Category Archives: life
LIFE: En Noir Fall Winer 2013 Presentation x Milk Made x A$AP Rocky, Mark McNairy, Leo Vazquez,
I feel like everyone who attends NYFW this season should have been given a trophy. It’s such a crazy time, running from show to show…but this time we were cursed with a snow storm and freezing temperatures that made it almost impossible to dress for. Under my jeans in the photo above, I’m wearing Nike Hyperwarm Pants so that I could keep my blood warm. Oy vey.
Josh Madden
Leo Vazquez
After the models walked, we were urged to walk alongside time to take a closer look. It became super packed and hard to walk through…
Oh hello there.
Ran into Rocky during the death trap they had us in. I’m claustrophobic so I was convinced we would all suffocate.
Jon Buscemi, Me and Dennis (Mighty Healthy)
William Yan, Josh Madden and Ricky Twin
Mark McNairy, Deirdre Maloney and Loic Villepontoux
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LIFE: Jill Stuart FW 2013 & Chloe Sevigny x Opening Ceremony Fall Winter 2013 x Kim Gordon, Kim Ann Foxman, & More! (2.9.13)
The morning after Blizzard Nemo and the New York City streets were covered in powder white snow and black slush. I arose early since I had been personally invited to attend the Jill Stuart Runway Show and was outfitted in only the finest Jill Stuart threads. I super stoked to say the least. Although I had picked out the suit I would wear, when it arrived to my door I was surprised to find that the suit jacket had no buttons (unlike how I saw it in the look book) – which meant, I would be boobs out with the lace shirt I was to wear underneath. I emailed the lovely ladies of Jill Stuart and asked how they suggested I wear the suit and they simply replied; “a black bra with the jacket open”. “Yowsers”, I thought. Somehow in my half sleep state mixed with the impending anxiety of walking out in the snow with 5 inch platform wedge Jill Stuart shoes, I overlooked my insecurity of wearing a lace shirt with just a black bra.
Front row goodie bag! Always a nice touch!
I’m clearly not a fashion blogger, hence the not so perfect photos. It’s hard to adjust your camera as these gorgeous gazelles are parading swiftly down the runway!
After the show, Jill Stuart came out and let me say – she is a stone cold fox. The photo is terrible, but just google her!
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Afterwards, I had to run to the 1:30pm Fall/Winter 2013 Presentation by Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony. Luckily, it was Downtown – which makes everything easier for a Downtown gal like me. I met with Oscar for a green juice right before and we ran into Kim Ann Foxman, super sweetie pie musician who modeled with me in the DKNY for Opening Ceremony Ad.
Let me just say this Presentation was incredible! 5 bands performed in various areas of the St. Marks Church, one at a time. It felt like I was at some Manso/60′s Art show as go-go dancers in the middle of the space danced atop platforms. Models were scattered around the bands wearing the collection, even Chloe stood alongside and participated – as they all stared eerily and blankly into the crowd.
Oscar 1992 & Humberto (Opening Ceremony)
Kim Gordon!!! Yes, yes. I wanted to jump on stage and embrace her – but, I decided it might be better to just watch the show like a normal person.
Mr. Mickey and Me (wearing an Opening Ceremony sweater, Supreme belt and 3×1 Raw Denim)
Sean Risley and Me!
Work, Chloe!!! Yes!!!
Light Asylum performs
Heron Preston & Oscar 1992
Carol Lim (Opening Ceremony) and Me.
Thanks for the goodie bag Chloe and Opening Ceremony!
LIFE: The New Radicalisms x A Solo Show By Brock Fetch x Jasmine Solano, Roofeeo & More! (2.9.13)
Mister Brock Fetch is the man. I was first introduced to this guy by my friend Josh Madden. We had a super rad vegan dinner and chatted about all things that we face as artists today. I respect this guy and his work incredibly so that I made my way through the Blizzard of Nemo to support!
