cherry Blossom Festival. During the summer, you can catch a movie at the Screen on the Green out on the National Mall, check out live seafood at the Southwest Waterfront. There are a number of farmers markets in DC as well, our favorite being the big and beautiful Eastern Market on Capitol Hill. During fall, go on walks to see the beautiful multi-colored leaves in cute little neighborhoods like Capitol Hill. During the winter, you can skate on the The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink, see the tree at both the White House and The Capital. But definitely one of the most special things to do in Washington, D.C. is be here on the Fourth of July!

Posted by Naomi Davis
Photos by Rebecca Reed

Naomi Davis

We are pleased to introduce our guest blogger, Naomi.

Naomi, originally from Utah, recently graduated from The Julliard School in Dance. She and her husband, Josh found love in New York City and chronicled their love, style, and on-going hunt for the best burger at her blog, Rockstar Diaries.

Recently, Naomi and Josh moved to D.C. where their hunt continues, and they share their adventures in their new city. Their latest adventure being a bull-dog pup, Kingsley. Naomi is here to share the best of her city and how to make the most out of your trip to D.C., in a special four part series.

But first, let's get to know a little more about Naomi.

What are your "must-haves" for the upcoming Spring season?

A camera to take pretty pictures of the cherry blossoms this season, Nutella and strawberry crepes, jump rope and a kite to fly, big sunglasses in case it's sunny, my Mary Poppins umbrella in case it's rainy a few minutes later, coke in a bottle, a leash to walk Kingsley in the park everyday and Toblerone and San Pelligrino to eat and drink at every meal! Ah, that'd be lovely.

Do you have a motto for 2010?
For years, it's been "Come what may, and love it." -Joseph B. Worthlin

What is a typical day for you like?
Each day is totally different from the next, since I have the opportunity to freelance and work on different styling projects in addition to teaching dance a few days a week, running my online [headband] shop Love, Taza, and blogging. I don't have a 9-5 type job. Maybe it's because I'm a dancer, but I have a short attention span and hate sitting for long periods of time at a desk. I feel incredibly fortunate to get to do things that I love, and make a living doing them.

What is your dream job?
I'm not much of a cook, but gosh, how fun would it be to be a chef and to cook all day! (Or bake all day, in my opinion...) I'd love it.

If you had $5,000 to blow, what would you do with it?
I'd buy gorgeous dark hardwood floors for my future home. And a year's supply of Toblerone and San Pelligrino.

What is your most anticipated album of 2010?
We heard a rumor that Arcade Fire has been working on a new album these past six months. If it's true, Josh and I cannot wait to hear it! Also excited about Vampire Weekend and Spoon's new stuff. We love them.

What is your most anticipated film of 2010?
To be honest, Toy Story 3. Cannot wait! Also, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!

What is the best hour on television right now?
Thursday nights. You get 30 Rock and The Office!

Do you have a favorite designer?
I will forever love pretty much everything Marc Jacobs designs.

What shops/stores are your go-to places for tops, dresses, skirts, shoes, etc?
I stop by my favorite Etsy vintage shops on a regular basis to check out the new stuff. I love DearGolden, Thrush Vintage and Sally Jane for awesome dresses, blouses, and skirts. Urban Outfitters, Zara, and Anthropologie are always a good bet too (especially the sale rack.)

If you had a fashion uniform what would it include?
I think there would be some red lipstick and bright colored tights in there. And maybe bow ties for everyone!

What accessories or pieces get your wardrobe from Winter to Spring?
Lighter cardigans and thinner tights instead of thick leggings, for sure!

Name your three fashion icons.
Scott Schuman, the genius behind the The Sartorialist is definitely one. He has an incredible eye for fashion and I always leave his blog or images feeling inspired.
I love the way Sally Jane puts outfits together on her blog. She's adorable and has awesome taste.
I also have a lot of repect for Mary Kate Olsen and her fashion sense. She takes big risks with her look and has layering down like no one else.

What are your favorite blogs and websites?
Every photo Sandra Juto takes is beyond beautiful. So I read her blog on a regular basis. I read Copenhagen Street Style regularly for fashion inspiration and also Here's Lookin At Me Kid and A Beautiful Mess for thrifting and crafting inspiration. Those two ladies are unbelievable!

Guiltiest pleasure?
Lately, cheesecake. All kinds.

