I got the chance to meet Haleh almost two years ago through my blog and we’ve been working together ever since. The first editorial I ever styled featured loads of great pieces from Haleh’s collections. After hours and hours spent gabbing over fashion and music, we realized we couldn’t just keep all these ideas to ourselves. We’ve been wanting to share our views and opinions for quite some time. So now, we’re both super excited to be collaborating on monthly-ish webisodes that are coming to a computer near you very soon. Stay tuned for Haleh Hearts Lala…-Lala Lopez

To see the haleh.tv guest post, or more of Lala’s amazing point of view, click here.

For our first cross posting, I though it would make sense to share what I’m obsessively thinking about now.  The funds for these things are being accumulated, and I’m picturing the purchasing scenarios clearly in my meditations.

( check her blog www.lalanyc)

1)-Chanel resort 2011 over the knee boots-You can pretty much wear a trash bag every day as your top with these and look fab.  They easily cost over $1100, but make up for the price in trash bag tops.  I love these as a multi seasonal, trendless classically chic over the knee boot.

2)-Oak black label blond and black horsehair Keychains-Love these to add a hairy twist to any  plain bag.

3)-Vintage Boy London T-Shirt-The black and white are the best.

4)-Natalia Brilli Scull wrist bag-I saw this at the Alchemist store in Miami and drooled to death. Leather bound in the shape of a skull.   There is no practicality involved here, you can stick some dollar bills, bend your ID inside, and hold your cell phone the whole night.

5)-Elemental Herbology Purify and Soothe facial Cleanser-Smells heavenly, a very balmy texture perfect for dry skin.

6)-Anne Sofie Back Aviators-An outfit maker or breaker. I can’t tell you where to buy them, Sorry.  I’m really wanting them, so I”ll  have to cut out my competition for now.  It’s not like you can google them.

7)-Moschino Vintage belt-Obsessed for years with late 80’s/early 90’s vintage Moschino.  Especially this belt.

8)-NIA eye repair complex-One of the advisors at space NK claims this is the best eye cream she has ever used, as in better than La Mer.

9)-Natalia Brilli Laptop case-I rarely have 2 items from the same accessories designer, but have you ever seen such a cool laptop case?

10)-Vintage Salvadore Ferragamo Ballet flats-If you’re not super preppy they look sooo good.  Find them on ebay.

11)-House of Holland garter tights-make bigger shapes like boxy t shirt dresses look great with these underneath.  A non slutty garter.  Could it be.

12)-Jeremy Scott Bone heels-  I can’t handle these.

13)-Chloe Sevigny bass weejun penny loafers-It’s been a long time since penny loafers have been sexy to me, but I’m wanting me a pair bad.

My baby Haleh.tv gets her first mention on the very fun WWD social media column, Social Studies.    Click on the link above to read original column.

This very Prada inspired look works perfectly on the street, Bree pictured here looks like a cooler version of their s/s 2007 look. It’s the combination of all the different colors and prints that is key to why this works.  There is something about turbans that makes everyone look super exotic, chic-y, and fashiony if you know what I mean.  Its like, throw on a turban with a white t shirt and jeans, and you know this bitch is somehow involved in the fashion industry.  Or maybe she is one of the Traina sisters.

Hayley pictured above is like a lot of those I see around in the East Village and feel are somehow kindred spirits. It’s not necessarily super original, but more like a visual representation of why art school girls rule.  I’m loving the wacky print on the crop top, and the proportions pretty much sum up where fashion is at right now.  Her version is way more interesting, than all those boring “Safari” themes you always see pop up in fashion magazines every other spring since 1965.  That and “Nautical” themes.   You know exactly what I’m talking about, lets not be politically correct here.

Nana Boateng is a menswear designer that is not exactly shy, which is why I decided to add a dude for once.  This is not the style I normally gravitate towards,  but he’s giving it.  The fit is impeccable, and he pulls it off proudly and effortlessly in a very straight way, which is what is surprising for a guy in a hot pink suit.  What’s with ultra straight men and their fear of color?  Unless you are from Italy, Latin America, an entertainer, or listen to electro, men won’t wear bright colors. It’s 2010 guys, really.

