Emerson Hope

Photo courtesy of Emerson Hope

In typical Kimhai style, I browsed most vigorously for the best bands I could find. After much searching, starting and deletion of blog entries, and sweat and tears, I finally found Emerson Hope. They're a group of four local guys (singer DJ, guitarist Christian, bassist Casey and drummer Mychal) who have called it quits a while back. However, their band is still worth listening to.

Photo courtesy of Emerson Hope

Myspace Music page: Emerson Hope
I absolutely wish they were still playing. Their music is positively amazing.
Recommendations: Oh No! There Goes Manhattan, Vegas, Don't Let Yourself Go.

I'm much too lazy for a style breakdown today. It's a little harder with guys than it is with girls, so I should probably find some girl bands sometime soon, haha. As usual, I would love it if you send me links.

Followers and Such

So I'm really happy to have gained my first follower. She's a great person who runs a blog by the name of alittlefashionromance. It's really great, full of great pictures of outfits, as well as little snippets into her life. Check her out if you haven't already :)
Also, I will be finding more bands soon. I still need people to suggest bands, because one girl can only find so much, haha :)

Known as Anonymous

Photo courtesy of Known as Anonymous.

So I was browsing the website of the Grind Coffeehouse (where a lot of local bands play) when I came upon them. I don't know what drew me to them. I guess their band name intrigues me. What musician would like to be known as anonymous? Of course, then I realized that I'm an anonymous blogger. So, naturally, I clicked on the link to their Myspace page.
Myspace Music Page: Known As Anonymous
I was surprised by their music. Pleasantly, of course, but still surprised. Some songs (such as You're My Girl) are jazzy, fun, and makes me want to get up and perform a Chicago-esque dance number. Others (such as Storm) are reminiscent of the Beatles, and are much more melancholy sounding, while still retaining a bit of jazz.
Although I was extremely confused by what they labeled themselves under the band members section, I think I figured it out.
The band consists of pianist Paul Paresa, guitarist Wesley Mason-Schaffer, drummer Ryan Antoine, and bassist Bryan Edmiston. They have been playing together since the 8th grade, and have won many awards in jazz festivals and also awards for most outstanding musician, so they're really worth having a look at. I can tell that they're gonna really go places someday!

Photo courtesy of Known as Anonymous

Left to right: Bryan Edmiston, Ryan Antoine, Wesley Mason-Schaffer, and Paul Paresa. Photo courtesy of Known as Anonymous

I love their regular Joe-Schmo attitudes that contrast so strongly with their jazzy music. They're just four regular guys who love what they do, which is something that always attracts me to unsigned musicians. I hope to see them in person sometime so I can actually blog about their style. Jazz on, Known as Anonymous!
Recommendations: Take the A Train, Meow, Song in C.

My New Calling

So I had decided long ago that this wouldn't be one of the average fashion blogs that float around the 'Net. Sure, I love the Sartorialist, Rumi Neely, and all those other fashion bloggers. But I want something original, you know? So here goes...
Style N' Music blog. After all, I love both. So why not combine them? I love listening to local bands who are undiscovered. It feels like they work so much harder than mainstream musicians. There's so much sweat, blood, and tears put into their passion that it reminds me of a Korean action flick.
So seriously, if you know of an undiscovered band who are just dying to get some recognition, shoot me a link of some sort (preferably a Youtube, Myspace, or Facebook page, as long as I can hear their music or get deets on a show where I can go hear them in person) and I'll check them out. Surprise me!

Rope, String, & Thread, Part 2

Unfortunately for you guys, I'm not done obsessing over them yet. This IS, after all, a style blog. So I'm rolling the non-existent sleeves up of my bright green camisole and typing until my hands fall off. Or until I lose my train of thought and decide to move on. But preferably the hands falling off part. It makes me look dedicated.

Photo courtesy of Mike Bitton who's an absolutely amazing photographer. I'm a fan. Is there a Facebook fan group? Because I'd be a fan. This caption's too long.

I do have a slight fear of having my arse totally pwned by being sued. But I am giving him credit, no? Moving on, moving on.
They have this certain je ne se quoi to their style. It's laidback (not like surfer, but like... indie rocker. Which is what they are), hip and young, and pretty cool in general. I think I might be able to stare at them for hours. But I digress.
(By the way, I wish these photos came in color. The one below is from their Facebook page. It's okay, I'm really into black and white. It's classy. Yup, classy)

Photo courtesy of Mike Bitton

 Rather than going with the direct route and starting with the singer (because that's too cliche), I'm going to start with the people who are always the most understated in the music industry. You guessed it, drummer.
Why is the drummer always so understated? I mean, look at Ringo Starr. When you ask people who their favorite Beatle is, nobody ever seems to say Ringo Starr (sorry Ringo).