Read this clip from his 5 Questions Interview by Nylon Guys Magazine:
In the digital era, Brock Fetch’s film photographs are a rarity. The Seattle native lives a good half hour from his closest internet connection, which makes his weekly blog updates that much more cherished to his loyal and growing fan base. Within minutes of meeting Brock it’s pretty obvious that his camera is less of a tool and more of an extension of his right arm. Fetch is known for the array of subjects and candid photos he achieves, but his simple secret is that photography isn’t his career but more of a lifestyle. A strong family devotion carries over into his work as the photos he captures are more moments than pictures. The adventures, cast, and characters of Brock’s world can be seen HERE.
Sally Vitello and Me!
Me and Jasmine Solano
Her photo was my favorite!
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BROCKFETCH.COM
LIFE: Dinner At Cafe Select With Theophilus London, Alex Sossah, Valentina Moreno & More (2.7.13)
Its been too long since I’ve kicked it with international superstar Theophilus London. For those of you who aren’t long-time readers, Theophilus and I have been buds since 2008 and since then he and his music have exploded worldwide. We made time to kick it in the city where we live at Cafe Select, along with some friends!
Jalil Peraza, Theophilus London, Watts, Alex Sossah & LVRS Tracy (Spring Street, New York City)
Valentina Moreno & Alex Sossah
French Babe Crew!
LIFE: Aaron Young x Surface To Air Presentation x Locals Only x Leo Fitzpatrick, Theophilus London & More x Fashion Week Cray Begins (2.6.13)
via STYLE.COM thanks to LAUREN SEMMER!
My head has literally been spinning. Fashion Week in New York is like picking up a second job that is cute, but a ton of work. I know, it sounds so pretentious – but, it’s exhausting. Now when I see snapshots from fashionable folks who attend shows I give them props! Especially during harsh weather…like the blizzard windy cold of New York. It’s a lot to work for a living then attend all these shows while looking your personal best.
Anyways…NYFW kicked off and I began my week with Surface To Air’s latest collaboration with Aaron Young! It was a great presentation and I got to kick it with some old friends like; Leo Fitzpatrick, Theophilus London and More! Oscar was my date, check out the photos!
Mister Leo Fitzpatrick holding a Violette Lighter!
Models wearing the Aaron Young x Surface To Air collaboration pieces!
Alex Sossah and Theophilus London!
Oscar 1992
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Peep the Aaron Young x Surface To Air Collection available online
LIFE: Tagging Along While Huggy Bear DJ’s At The MOMA (2.2.13)
DJ HUGGY BEAR & RODIN (MOMA Februsary 2nd, 2013)
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This was the best way to ever sight see a museum. DJ HUGGY BEAR had a gig on a Saturday night to DJ a private event at the MOMA and I had to be there. I took a solo tour of the museum and had a blast! I forgot how nice it was to walk through a museum alone and on your own time. I mean, it’s nice with friends but it’s veen nicer alone! Try it sometime!
Warhol.
Meanwhile, back at the party…DJ HUGGY BEAR had the crowd going buck wild! Good Job Huggy!!!
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LIFE: #Stra8Flexin’ At Westway – Performance by Doe B. – Music By Vashtie, Angelo, DJ Dirrty, Thando! (1.31.13)
ANGELO BAQUE & VASHTIE KOLA (DJ’ing at Westway January, 31st 2013)
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It was a painfully cold and windy New York night, but life carries on – especially New York City nightlife. As if it couldn’t be colder, I forgot that Westway was a directly next to the Westside Highway aka The River – which made it near impossible to walk towards as the wind slapped us in the face. Needless to say, we made it in!
Just look, it was so cold – the wind kicked this over. Wind, you so mean!
RAFAEL RIOS, SHANIQWA JARVIS & RAJ
My set was dedicated to the ladies! Aaliyah, Brandy, Total and even Trina!
ELLE CLAY
MIKE HASTINGS & TY LYONS
DOVES & VAZ!
KUNLE MARTINS
JANJAY SHERMAN, GUEST & SHYVONNE
BEAU & ANGELO BAQUE
DJ HUGGY BEAR jumped on the 1′s and 2′s!