I think this girl and I should be style friends and swap jackets.  I’ll give her my Jeremy Scott phone print motorcycle from 2007 for her mickey mouse, like now.  I mean right this second.  Are you guys sick of stuff with Mickey on it yet?  It’s been over 8 years for me and I’m still not over it.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZEBA BLAY

I finally got a chance to see the theatrics and production of Australia’s Empire of the Sun, last week at terminal 5 in New York City. Their album “Walking on a dream ” was something I had listened to non-stop while creating my S/S 2010 collection “Some Kind of Bliss” and felt strangely connected to. Even though one can argue their music is quite poppy, after seeing them live I understood what the draw was for me personally. Seeing Empire of the Sun live is a must experience for any visual freaks out their like me. They have an entire choreographed, frequent costume changed, laser light, and visual projection experience that is one hell of a production. The background projected images looked oddly similar to those of my vision board for that season. I tend to love it when music is about a whole experience and thought process from concept to completion, it’s clear that Empire of the Sun think in very broad terms. As explained in Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore’s words ”the name comes more from the idea of [and you’ll see this in the ongoing videos) the fact that we’re traveling around the world going to all the places of empires of the civilization where the sun has been a theme of worship.” I totally get it. If you want a real surreal visual trip, do yourself the favor and check out for the showmanship alone a live show from these guys. A word of warning though, people seem to love them or hate them. Click on the image to see what I’m fussing about.

I’ve seen Australia’s (yes it’s an Aussie themed post) Cut Copy live a few times, and it’s never a dull Un-dancey moment with them. So much so, that I ended up on the speakers non-stop throughout one of their last shows here. Last week’s performance at Jellypool was such a blast, they killed it. What makes Cut copy special is what a solid buzz they seem to always have. Earlier that day I was shopping and must have bumped into at least 5 cuties mentioning this show. There is something about them that reminds me so much of early New Order. Would you agree? Click on the link so see my favorite shows this summer (so far)!

Today I was admiring all the pieces in my wardrobe that kill me with each wear.   With each try at a new look each of these pieces fills me with the assumption that they are now actually a part of me.  In fact, have you ever had those pieces that you actually feel ARE you?  As in the garments that everyone identifies you in?   Just as a theatrical Phillip Treacy hat was to the late Isabella Blow, these are the pieces that make your style, your style.   It’s only a matter of time before I gave you my wardrobe top pieces of all time, up to now that is.

Each of these items in themselves carry stories.  Like my “Pirates to Princess” Galliano plaid kilt that was straight off the runway, or the Vivienne Westwood court platforms that are finally mine, 15 years in the making.

Here are my all time wardrobe best buddies, to get you in the mood I’ve attached a dress up playlist.  Scroll and click over the song title to boogie.

Twelves- Works For Me

Chic- Dance Dance Dance

Spoon- Got Nuffin

Devo- Girl U Want

Mike Snow- Animal (The Parks Jump Up Remix)

The Soft Pack- Fences

1) Giles for Mulberry Bag (2007) –  I was getting together  the funds for this bag for months only to find it sold out.  Randomly it appeared at a cute shop in Forte Dei Marme, Italy where I was vacationing.  If I were to be a bag, this is it.

2) Miu Miu Lightning bolt heels (2001) –  Flash Gordon strappy sandals, lightning bolts galore.  I was on wait list for 4 months and it was well worth it.  What makes them great?  Usually strappy sandals are a little hamptons-ish and plane janey if you know what I mean.  They had never filled my style quota until these arrived, finally a summer sandal with enough grit and an amazing color combo.

Prada Sequin Top-(2006)-Lusting after this item upon viewing the Prada collection on style.com brought it straight to me.  I wore it to dinner when Waverley inn first opened sitting next to Rachel Zoe, sorry to say but my outfit majorly style slammed hers, and I got no ego.   Any night in this top is a good night.