What motivates you to move to a new city and make it your own?
I believe that no matter where you live, be it a small little town or large city, that each place has plenty of magic and adventure to offer. I hate when people say, "There's nothing to do here!" There is plenty to do, and everywhere! You just have to get out and go explore!

Interviewed by: Emily Frame

Photo credit: Naomi Davis

Style - The Clothes I Wear - Jessica

Where do you call home?
Springville, UT

What's your sign?
I am a Leo, you know the Lion.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A stylist. Or Rachel Zoe, Rachel Zoe is an amazing celebrity stylist & I fell in love with her this past year. She has passion and that is contagious, she makes people feel special in the clothes they wear and in a way I try to do that at my job everyday.
Whose style do you admire?
I admire a lot of people who I don't even know, I am a people watcher and I love to see people in real life who love fashion. It inspires me. I am addicted to lookbook.nu. You log in, post pictures of what you wore that day and start to create a lookbook.. it's really great to see some of the books.

Where do you buy your jeans?
Bastille, Nordstrom, Forever 21

What's the last text you received?
"Oh, you."
Photographs by Matt Clayton

Music - LSTN #8

25 sweet tracks, compliments of Urban Outfitters, just waiting for you download here. Enjoy.

Style - GBN

This edition of "Go Buy Now" is all about the nautical stripe. This Spring staple comes in all shapes and sizes so you can still outfit yourself for the cold and grays while you get a leg up on your warm weather wardrobe.
Find these nautical inspired pieces all at Forever 21 all for less than $20.

Posted by Emily Frame.

Music - Vampire Weekend "Contra"

Vampire Weekend, the band that made boat shoes and popped collars cool once again last year, recently released its sophomore album, “Contra,” last week, and, in my opinion, it’s the perfect follow-up to the band’s debut album released in 2008.

I was actually really nervous when I heard Vampire Weekend would be releasing a follow-up album because I loved the debut album so much that I listened to it non-stop for months and eventually grew sick of it; I can still only listen to it on select occasions. I was nervous the new album would basically be a repeat of the debut album.

However, after streaming “Contra” for the first time on the band’s Web site, within the first few seconds my nervousness quickly turned to excitement, and I wanted to jump and shout, “They did it!” Vampire Weekend was able to create a new album with enough variety in its indie-pop tracks while keeping that classic Vampire Weekend sound we have grown to love. Fans of the band are going to love it. And if you haven’t heard of them yet, this is one album you definitely want to check out. Go ahead, make this weekend a Vampire Weekend.

Favorite tracks: Horchata, White Sky, and Giving Up the Gun”

Posted by Spencer Flanagan

Music - Rock + Documentary = Rockumentary

Every Monday night until the end of April Muse Music in Provo will be screening a free music documentary film! The lineup is impressive, featuring artists such as Sigur Ros, Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie and Kurt Cobain. There will be a free open mic at 7 pm and the film will start at 9 pm. Don't forget that Muse also has a cafe inside, where you can get grilled sandwiches, Italian sodas, hot chocolate and baked goods.

1-18 - The Devil and Daniel Johnston
1-25 - Hype! (Seattle Music Scene)
2-1 - Heima (Sigur Ros)
2-8 - Genghis Blues (throat singing in Mongolia)
2-15 - Meeting People is Easy (Radiohead)
2-22 - Directions (Death Cab For Cutie)
3-1 - Anvil: The Story of Anvil
3-8 - It Might Get Loud (Jack White/Jimmy Page/The Edge)
3-15 - DiG! (The Dandy Warhols/Brian Jonestown Massacre)
3-22 - Spend An Evening With Saddle Creek
3-29 - You May Need a Murderer (Low)
4-5 - New York Doll
4-12 - The Carter (Lil Wayne)
4-19 - Kurt Cobain: About a Son
4-26 - Spinal Tap

Posted by Amalia Smith

Desert Noises

The sounds of the desert have been quiet for quite some time now, but lucky for all of us, that’s all about to change.

Orem based, indie-folk band Desert Noises, signed to Northplatte Records, have been on somewhat of a hiatus lately, mainly because member Kyle Henderson was on tour with Joshua James.

“We are soon headed into the studio to record our full-length album, which we are so excited about and plan to release in early spring of this year,” Henderson said.

The upcoming album will be the band’s first full-length, a follow-up to its debut EP released early last year.

