Street Style

Delorean releases EP, to open for Bus Driver at Blue Lamp

2009-08-28T03:54:53Z

You may know 5th Ave from the Neighborhood Watch collective (State Cap, Dahlak, Random Abiladeze) or from seeing one of his live shows at Press Club, Second Saturday, or at Empire. His latest album No More Heroes was released in mid-July as part of his new group Delorean. Jon Reyes produced the album and is the other half of the group.

No More Heroes offers a heavy blend of hi-fi and hip hop blends, with some funk and unusual samples. One of the standout tracks is "Chillin" featuring C-Plus and Dahlak, who are also local emcees. In the song they trade verses over a cow-bell-heavy beat.

Another stand out track "My Most Favorite Emcee" is inspired by Kanye West's "Street Lights" but does away with all the auto tune and features much more passion. The track "Look Alice" recently received air play on 103.5 The Bomb, and has a catchy hook asking "How deep does the rabbit hole go?"

The EP is a departure from his usual style, the production value sounds better than on his previous material. You can hear his determination on the track "Chapter Seven" where he illustrates the everyday struggles of an aspiring artist in a relatable way: "I worked Christmas day just to get it, to go ahead and handle my business"

Overall No More Heroes delivers a refreshing dose of new era hip hop and looks like a preview for even more innovative projects in the future. Delorean is constantly doing live performances, you can catch him at the Blue Lamp this Friday performing with Another Rap Group, Breeze, Abstract Rude and Busdriver.

For more information on the show, visit Themashup.net

Turning over a new leaf: boutique brings organic clothes downtown

2009-04-06T23:43:19Z

Velvet Leaf clothing uses beautiful silks, has edgy designs and a line of highly fashionable dresses. Looking at the clothes doesn’t lend the eye to the fact that they are all 100 percent organic. Becky 24, and Laura Carter 22, respectively, are the eco-friendly creators behind Velvet Leaf clothing. This high-end organic brand with fashion forward designs opened the doors of its first Velvet Leaf boutique between H and 11th streets in Sacramento.

Early on they got the necessary press that they believe contributed to their success, Teen Vogue magazine did an article on them and that slowly got them more press.They recently did a fashion show in Los Angeles called Gen Art where the hottest up and coming labels get sponsored to be a part of the show and was hosted by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Many celebrities attended and it took place during Los Angeles fashion week. Even with a taste of fashion stardom the girls still value the importance of making clothes for love the most.

These Placerville natives learned early in life about eating organic vegetables from their vegetarian father and learned to care for earth in general from their family. It influenced them to live in a green manner and ultimately, the idea of creating sustainable clothes. Laura Carter went to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles for a quarter and then realized that the things they were teaching could be self taught for a cheaper price. The sisters already had sewing experience and often bought sewing books from thrift stores.

In 2005 they started Velvet Leaf and had their first collection for spring/summer of 2006. At first they sent their designs to be manufactured in India. They actually visited the factory where the clothing would be produced to make sure that it was fair labor and that the factory itself was as sustainable as possible.

Recently they decided to bring back the production to the U.S. "It’s tough when you want to be a sustainable company, because when you look at the full word ‘sustainability,’ it also has a lot to do with being local. We were getting the highest certified organic material but we were overseas and that was not helping our economy," said Becky Carter.

While they were still living in Los Angeles, they toured great factories in the country and realized that it was very expensive. After moving to Sacramento they decided to try and manufacture their own clothes. They settled into their current location, bought sewing machines and hired sewers and have since made all of their clothes.

When they decided on their location they thought about Placerville at first, but liked that Sacramento has a unique group of young people that their designs could appeal to. Velvet Leaf is the first all organic clothing boutique in the city.

Both sisters enjoy the sincere vibe Sacramento offers. "We’re just small town girls and when you’re in a big city like Los Angeles it is hard to find genuine people and there [are] real people here in Sacramento. Ultimately, this is where we want to be," Becky Carter said.

Their latest spring summer collection is new and different for them and includes high ended hand woven silks from Cambodia. The theme was geometric revolution. They took basic shapes and forms and added primary colors. The sisters describe it as a bit of an 80's and modern vibe with a vintage twist.

Soon they would like to expand Velvet leaf to include lingerie and bedding and make it a lifestyle store. They would also eventually like to become more affordable: as the materials are growing in popularity, the price of fabric is gradually dropping.

To view their collection visit shopvelvetleaf.com

Hair styles for spring; the natural look

2009-03-31T03:39:56Z

Take a walk around midtown and it won’t be long before you realize that Sacramento has a wealth of hair salons. Trendy, fancy, casual, fun salons -- it's clear that we live in a city that cares a great deal about its hair.

Spring brings many new hair trends, and the Sacramento Press checked into a few salons to see what's new, what's next and what's hot.

The economy hasn't had too much of a negative impact on salon owners, apparently. Many of them said that business has never been better.

“Last year was one of our best years,” said Keri Carr, the owner of Honey Salon. The economy has had an effect on the styles that woman have chosen for spring. The boho/hippie look is popular and women have been going back to more natural colors such as browns and reds. By eliminating highlights and bleaching, the upkeep is cheaper and frequent trips to the salon aren't necessary.