YSL Naked Kiss heel (2007)-Long before all the countless knock-offs and seasons rereleasing, I got the first edition of the tribute called “Naked Kiss” at Jeffrey.  These where Christina Aguilera’s pair on hold, but she snoozed and I got em’.  Till this day I have never witnessed a sexier shoe, even if the shape has gotten a little played.

Haleh Nematzadeh bullet bra dress (2010)-This is my favorite dress I have ever designed thus far from my F/W 2010 collection.  I remember seeing Madonna’s blonde ambition tour and thinking “someday woman will dress like that,” well fast forward 2010, and yes the ladies are loving Haleh Nematzadeh Bullet Bra dress.

Chanel Wedge Heel (2007)-the perfect height mixed with comfort.  This was straight off the runway, and of course a classic Chanel piece.

Alexander McQueen Leather dress-(1998)-I worshipped Mr. McQueen.  In 1998 he had one of his first sample sales in New York where very few attended and understood that this was an iconic runway piece , I grabbed it 3 sizes too big.  The dress is  still so ahead of its time,  many are just starting to understand leather as evening statement dressing.

Vivienne Westwood Court Heel-(2010)-When I first laid my eyes on the iconic images of Naomi Campbell famously falling on the runway in 1994,  I promised myself one day those shoes would be mine.  I saw an image of them in Elle magazine this year, stalked the Westwood offices in the UK which told me they weren’t available.  Of course no is not an answer to moi, so I ended up convincing  them the shoes would be a hot item and that they should rerelease them.  They approved a 2 month special order.

“Too fast to live, too young to die”  Liquid Sky t shirt-(1996)-I know what you’re thinking, it’s just a T Shirt.  What’s the big deal? Liquid sky was a fantastic shop in New York that mirrored the rave scene.  Pre Kids era Chloe Sevigny worked in the store, and it constantly looked like it was raining in the shop’s window.  The phrase and what it represents are very dear to me, so dear that I didn’t mind posting up a picture where my eyes where rolling to the back of my head.  Spooky.

John Galliano plaid kilt (1995)-Purchased at century 21 for $60, my mom wanted to know why on earth I needed to purchase another plaid skirt to add to my collection.  I begged and explained it was hot off the runway, and from a new important designer named John Galliano’s Pirate to princess collection.  Look up the images and you will see Christy T working it in this exact kilt.  Years later the store owner of London’s Kokon To Zai offered me a cool $3000 for it.  I had to decline.

Vivienne Westwood limited edition squiggle pirate boot rereleased (2007)-Everyone and their mother has Viv’s pirate boots, and the knock offs spawned 7 years later and counting.  No one though, has the limited edition squiggle print, rereleased from the late 70’s/early 80’s original pirates collection.  Crazy fashion freaks stare at me when I wear these, and we give each other a nod of approval.

Original Kiss paper jacket-(2003)  This  jammy was purchased in Portobello Market in London and is an original dead stock item from the 70’s kiss tour merchandise.   The material is made of paper which makes it even crazier.  I’ve still never seen anything like it till this day.

Pauric Sweeney belt-(2002)-  London based Pauric Sweeney’s first line.  A studded belt is key styling in every wardrobe, and what I love about this one is that its adds a glam dose with “thriller” studded across the back.  This item can make an entire outfit.

Versace sandal boot platforms (2010)-I think I heard birds chirping, and saw the sun shine brightly as I first laid eyes on these shoes. I hit the wardrobe mother load with these traffic stopping (trust me when I say people are mesmerized on the street) Versace stunners that are true works of art.  I fetched them on Net a Porter, and my standards for footwear have not been the same since.

Check in with Haleh.tv for more of the fashion you love, for the world you live in.  Hope you had fun playing dress up with me.

Xxx

Haleh

I’d like to invite you on a discussion or instruction of how special designer items can change your wardrobe.   It’s about the one piece that you must have for the season.  The key to having a great wardrobe is about inspiring people with the expression of who you are, and what you love.  Almost like the most flattering version of yourself that can be.  As you start to play around and learn what really works for you, and discover new ways to express yourself, you can actually transform yourself and your life into an amazing journey of expressing the best of what you are.