Desert Noises also includes Riley Johnson and Kyle’s brother, Trevor. The band’s sound has been compared to Fleet Foxes and Band of Horses because of its beautiful harmonies and catchy, folk-inspired tunes.

Desert Noises will be playing the City Weekly Music Awards in February and already have several shows booked around the area. This is one band you don’t want to miss!

THE SAME SEVEN QUESTIONS WITH KYLE HENDERSON OF DESERT NOISES

Who or what inspires you?
I think everything inspires us. Life. Surroundings. Experiences. Of course other artists and groups inspire us at different times but we listen to so many different things it’s hard to just nail someone and say “that is our inspiration.” It’s hearing the things we like and trying to express the feeling in our own way.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I tend to forget things. It occasionally causes problems. I would love to change that.What makes you happy?
Enjoying our close friendship (not just being a band).

What is your greatest fear?
I have the fear of drowning.

What makes you laugh?
Riley Johnson
Who are you listening to right now?
I am listening to the new Norah Jones album “The Fall,” “Alligator” by The National and always Modest Mouse.

What fictional character do you identify with most?
Does Mr. Rodgers count?

Check out the music of Desert Noises here. Follow them on Twitter here.

Posted by Spencer Flanagan
Photographs by Matt Clayton

Goods - Stencil Decor

DIY decor at its finest--great crafty with this kit of oversized stencils, perfect for painting designs on just about any surface, from walls and backsplashes to floors and even refrigerators. The Stencil 101 Decor set includes 10, 11" x 11.5" stencils.

$25.00 at FredFlare

Posted by Andrew Garlock

Style - Runway to Everyday - Merci Boucle

Hailed as one of the most inspiring Spring lines of 2010, Isabel Marant's runway show had one common denominator: the boucle [boo-clay] jacket. Collarless and ultra-feminine, we predict this jacket is going to be a huge hit the rest of the year. We loved how Marant offset the feminine jacket with tough details.

You can find your own version of this runway hit anywhere from $22.80 {Forever 21} to $1200 {St. John} and even some in between at Urban Outfitters & Nordstrom.

Easily paired with a new staple like Joe's denim leggings {Joe's Jeans} this jacket takes you easily from Winter to Spring.

But like Marant, we agree the perfect pairing to a boucle jacket is something menswear inspired. Be it a pair of boyfriend jeans {Gap}, studded platform booties {gojane.com} or oxford flats {Steve Madden "Tuxxedo"}

Posted by Emily Frame.

Style - Coloring Look

If you're in the market for a new top layer this ski season, rule the mountain in colors even Crayola would be proud of - Brilliant Verde, Flame, Celery, and Cardinal Red.

Snow Patrol Matador Jacket + pants // Holden

Sneak Peak Big Sky Jacket + pants // Airblaster

Rockin' Robin On her: Bellevue 3 in 1 Jacket/Vest + pants // Nike
On him: [ak] 2L Cyclic Jacket + pants // Burton

Snow Pal The White Collection Women's Puffy Jacket + pants // Burton

Lift Off Civil Jacket + pants // Bond

All items available at Milo Sport.

Illustrations by Jess Smiley
Photos by Matt Clayton

Goods - Scarf Tie

Christmas might be over, but winter has just begun. For a lot of us that means freezing temperatures and things like gloves and scarves to stave off frostbite.

Now, there's nothing wrong with your standard scarf, but the hand crafted Andtie from Denmark adds a little something extra--the illusion of wearing a necktie. So go ahead and impress someone, it will no doubt be a complimentary piece in your wardrobe.

$127.00 at Andtie

Posted by Andrew Garlock

January '10

Happy new year all! We hope you ushered in 2010 in style - shared with family and friends.

We're grateful to all of you who visited last month to check out our Yuletide Downloads. We hope they brightened your holiday season and introduced you to some great talent. We look forward to hearing more from these great bands throughout this new year.

One such band we'll be getting to know better this month is Desert Noises, so watch for that. Also, we'll be getting to know our own staff better, checking out the street style of the Sundance Film Festival and "Rockstar" herself takes us on a tour of Washington D.C.

So be sure to keep visiting. We love the company.

Best,
The crew at 21st & Ivy

Have suggestions for the blog? We'd love to hear them. Contact us at info{at}twentyfirstandivy.com.