Erik Pudans. Photo courtesy of Mike Bitton

Don't be fooled, though. Erik is much too (what's the word?) feisty to not be noticed. From his shockingly (natural) blonde hair to his Converse wearing toes, he's stylish in an unintentional way that can't go unnoticed, even back at the drum set.
What he's wearing: Converse shoes, medium wash jeans, and a bright blue sweatshirt. It's simple, yet the bright blue is attention-grabbing, if his awesome drumming doesn't do it for you first!

Ashton Bitton. Photo courtesy of Mike Bitton

From what I hear, Ashton's a real sweetheart. She's multi-talented musically: piano, violin, and bass. She's charming as heck! I love her look here as well.
What she's wearing: red striped shirt, blue bandana around her neck, dark wash jeans (I have a soft spot for them) and Converse shoes. It's a look that stands out from the crowd of peppy (and preppy) teenage girls who all wear the same clothes. Unfortunately I'm one of them, but I definitely respect Ashton! I'm staring at this picture wondering what I'm supposed to call this look. Urban Cowgirl? Cowgirl Rocker Chick? Hmmm... maybe just "Ashton" will do.

Matt Vandeberg. Photo courtesy of Mike Bitton

Matthew Vandeberg, also called Matt, is notorious for his crazy curly brown hair and his involvement in the school's Quidditch team (where, coincidentally, he met Erik). He plays guitar, but also sings in many of the songs. Many people sit and listen to him sing with his guitar at lunchtime. Easy on the ears, easy on the eyes.
What he's wearing: beanie, purple hoodie (possibly Vans. Correct me if I'm wrong), Goonies tee, light wash jeans, and Nike sneakers. It's always refreshing to see a guy nowadays who's dressed like a skater but is not wearing skinny jeans. Guys in skinny jeans: gross. Please, don't. It kills me on the inside. Only people who are too skinny to wear anything else can get away with this, because it usually looks all right. Where was I going with this?

Jasmine Escalante. Photo courtesy of Mike Bitton

Last, but definitely not least, is Jasmine Escalante. I think I could have a field day with her. She's itty-bitty like a doll, but has an undoubtedly amazing voice. She also plays the piano and guitar. Jasmine is definitely filled with surprises, and I look forward to hearing more of her.
What she's wearing: black cardi, yellow striped dress, and my personal favorite, wingtip shoes. I would love to own what she's wearing. (I hear Vans makes a pair of wingtip shoes. I will definitely be looking into this) What I love about this outfit is the mix of girliness with the retro goodness of the wingtips. Vintage, mmmm... Jasmine definitely as a lot of style. On a good day, one can also find her sporting cowboy boots with other flirty dresses, both things I'd love to have. Time for a closet raid? Shhh...

Haha, I don't really expect you to read all of that. It's quite long, but if you did, I would applaud you quite heartily. Give yourself a pat on the back, as elementary school teachers used to say!

Rope, String, & Thread

I went to Borders last night to see a band by the name of Rope, String, & Thread, who were playing an acoustic set in the Borders cafe. I could probably do this whole dramatic dialogue about the sights, sounds, and smells. But I'm sure pretty much everyone knows what a Borders cafe looks like. Anyway...

Photo courtesy of Mike Bitton: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebitton/

The band consists of (from left to right): drummer Erik Pudans, singer Jasmine Escalante, guitarist Matthew Vandeberg, and violinist Ashton Bitton. While they did sing several originals (including a very honest number about telling smelly people to take showers), I have to say that I enjoyed their cover of the Foo Fighters' "Everlong" the most.
Perhaps it was Jasmine's soulfully soothing voice that is reminiscent of the 50s singers I absolutely adore. Maybe it's Ashton's passionate skill on the violin that seems to belong in a concert hall rather than in the back of a bookstore. Either way, I found myself unexpectedly swaying back and forth to everything they played.
They surprised the audience at the end with the cover of an ode to an Internet sensation that had everyone in the cafe singing: "Double Rainbow, all the way across the sky!" I tip my hat to you, RS&T!
Facebook group: Rope, String & Thread

My blog

I'm actually pretty excited for this blog. I don't expect to be instantly famous or anything like that. No, that would be ridiculous. Awesome, but ridiculous.
I'm just a teenager who likes to talk about style. Not fashion, style. Fashion fades, but style is forever.

Don't think that I'm some expert. I really am not. I spend hours flipping through magazines to figure out what to wear, haha! But I know if something looks good the moment I see it. This is an ancient (in fashion years, anyhow. Fashion is always changing) picture from 2009. Alexander Wang is an amazing designer! I eye the outfit on the far left quite longingly. There might be drooling.
The reason I chose this is because of the outfit in the middle though. Oversized sweaters and long skirts are quite grungy. While it's fun and all, I've yet to figure out why it's all over the magazines these days. Is it the silhouette that the long skirt gives to the body? Or maybe the badass-ness of the giant sweater combined with the flowy skirt. It vexes me to no end.