DOE B. performed!
LUKE FLYNN our favorite Aussie came through wearing some #SuperSize #FunBags by Violette New York! I’m wearing the same shirt in #IttyBitty!
ANGELO & SHAQ (the cutest BFF’s I ever did see)
I watched these two sing and dance to “My Neck/My Back” and it was the funniest and most disturbing rendition I ever did see.
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I hope to see you boo’s and babes next time!
xo, va$htie.
FASHION: DKNY x Opening Ceremony Release ’90s Capsule Collection x Modeled By Vashtie, Cara Delevigne, Kim Ann Foxman & Ian Sharp (Photographed By Anthony Maule)
It was so hard keeping this a secret, but the news is FINALLY out!!!
First of all – get into this mind-blowing collaboration between two genius brands, DKNY & Opening Ceremony. The thought quite literally took my breath away. Just their names together alone makes my mouth water! And what do they come up with?! They decided to dig into their DKNY archive and re-release 15 hit pieces that they already made in the 90′s. Yeah – that’s right! Not only were they so incredible now as they were then, but it’s also so trend right to be on the 90′s today.
Not only did DKNY totally set the tone for Streetwear Fashion in the 90′s, but they were also mentioned a few times in some major and notable hip hop songs – like, NOTORIOUS B.I.G.’s “HYPNOTIZE”! Yeah, thats just how popular they were – no, Biggie…but really, Biggie!
Now, comes the ultimate lady boner (sorry)…Little ol’ me was asked to be featured in the official campaign. As if!
As if I would say no.
As if I wouldn’t have done it for free.
As if I wouldn’t have paid them to feature me! I mean…
Anyways. The shoot was inspired by the work of Ray Petri and my look was inspired by, non other than, Neneh Cherry…my own fashion muse since I was like 6!
The face of the campaign is it-girl and major model Cara Delevigne; and features Producer and Musician Kim Ann Foxman, Model boy Ian Sharp and Me! There are 15 pieces in total that range from $145 to $665! This capsule will blow your minds, especially if you’re obsessed with the 90′s like me!
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Here are some behind the scenes shots that ELLE CLAY captured when she kicked it with me on set!
Going through the looks…
Full Treatment!
KimAnn was so sweet. You might remember that I blogged her video “Creature” a little while back. She’s so talented and so humble!
Me and Kim Ann Foxman
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Available at OpeningCeremony.Us on February 1st, 2013
BEAUTY: Vashtie’s 5 Step Organic Beauty Regimen x Luzern Labs, Dr. Alkaitis & Be Natural Organics
I should start off by saying, I am not an expert in this field.
A few short years ago, I was literally using bar soap or whatever was in the shower to wash my face. I’m cringing at my history as we speak. Every now and again I would pick up something dedicated to faces from a pharmacy, like St. Ives Apricot Scrub. Don’t even ask about moisturizer – I can’t remember ever using anything regularly.
I’ve been a no-fuss gal for my entire life, partly because I’ve been very lucky with my skin. No phase of acne, or anything…nothing. So, when I decided to see facialist Mamie McDonald 7 years ago – I expected nothing but an A+ on my skin’s record. I was dead wrong. Mamie basically read my face for filth. She told me my skin was severely dehydrated and that I needed to keep up with a solid regimen.
I was floored, but I can take that kind of criticism. It made me only want to get my skin right and get it tight. I researched all the brands out there and I was definitely interested in buying products that were low in chemicals, paraben free, etc. I stumbled upon Dermalogica which was affordable, fragrance free and free of synthetics. Time went on and I became more committed to my skin care regimen. I started to mix up my system, incorporating products from companies like IS Clinincal which were not only focused on cleansing – but, also focused on preventing pre-mature aging.
As the years have gone, I’ve continued on my path of healthy eating which has led me to eat Raw at least once a day. I’ve also become more aware of the sickening levels of chemicals in everyday products, thanks to CosmeticDatabase.Com. You really need to check it. It’s a database that can tell you how the products you use rate on a scale of 1-10, from the least toxic to the most. For example, take a mainstream Baby Lotion that almost everyone has grown up with and continue to use on their children because it’s a household name that you trust. See what rating it gets…
They even break down each ingredient and explain how each one has an adverse effect. It’s super thorough and scary sometimes.
