You've been a flower in my heart since the day them feelings rose on me.
🌹 WESTSIDE BOOGIE
‘Find Me’ Feat. D’ANNA STEWART
los angeles
You've been a flower in my heart since the day them feelings rose on me.
🌹 WESTSIDE BOOGIE
‘Find Me’ Feat. D’ANNA STEWART
Simple beauty shots for Persona Cosmetics.
Photography: Emari Traffie
Technical Assistant: Jonathan Labez
Hair: Nicolas Flores
Makeup: Rob Sargsyan
Models: Mari DeLeon, Sona Gasparian, Josie Jones
Went to Palm Springs (and OF COURSE Joshua Tree but I'm saving those photos because there is too much good here) with my girls Lisa Dengler (as y'all know I'm pretty much shooting her forever because we are a match made in heaven—my own opinion) and Madelynn Furlong (@wideeyedlegless). Thanks Simon and Vogue. We had fun. Go follow both of these girl's blogs for supreme content.
Artist: Jean Deaux
Makeup: Nimai
Styling & Photography: Emari Traffie
Studio: Natural Light Studios LA
Full shoot details here
New glass means I'm super motivated to shoot all day er'day. This is was quick 30 minute session with a friend (Sasha, a killer quality human with abs that I am coveting and a recipe for the ultimate super salsa) at a friend's house. I wanted the feeling of another era but not anything really specific, probably just ended up with an early 90's vibe.
Those are just some of the questions The Social Medium forced me to think about on the spot and MAN y'all—being filmed is humbling... Okay enjoy, but brb I'm going for run now. >_<
This beautiful work by Stone Bridge Films:
SO LACI LIKE is a rad graphic designer in LA. We wanted to do a shoot for her that conveyed her brand so she created a mood board for me on Pinterest—yo, if you don't make Pinterest mood boards for every creative endeavor then I don't understand how you function. After looking at her board, the first location that came to mind for me was Pershing Square in downtown LA. If you've never been, it's where that ice skating rink (still open until January 18th, GO!!!!) is and the first time I saw it was from LA's most darling rooftop top hang, Perch. The bright colored walls, super LA-ish plant life, and a photobombing skateboarder made it the perfect spot for Laci.
DC duo OSHUN claimed Brooklyn last night and gave a 30 Days in LA performance New York City would be proud of. Full-time NYU students Niambi Sala and Thandiwe, are 19 and 20 and spent their Monday night performing at the Sayer's Club in Hollywood instead of studying for exams. Not even old enough to get past the bouncer, they wow'ed the crowd with their cohesive performance and intuitive energy. From their bio: "The name OSHUN pays homage to the Yoruba river deity (Oṣun) and her sisters (Iyemoja and Oya) who all represent elements of femininity and womanhood."
Their performance was a seamless transition to indie rapper blog darling Raury (also just 19). Since he released "Indigo Child" in 2014, Raury continues to fascinate with October's "All We Need." He cries for revolution and liberation and shares stories of teenage romance as he bounces through his set in the intimate venue, bringing a rush of young Stone Mountain, Georgia energy to the tired old Hollywood space. Each song had it's own moves making the album seem like just the cliff notes and the performance the full book. Fantastic choices by RB Sound Select.
First of all my heart is mourning with Paris. I am sending up prayer after prayer for peace for those who lost loved ones tonight, for a city that suddenly became not so magical and turned into a nightmare under acts of senseless violence. I do need to say though, I believe that prayer is powerful and important but it should NEVER be a cop out. If you have money to donate to various organizations, if you can be there for some one who needs you, then you better freaking do that. Here's a list of organizations.
Soul crushing vocals, a super good jazzy lil band (I was told they use ALL vintage sound equipment and starting setting up at 9 am for a 6 pm show, crasy), the lady has impeccable style and lyrics that make you FEEL. When Andra is pissed, you're pissed, when she's sad, you're sad and when she's in love, you're in love (with her, duh). Listen.