Is there ever a piece that you die for when you flip through the magazines or style sites that you simply overlook and consider unattainable?  Most people assume that the items they lust after are too expensive, wouldn’t look good on them, or some simply don’t care about fashion. They just want to look clean and presentable which is fine.  But some still think, I can’t afford a Louboutin heel, or I’d rather go to Forever 21 and purchase many items when I need it.

Add that Louboutin heel to what I like to call, your fashion fund.  I am an expert when it comes to building a wardrobe that re-invests in itself. What I’m actually showing you to do is to save up and get your dream it piece that season.  Buy designer items, and watch your wardrobe, self, and life transform piece by piece.  You should love every single thing in your wardrobe.  It may sound crazy, but the kind of life that expresses the best style is worth every penny.  So are you ready for it?  Here are the basic tips for building a great wardrobe in a financially strategic manner using your fashion fund.

1) Revel in it- Research on all media and begin to look-shop around based on the amount of money you can put together.  A good starting base is $300. I know some people think that’s a lot, but stay with me.  The key here is not to limit yourself by any means, just to look around.  Even if the price of the item seems too high, you are going to ignore that, and continue to shop around for the piece that you have to have.  Shoes and bags are great here.  Once you have put together a bunch of items that you love, start to note the prices.  For example, a shoe that may be $700 that you would normally consider unattainable, will not be.  If the shoe is in the magazines, or you are seeing it hot off the runway in style.com, chances are that shoe may be arriving in the stores 4-5 months later, which means you can put a little money aside here and there until the time is right. It may even go on sale at the end of the season for half the price!  If you purchase 2-3 items like this a year to start, you are building a heavily valuable closet in the long run over time since each piece will hold value because it is a designer piece.  We’ll get back to how later.

2) Seasons Past= fast – If your fashion fund is starting at $200-$300, or you want your item now and can’t wait, check out designer items from season’s past on eBay, bluefly, yoox.com, and other internet sources as well as retail shops like Century 21.  If your fashion fund is much lower than $300 over the course of 5 months, you can still find amazing items in these shops that can cultivate a heavily invested wardrobe.

3) Cleanse and re-invest- if you have not worn an item in 6 months that is not for a special occasion like a gown, you have fallen out of love with your piece.  Whether it is or isn’t designer, sell it.  Here is where the importance of purchasing a designer label will come in, they maintain value.  Chances are your original Louboutin heels can fetch a resale value of at least $150 when sold.  Then take that money and re-invest in your fashion fund, and wardrobe.  For resale, Beacon’s closet in New York, eBay, craigslist and consignment shops are great.  You can even sell your filler items (non designer) at thrift shops that pay some money to purchase your used clothes.   You may only make $30, but that $30 can go a long way to add to your fashion fund.

Pretty soon, not only will you be in absolutely to die for in love with your wardrobe, style, and radiating the best version of yourself, but you will have a wardrobe growing effortlessly and consistently reinvesting in itself.  You are also serving the greater good and giving back to the designers and retail that are in particular need of support right now.  Who said fashion, style, and economics can’t go hand in hand?   With this million-dollar advice I’ve just given you, they absolutely can.

http://yourbellalife.com/featured/build-a-million-dollar-wardrobe/

1) What is your name and occupation?

Legendary Damon, occupation: keep the streets hot.

2) How did you get started in nightlife?

A friend of mine asked if I could do a party at limelight.  In the matter of a few weeks we had up to 1500 people showing up.

Now if I throw 3 parties a week, it all happens very organically.  One is to pay the bills , one is for the full experience like baby I’mma star at RdV.

3) What are the current must haves in your closet?

African bracelets, a gold tooth I got back in 98, margeila blue /white tuxedo jacket.

4 Prince or Michael Jackson, or both?

Both.  51%  prince, 49% Michael Jackson, but don’t quote me on that.  (Sorry!).    Actually early Madonna really influenced me , Blonde ambition and Purple Rain literally made me the person I am today.