Also last year's popular bubble bob is no longer the "it" thing. Women are looking for a more sun-kissed, day-at-the-beach look, with longer, flowing hair. This look also saves money because women don't have to keep coming back for a cut to keep the shape of the bob.

According to Gigi Bui, a stylist at Deeda Salon, “A lot of clients are waiting ten to twelve weeks or longer instead of six to eight, as well as alternating their cut and color.”

What was the verdict on men's hair? Men seem to be taking a chance this season with color and letting their hair grow out a lot more. Shannon Marlin who owns Lush and Spanish Fly, said color has rarely been seen in the past. “Men have been getting some color or highlights, that’s different,” she said.

According to Chelsea Lyons of Midtown Mosaic salon, “A lot of the women that have come in want to go lighter, not like platinum blonde but like a Jennifer Aniston look.” Magic Salon, which has the most reviews on yelp.com, is starting something new next month: recession Wednesdays for people that are having a hard time. Magic is cutting down prices the first Wednesday of the month for people that can’t afford regular prices. Stylist Justine Harrod said, “We are doing our part in helping people afford to be able to still come to a salon.”

Luxe Salon also has a special, check out the article here. This offer may be just what you need to keep your spring style fresh while you're walking the streets of the city but still trying to save some money. There are so many salons to choose from and styles to enjoy -- what will you choose this season?

Street style

2009-03-23T06:14:12Z

On a very exciting Sacramento night, Autumn Smith represented the city's style to the fullest – high-waist sailor shorts over the opaque black tights with a barely there tear that made it her own. Of course, the essential black boot with the necessary pea coat are excellent choices. The vintage floral top and the all-round headband make her one of the best-dressed.

A brush with friendship, Hilton-style

2009-03-02T08:36:40Z

At about 8:15 p.m. Friday night, to my surprise, I walked into a very empty Empire night club. I was feeling completely lost and confused, when suddenly two people walked in and asked the lady with the clipboard, "Are we in the right place for the casting call?"

Sure enough I was right where I was supposed to be to try out for Paris Hilton's "My New B.F.F." The line was not out the door, I was actually the first one there.

I sat down, got an application and filled it out while sitting on a big white couch. Some of the questions included, "What's your idea of a fabulous night out? What would your friends say are your best qualities? What's your typical day like?"

Although the questions seemed simple and straightforward, it became very clear that they were looking for a lot more than just my best qualities. In fact I soon realized that what they really wanted to know were my worst qualities.

A slim, well dressed, dark haired man came over and took the three applications - mine, the guy's and the girl's that came in right after me.

I have to admit that I got a cold feeling from the man doing the interviews. "OK, let's get started," he said as he looked at each of us.

The lovely brunette girl with a great smile, boots and a sweater dress started talking, "Well, my name is Sonya and I am a club promoter..." The story went on - she got about three hours of sleep per day during the summer, she liked wild parties and hooking up with grunge rocker guys. I couldn't say that my lifestyle came anywhere near her typical activities, even on my best days.

At that point I thought to myself, "What is a tea-drinking, hip hop listening, lots-of-sleep-getting girl like me doing here?" I have plenty of admiration for the heiress, I would honestly be excited to meet her. Still, I had to admit that while I sat there listening to the flamboyant guy talk about his wild adventures in LA, that there was no place for a self-conscious, almost plus-size-wearing girl like myself. At least not with Ms.Hilton and definitely not in Hollywood.

It was my turn. "I bet your life sounds really boring compared to theirs," the man with the clipboard said with a laugh.

Indeed, it was boring, the peace I get from drinking tea at Hina's, the thrill of watching my favorite local emcees, the excitement I feel when I see a new boutique open in Midtown - that's who I am, but unfortunately, the producer for MTV was not looking for this girl.

The only reaction that I got from the producer was when I made a joke: "I want to be Paris Hilton's friend because we could be like Rob and Big and always go on adventures!" Everyone laughed.

The producer told us that they would review our applications, and that if they liked us, they would call us back. The next step would be to make a video of ourselves, and upon viewing that, they would decide if you were right for the show.

As I put my coat on and grabbed my purse glancing around at the still, nearly empty club, I was content knowing that I did not have an exciting, thrilling, made-for-television kind of life.

Image from MTV Networks.

Rapper Hopsin to perform in Sacramento.

2009-02-24T07:42:08Z

Do you remember the goofy kid in your class? What if that goofy kid turned out to be a rapper on the rise? That is exactly what happened to Ruthless Records recording artist, Hopsin.

Wednesday, Feb. 25th, Hopsin will be in Sacramento performing with hip hop veteran Kool Kieth.

A one-time aspiring actor, Hopsin discovered that music was his natural calling in 2001. He used to put acting before music, but when he read for parts, he couldn't always remember his lines. It was then he realized that music was his passion.

Unsatisfied with the current state of the hip hop game, Hopsin is trying to break out of the routine formulated rapper. He does not boast about being a tough or dangerous guy.

"I don't fake, I tell the truth to the fullest, everything I say is a real- life situation," he said.