My spirit animal, Shia Lebeouf's latest art installment was the ultimate internet age incident of self-awareness and connectivity. Shia breaks down the walls of "celebrity" by inviting anyone to watch all of his movies with him for free, for three consecutive days. I spent way more time watching this than I'm willing to admit—just staring at Shia, stare at himself. Shia rises, once again. Best part, you can watch all three days here.
This Aziz Ansari show just deserves applause on so many levels. Just mad props for the way he is addressing race and other things that people just aren't talking about, at least not on a Netflix series with an amazing soundtrack. I can go on all night about the show but instead, here's some tweets from my twitter feed this week about the show (and Aziz):
This is SO good: Aziz Ansari on Acting, Race and Hollywood https://t.co/WOoVevIaw6
— Anna Jepson (@annajepson) November 11, 2015
Where did Aziz get this music budget
— Dan Cassaro (@Dan_Cassaro) November 12, 2015
Aziz low key changed TV. I haven't seen this many coloured mutherfuckers on a show not speaking colonial period english in a while. props
— Driver (@Busdriverr) November 11, 2015
I'm not done with Master of None but it's already made me cry twice
— Mara Wilson (@MaraWritesStuff) November 9, 2015
Master of None is incredibly good TV and I'm not just saying that because I have been to several of the drinking establishments featured
— Kyle Kramer (@KyleKramer) November 7, 2015
Master of None is the best show since Louie.
— Daniel Caesar (@DANNYixxi) November 7, 2015
I could not have better things to say about a show right now. I'm looking at you, @azizansari @MasterofNone. 👆
— Dominique Bañas (@DominiqueBanas) November 7, 2015
Now playing: @MasterofNone season 1 playlist. 🍾💃🏻
— Dominique Bañas (@DominiqueBanas) November 9, 2015
Master of None.
— Brady Peters (@bradyfpeters) November 7, 2015
Father John Misty on #MasterOfNone? I knew this was some good shit.
— Amy Kaufman (@AmyKinLA) November 9, 2015
Master of None is worth watching for Aziz Ansari's dad, who is hilariously adorable. Also worth watching if your parents are immigrants.
— Anabela Piersol (@fieldguided) November 7, 2015
i sort of feel like aziz is the new steve martin in terms of being a huge comic whose work is imbued with an inherent sweetness/innocence
— drew millard (@drewmillard) November 8, 2015
Sorry, Justin. Sorry, 1D. I haven't heard either of your albums yet because I have been listening to "Pilgrim's Paradise," the new release from Toronto-based Daniel Caesar non-stop today.I discovered Daniel a little late in the game through the track "Paradise," a collab with BadBadNotGood and Sean Leon. "A Cappella" gives me chills and made me want to go listen to some Oh Land after. Of course, I also really like the clean minimal vibes of his visuals (if you don't know, now you know, I'm a SUCKER for album art). You're welcome for introducing you to your new favorite chill music. Also S/O to Paris, this track is from last year but the eerie "A kiss is just a kiss/A sigh is just is just a sigh/The fundamental things apply, as time goes by/Woke up in Paris/Now it's occupied/By Nazis and terrorists" feels oddly relevant to tonight.
Check out the coolest new coffee shop opening up in Highland Park tomorrow. We even brought up the g-word in this feature: interview and photos by rayneutron for TYPICAL MAG.
First up is Shiloh. This lady can't stop won't stop killing the game. She maneuvers a dope teal green Bronco around Glendale and owns little-to-none non-thrifted items—from her shoes to her furniture. Lucky for us, she is freely handing out some valuable thrifting lessons over at Perrier's blog. Take note y'all.