5) Describe your style

libarace meets golden girls

6) Who are your style icons?

Prince.

Biggie

7) What is the most legendary party you have every thrown?

My birthdays each year are legendary and they keep getting better and better each year.

A few years ago someone through me a formal surprise party, as in everyone was formally dressed up in tuxedos and gowns at bbq’s.  We had a list, camera crews, and everyone was completely full and wasted.  We even had Keith haring  napkin cloths.

What is your idea of a perfect night out?

When I leave and am ready, my outfit is the life of the party.  I usually start the night off with a meet up at Rose bar,  or the Boom boom room, catch up with some friends and then go an amazing club with right mixture of dj, crowd etc..

9) What are two favorite songs that sum up your current Wednesday  party at RdV?

Baby imma star-Prince

I got story to tell-Biggy

10) What are the key ingredients involved in throwing a great party?

Music is #1, I’ve been called a Dj stopper.  Then it’s about the right  small amount of all types of people, kind of like making a meal.

I like to mix small amounts of the right crowd, but my parities have no pre conceived notions.  It’s multi culture, all different classes, a mix.  Also the party depends on me, I’m the draw, and the vibe of the party, If I feel fab the party is.

11) What are you grateful for?

I’m always a Gratefrul person in general.  I’m grateful  for what I’ve learned and how I‘ve grown as a human being.  I’m also grateful for being a grateful person. I realize that nothing else matters, fashion and parties are great, but they aren’t that important.  I don’t take life too seriously and think it should just be fun.

Click on the image above to see Haleh Nematzadeh fringe bound leather skirt featured on NBC.com .  Purchase one at A Turen in New York City!

To introduce a new Haleh.tv  here and there menswear contributor, Zach Rochlin,  I’m posting an interview a friend of mine recently recorded with with brothers Will and Zach Rocklin from the NYC alt. country rock band, Thought So.

Haleh.tv:  Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this interview. But to be honest, I doubt you’re really that busy. I hadn’t heard about you until the music blog Volume Knob mentioned you. (http://volume-knob.blogspot.com/)

-Thought so.

Haleh.tv: Is that your answer?

-I’m surprised you didn’t hear about our recent Best Buy gig.

Haleh.tv: Oh, that’s right. You are taking about the show a few weeks back on the second floor of the Union Square Best Buy, where an audience of flat-screen shoppers making their way though the wares on a Wednesday afternoon was mildly annoyed by your presence.

-Hey, easy. The flat-screen audience was into it.

Haleh.tv-where did you guys get the name “thought so”

-Motley Crue was taken.

Haleh.tv-Describe your  personal style

-We’re definitely post-something, and not neo-something

Haleh.tv-Besides who “aren’t” your musical influences, what are you listening to these days?

-R-kelly

Haleh.tv-who is your fan base?

-Anyone into Aerosmith, DBM, metal or minimal German.

Haleh.tv: Can you comment as to whether the explosion of the Internet and the apparent shift in the buying consciousness of today’s youth away from anything that can be obtained for free has resulted in the music industry going the way of buggy whip manufactures, and consequently, resulting in little to no infrastructure in place that would provide adequate financial support to musicians?

-No comment.

Haleh.tv: So, you are playing the Mercury Lounge on Thursday July 29 at 9PM. Why should anyone come to the show?

-We told Mercury that we’d bring 100 people. We know like 20. So, it would be hugely helpful for us.

Haleh.tv : I noticed a lot of bands like to play MSG when in New York, but I didn’t see that listed on your Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pages/Thought-So/14983472025?ref=Thought So) for upcoming events.

- Agreed.  In fact, our manager is working on it as we speak. We are also looking for a manager. Email thoughtsomusic@gmail.com if you’re interested in a job.

Haleh.tv:  -What are you grateful for (seriously)

James Osterberg’s old digs.

Thought so plays alt. country + rock, folk, indie, and electronic  on Thursday July 29 @ 9 PM @ the Mercury Lounge in NYC.

Also, watch for Zach’s thoughts on menswear, (he’s pretty obsessed)  this page going forward.