Trust me, when I found out that the certain lipstick I loved was chemical-laden, I didn’t want to let go of my favorites, but eventually I couldn’t lie to myself anymore. Also, the least chemical-free products will surprise you sometimes. It’s not always something expensive. For instance, the saline solution that rates a 0 on the scale is CVS brand and that’s the one I use! I’m no expert, but there has to be some truth to this. We wonder why we and the ones we love are stricken with disease and while some are genetic and some may be unexplained, we should at least avoid bad products to lessen our odds of getting sick. Right?
Anyways, after trashing all the products that were bad for me I became interested in skincare that was the same. I found a “raw facialist” via Google, which led me to my current facialist who also involves Reiki – Monica Watters at Sacred Touch. She is a like-minded woman who is educated in non-invasive anti-aging techniques and is also a certified Reiki Master, Reflexologist, Raw Food Chef, Crystal Therapist, Bach Flower Practitioner and Certified Vinyasa Flow Yoga Teacher. She put me on to most of the current products I use; Luzern and Dr. Alkaitis which I absolutely love.
For those of you interested in what my skincare regimen, here it is. This is not a paid post, most of my long-time readers probably know that already. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever gotten paid to blog (*rubs chin and looks upwards wondering how to make that happen). Like I said, I’m no expert, this is just what I currently do for my face.
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STEP 1: FACIAL CLEANSER
Dr. Alkaitis Organic Purifying Facial Cleanser – $65.00
Application: Morning & Night
Dr. Alkaitis is a brand with a tagline of “Holistic Organic Skin Food”, which sounds perfect when you think about. If skin is the body’s largest organ (eeek I feel gross whenever I remember that) then it would make sense that whatever you put on it should be edible by the human mouth. I now live and obsess by that very thought, if you can’t eat what you put on your skin then you shouldn’t put it on your skin. It’s also “100% organically grown, raw skin food for all skin types. Gender neutral. Chemical free. Cruelty free. No GMO’s.” It’s also been featured in magazines like Vogue , Harper’s Bazaar and is popular among famous beautiful faces like Karolina Kurkova and Gisele Bundchen.
What’s great about Dr. Alkaitis is that you can try their products in trial size for a fraction of the cost of their full sized products. I absolutely love that feature and the prices range from $3.50 to $8.00. Don’t you just hate when you buy a product to try it out and you hate it?! I sure do. Anyways, the samples are how I fell in love with the Dr. Alkaitis Brand. I highly recommend you try it!
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STEP 2 – TONER
Luzern Labs Vita-o2 Glacial Toner – $38.00
Application: Morning & Night, after Cleansing/before Serum. Spray evenly across face and neck.
I also use Luzern Labs from Switzerland, which is pricier depending on the product – but also involves a scientific approach. “Amidst the pristine beauty of the Swiss Alps, a new concept in luxury skin care is born. One designed to enhance the health and beauty of the skin, from the inside out. Our state of the art pharmaceutical-grade ingredients contain ultra-high levels of peptides, antioxidants and polyphenols, and are processed pure and free from skin damaging additives. From wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and loss of elasticity, Luzern Labs takes skin care to new levels of efficacy, without synthetics, preservatives or chemicals.”
via Luzern Labs: “Part toner, part hydrator and pore-refiner. Maximizes benefits from products that follow. This soothing toner helps remove excess residue, tighten pores and provides on-demand moisture. Reduces fatigue and irritation from daily exposure to environmental pollutants. A must have for frequent fliers and post peels! Hypo-allergenic. Non-comedogenic. FORMULATED WITHOUT: – Preservatives – Parabens – Sulfates – Propylene Glycol – Synthetic Fragrances – Synthetic Dyes – Petro-Chemicals – GMOs – Phthalates”
OTHER NATURAL THINGS I’VE USED IN THE PAST: Homemade Green Tea Toner
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STEP 3 – SERUM
Luzern Labs Serum Absolut Rehydrate – $85.00
Application: Morning & Night, after Toner/before Moisturizer. 2 Pumps into palm of hand, pat into face and neck.