'i can run the world from my mama's house'
the first single off this has been stuck in my head for weeks. folk-y chords line the background of this not-even-barely-average rap 'WORLDS TO RUN' by los angeles rap entity Busdriver with Anderson .Paak and Milo (he opens with them mellow raps that make it a must-listen track for me). The whole project has so much to offer and I can't wait to sit with it while editing photos this weekend. Also, the track in this music video, 'MUCH', speaks to my heart as someone who is ALWAYS doing too much... and has me all cocky singing the hook out loud all day. Just listen dang it.
the based god has blessed november
30 days of fantastic shows courtesy of Red Bull Sound Select, curated by tastemakers who know their stuff (KCRW, Fake Shore Drive, Manifesto to name a few). The only sad part is that I can't catch em' all. This week, I hit up the Joey Bada$$ show at the Belasco Theater and that was super fly. Next week, I'm signed up to attend Club Vinyl at Amoeba—and they added the darling Andra Day who I've been obsessing over for months now (there's still tickets for that I think). planning on hitting up Soulection (I'm feeling the new Goldlink) tomorrow night and a few shows later in the month as well, Raury and Jazz Cartier being the highlights.
obviously—the cool kids are all going to afi fest. i learned my lesson last year when as an intern i was asked to watch someone's computer and refresh it once every minute while he waited for AFI fest tickets to be available. this year, i was ready. i signed up, got me some tix and plan on spending some quality hours inside the chinese theater watching some of the best new cinema for freeeeee. i'm sort of most excited for JAMES WHITE. it took the 2015 Best of NEXT Audience Award at Sundance, and director James Mond is nominated for a Gotham award for breakthrough director, but honestly, i just have a giant crush on Christopher Abbott. i'm not a real film nerd—obviously.
"You're not taking food off my table, I owe 200 hundred grand in back taxes"
Open Mike Eagle and Serengeti are Cavanaugh. Open Mike Eagle, is an LA staple and local fans can be heard singing his lyrics over the guy himself when he performs. Serengeti is the Chicago rapper who is one third of Sisyphus, a collaborative project between him, Sufjan Stevens and Son Lux (so dope, if you don't know it treat yourself to it this weekend). check out Cavanaugh's nuanced music video for 'Screen Play' featured on NPR.
This an experiential speakeasy event Nov. 7th and 8th in Highland Park. I'm mentioning it because it's one of those very Los Angeles things that no one tells you about until you see cool photos of it all over Instagram. I know very little about it except that there are four 'exploratory' drinks, some art, and some food. Rumor has it they have color changing drinks and drinks that come with a pick axe to break through the ice. Swing by after if you didn't get a ticket before they sold out. Expect a full report, a la 'the wrong way to consume alcohol.'
The Joey Bada$$ show last night was LIT. LA locals Warm Brew set the night up right and then G Herbo aka Lil Herb brought that Chicago heat. Then Joey Bada$$ maintains a stamina and energy throughout his entire 20 track set that can only come from years of conditioning (or maybe 30 Red Bulls). The place was packed, the energy was electric and of course, the raps were straight fire.
Like a name that is just demanding attention, BUT in the most unassuming way. That's Kimberly, her striking looks are almost at odds with her demeanor, which is whatever is the opposite of pretentious. This girl has both feet on the ground and it is so calming. She is casual marries stability marries adventure (what? but really doe). She is also a straight up doppelganger for Cara Delevingne. She is also a dope photographer/instagrammer with the best captions on earth. Anyway, we did a shoot with her and her best friend Payton Elizabeth Manley (who is a hip-hop dancer is LA, how freaking awesome is that?!).
I've got a camera and some new lighting equipment. My roommate's got a pineapple, is a model and just got a Wildfox pineapple swim cover up. We have a pool and an hour before we have to be anywhere. Here are the results:
Singer-songwriter/rapper/actor/director/self-proclaimed fashion icon Heath McNease graced Los Angeles with his Georgia self and I had the pleasure of snapping a few shots of his handsome face. We shot all around Hollywood and then in Lincoln Heights. Here are my favorites.