Starting out in high school, Hopsin always made his own beats on a program called Fruity Loops, and continues to make his own music still to this day. Although he wouldn't mind working with other producers in the future, for now he is content with his own production skills.

His current single, "Pans in the Kitchen," is funky and different. Making the video for that single is one of his most exciting moments so far.

"It boggles the mind that it's me. I am the person in the front, not in the background," he says.

This Southern California native and former Special Ed student is looking to change the game with his not -so -big vocabulary, but staying true to himself and his sound –.Hoping to inspire other kids who feel like they are the odd ones out with his lyrics.

Hopsin will be performing at Harlow's at 2708 J Street.

Local hip hop artists releases mix tape.

2009-02-24T07:11:36Z

On a cold Friday night in a Rancho Cordova recording studio, Sacramento emcee C Plus, puts on head phones and steps up to the microphone. He reads rhymes from his notebook with intensity and a smooth flow. He plays it back with the beat, the song he just made is so intact that you wouldn't know that he's fighting a cold. Then, just like that, the last track is done, and The Purple Heart mix tape is complete.

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, C Plus, aka Chaz Wheeler of the group State Cap, will put out his second mix tape of the year, The Purple Heart.

If you ever doubted that Sacramento had hip hop artists worth listening to, this is the record that will erase them.

The Purple Heart has 13 tracks and is completely produced by Detroit producer, Black Milk. All the beats are fused with samples from Prince's Purple Rain album. A change of pace for Plus, he decided to go heavy on the writing and add more structure to the songs. Mostly his songs have no hook and are shorter.

With so many hip hop artists out already in Sacramento, his voice and lyrics set him apart from the rest. Plus has seen his share of success, being nominated with his group for a Sammie award last year and opening up for acts like Del The Funky Homosapiean, Dj QBert, Luck I am, and Pigeon John. Plus is still looking to grow – he's been featured in many Sacramento publications and regularly does live shows in and out of Sacramento.

Being a hip hop artist in Sacramento is not always easy but has shaped how he works,

"It's definitely made me more aggressive,” Plus said.. “I try to work on music all the time, I have to," he said.

Eager and working hard to get to the next level of success, there is nothing stopping him. Last month's mix tape, The Warm Up, was free and has been downloaded over more than 300 times online. For each day in March, Plus will post a new song on his MySpace.com page.

Plus is proud to be a long time Natomas resident and only hopes that he will be heard. "I am just another young African American kid from north Sacramento trying to make my mark on the planet and get the music out," he said.

The Purple Heart is available for free download at chaz.12ftdwende.com

Poetry, beats and fashion at the distillery.

2009-02-07T05:43:22Z

Many of Sacramento's residents believe that they have few options when it comes to nightlife. The "sneak peek" fashion show this Saturday at the Distillery is an event to add to that list of things to do.

Saturday, Feb. 7 will be a chance to see the latest pieces from four local designers' spring collections. The show was organized mainly by Chuck Taylor of L!fe crew and Noel C. Tavares of Faedrah clothing company.

Both are Sacramento natives and current residents, and they have teamed up to bring a night of local designers. The list includes Agape, Martini Kisses and Amy Lola Marchiando. The show will also feature DJs spinning soulful hip-hop and a tribute to the late producer J Dilla, who died Feb. 10, 2006. Dilla's songs will play as the models walk the runway.

Tavares started Faedrah clothing in October of 2003 and says that hip-hop has influenced her clothing line, specifically Dilla. Her clothing includes men's and women's 80s street style, casual and urban wear.

She says she has done more fashion shows than she can count. This show will be a different direction for Faedrah, you can expect to see a dressier look that includes a lot of feminine colors, hearts and party dresses.

"I tried to stay away from these looks when I was younger, but now I am growing up," she said. Martini Kisses will emphasize fancy cocktail dresses, and Agape will have a futuristic, edgy look that could be considered couture.

Taylor, a pioneer of the hip-hop scene in Sacramento, puts together events around the city and is very hopeful for this fashion show, which is only his second.

He is very proud of the once-unhealthy hip-hop scene and is hoping that this show will get other designers on board for more shows in the future.

He is expecting a great turnout and wants people to know that this is not a typical hip-hop show, saying, "You can expect an eclectic show, a chill environment, not the standard, not the usual, not the boring."

There will also be a spoken-word performer from Oakland who is also part of the L!fe crew. This is a 21-and-older event and starts at 9 p.m. at The Distillery on 21st and L Streets.

Street Style

2009-01-31T03:07:46Z

The sun shine's down on a very well put together Stephanie Casteneda. It would be hard not to take notice of this charming plaid shirt. The bronze scarf adds a little extra without taking away from the perfect boots. What would be a good outfit without a perfect pair of sunglasses.

Street Style

2009-01-30T05:30:58Z

Simple but sincere Jac Hipp sports a casual pair of cowboy boots that serve as the focal point for her pleasant outfit. A bright green coat add color to break up the calmness of her black dress.

Street Style

2009-01-28T02:17:34Z

The dainty Vicky Phan pieced together an outstanding earthy ensemble. The tan leather belt goes perfect over her deep blue embroidered tunic. The ash grey denim leads smoothly into her sage colored ankle boots.