Serums are absolutely necessary. They help your skin to absorb your moisturizer helps to create a dewy look. This serum is full of Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5 + Bio-Lipid Moisture Enhancing Complex. ”This lightweight serum absorbs instantly and leaves skin dewy soft and youngerlooking. Hyaluronic Acid increases skin’s moisture. Vitamin B5 penetrates skin cells to add moisture and a desirable plumping effect. Lipids restore the barrier function of the epidermis to improve long-termhydration andprotect skin from irritants. Excellent for all skin types: Dry and rough skin feels hydrated, softer and healthy all day. Combination and oily skin gets deep, long-lasting moisture without feeling oily.
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STEP 4 – EYE SERUM
Be Natural Organics Eye Repair Night Serum – $17.60
Application: Morning & Night, after Toner/before Moisturizer. 1 Pump into palm of hand and applied along orbital bone
I found Be Natural Organics from CosmeticDatabase.Com when I was looking for beauty products ranging in the 0 rating. They are incredible and affordable. This eye serum is a must! There are no functioning oil glands under the eye, which leaves little to no moisture around them – so we must moisturize that area, unless you’d like pre-mature crow’s feet sprouting up!
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STEP 5 – MOISTURIZER
Luzern Labs Force De Vie Creme Intensive – $155.00
Application: Morning & Night. Applied by dipping 1 q-tip in jar, so not to contaminate product. Dab on face and rub in upwards motion.
I swear by this moisturizer Force De Vie Pure Oxygen Creme Intensive. I must warn you – retails for $155 (I know, it’s expensive!), but it’s become a necessity in my life! My face always feels plumper and softer after applying it, not sticky or heavy.
OTHER NATURAL THINGS I’VE USED IN THE PAST: Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Coconut Oil.
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Check out MICHELLE PHAN, beauty blogger’s, video on how to layer your products. Not only is she great at her beauty tutorials, her videos are well-made and her skin is lovely! I watched this one and now I try and apply my products as she does!
I hope this helps anyone who was curious out there. If you have a great skincare regimen, please share!
Especially if it’s a family secret or a natural/homemade concoction. I love those!
xo, va$htie.
PS: Boys need to take care of their skin too! #justsaying
LIFE: Joey Bada$$ & Kwon P Celebrate Their Swanky 18th Birthday x Brooklyn New York x Smoke DZA, Jonny Shipes & More! (1.26.13)
The Pro Era Fam. Happy Birthday Joey & Kwon!
After a long, yet fun, photoshoot on Saturday with my old pal ANGELO BAQUE – I went home and napped like a toddler. I awoke around 10pm and hustled on out the door to celebrate the birthdays of Pro Era Members; JOEY BADA$$ & KWON It was a terrible, brick New York City night…I mean so brick I was wearing thermals underneath my clothes, but nothing would stop me from celebrating with the homies and our Cinematic crew!
I took a car service and scooped up ELLE. Then we headed to the venue.
We walked in to find a jumping party filled to the brim with barely-legal cool kids. We immediately found Joey swarmed with cute girls literally waiting their turn to take pictures with him.
Then, JONNY SHIPES & SMOKE DZA both found their way to where we were and we took some flicks!
JONNY SHIPES, KIRK KNIGHT, CJ FLY, SMOKE DZA, VASHTIE, JOEY BADASS
VASHTIE, CJ FLY, SMOKE DZA & JONNY SHIPES
KIRK KNIGHT
JOEY BADASS & his beautiful Mama KIM
Clearly the old folks were sitting down as the youngin’s were taking the dance floor by a literal storm!
I ran into LEAF! She’s such a doll and she makes music! Check her out!
The Crew!
JOEY BADASS & VASHTIE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOEY!!!
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