rock | Moda Muse

July Wrap Up

Posted on August 2, 2019 by modamuseatx

“The great thing about rock and roll is that someone like me can be a star.”

Elton John

Photo by Barry Schultz

Well, I started this little blog at the start of July for a school project. Moda Muse became a spin off of my older blog, Pop Chic Thrift. I’d say that Moda Muse revived my interest in blogging and fashion, as Pop Chic had been put on hold for a bit. While school is taking up a lot of my time, I have enjoyed working on the successful Moda Muse. I’m very pleased to announce that I plan to continue the project.

For the project, I’m reporting some information in this post and then I will continue blogging about style next week.

The most effective tool for working on this site was the ability to preview my posts as I was writing. To know how things are progressing, I have to take a step back and look at the site from time to time during the process. Most of the tools WordPress offers are very effective, but I have had trouble with the site signing me out as I’m writing and losing my work. Other than that coupled with time management, this project went smoothly.

As I plan to continue the Moda Muse blog, I’d like to improve my Trends page by regularly posting short and concise content there in between my regular blog posts. To have a successful blog, I think that content needs to be continuously and frequently posted. This experience benefited me in that it improved my existing blog and renewed my interest in blogging. It’s something that I enjoy. To share the things I love with others is exciting and fun. I currently blog for a marketing agency and I think this experience has also enhanced my skills for future work with that agency.

My most popular week was the week of my July 26 post, Androgyny, with a total of 37 visitors and 86 views. The Androgyny post itself, featuring Joan Jett and Chrissie Hynde was the most popular post with a total of 62 views. I think it was the most popular because I spent time promoting it before posting, to entice my readers. I promoted after posting as well. The promotions were done on all my social media accounts via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. This definitely impacted the success of this post. I think the post was well executed and it reported on a relevant and interesting subject. I spent the most time on working on Androgyny.

As far as stats go, I was a little surprised that Moda Muse got moderate traffic for a new blog. However in hindsight, I think the Moda Muse blog is an improved version of Pop Chic Thrift, so it did somewhat better right out of the gates. Moda Muse’s topics are more streamlined and the posts are shorter and more frequent. The Instagram account I have set up for my blog has always been my most popular social media account, with 521 followers. My first Instagram post promoting Moda Muse did slightly better than any of the other promotions, with 42 total likes.

I’m very pleased with my work here on Moda Muse and I hope my readers enjoy the content. My purpose is to inspire others to have fun with their wardrobe so that they feel like a rock star. Dressing in style, with a rock and roll flair feels empowering to me and I want others to feel that way too. Some of the best ideas are shared ideas, so emulate your favorite iconic rock stars. Get creative with it. Take risks. And remember to always be yourself by putting your signature touch on it!

With that, I’ll share a snippet of something I’ve been working on. I’m collecting unique eyewear, in the spirit of the one and only “Rocketman”, Sir Elton John. Stay tuned for more on this topic.

Truly, L.

Photo by Leigh Kessel
Photo by Leigh Kessel

Sock it to Me Baby!

Posted on August 1, 2019 by modamuseatx

Bad girls and baby dolls of the 90’s.

“Hey, Kool Thing, come here, sit down
There’s something I got to ask you.
I just want to know, what are you gonna do for me?
I mean, are you gonna liberate us girls
From male white corporate oppression?”
Kool Thing, Sonic Youth, Lyrics by Kim Gordon

For this post, I’m taking inspiration from some fierce chicks of the 90’s. In 1994, Hole released the album Live Through This with the single “Doll Parts”. The video for this painful song featured singer Courtney Love and the band in dingy baby doll dresses, mary jane shoes, and barrettes in their hair. As I recall, this set the tone for mid-90’s alterna girl style. Love’s damaged and tortured identity resonated with 90’s youth, particularly her female audience.

Various female led bands ruled the alternative charts during this era. We had Garbage, Veruca Salt, Sonic Youth, The Breeders, L7, etc…to name a few. Not only did their sound and artistry influence a generation, but these musicians influenced my style and attitude. Alterna girl style is a lot of things, but I’m focusing on one particular look today – socks! Any type will do – stockings, patterned socks, knee socks, thigh highs, bobby socks, and more. Here are some examples of me experimenting with this look.

These are bobby socks from Target’s girls dept.
These are bobby socks from Target’s girls dept.
I’m rockin’ my L7 tee with striped socks/leopard boots combo.
I’m rockin’ my L7 tee with striped socks/leopard boots combo.
Have fun with designs and patterns.
Mary jane heels and baby doll dresses/lingerie are a must.
Mary jane heels and baby doll dresses/lingerie are a must.
Combine texture with sparkles.

Photos by Leigh Kessel

This trend is making its way back to the fashion magazines, like InStyle UK for instance. So jump into some cute socks and shoes quickly! It’s super easy to execute. I had the shoes, so I only had to re-up on some new socks. The bobby socks were scored in the girls section at Target, because an adult version wasn’t available. These are size large, for my size 8.5 feet. I recommend mixing it up, as always. Don’t be afraid to use holey socks or ripped stockings too. Play with random shoes in the back of your closet. Break the rules like these 90’s rock chicks did and really “sock it to em'”!

Thanks for visiting Moda Muse. I’ll sign off with one of my favorite girl bands of the 90’s.

Enjoy, L.

L7 “Andres” Music Video

androgyny (noun) an·drog·y·ny \ an-ˈdrä-jə-nē \ : the quality or state of being neither specifically feminine or masculine : the combination of feminine and masculine characteristics

Posted on July 26, 2019 by modamuseatx

“I experimented with fashion as it being more like art, allowing what I wore to express what I was feeling on the inside. Androgyny, rock culture, and grunge – they definitely had an effect on the things that made me feel cool and comfortable.”

Ruby Rose, model, actress and musician

Photo Credit: Swarovski

For me, rock and roll is all about bending the norm, challenging authority and pushing against societal customs. I think about artists waving their middle finger in the air and shredding guitar as loud as possible. I also think of gender bending as another example of rebellious self expression. It’s musicians like Bowie, The New York Dolls, and Grace Jones that used androgynous style as a figurative middle finger. This post celebrates two women who rock out in ambiguity, with jackets and ties, tight jeans and dark makeup, leather and bows: Joan Jett and Chrissie Hynde.

Joan Jett and Chrissie Hynde, at the Whiskey, 1981
Photo by Julian Wasser

For a Jett and Hynde inspired ensemble, it’s easy to find the below items by raiding a dude’s wardrobe. Or you can thrift, like me! Elements to use:

Blazers and jackets
Vests
Neck ties
Scarves
Punk rock t-shirts
Chain jewelry
Leather
Boots
Bows and hair product (for that messy look)
Eyeliner, and tons of it

Mix and match is the name of the game. Here’s how I applied these articles and accessories:

Joan Jett Photo by Brad Elterman
Getty Images

Chrissie Hynde
Getty Images
Getty Images

Getty Images
Getty Images

by Leigh Kessel
by Leigh Kessel

I had a blast getting dolled up like a boy. It feels good to throw on a little men’s wear to really stick it to the man. Pun intended. I hope you’ll try out different gender bending ways of dressing too, so you can feel like a true rock star! For more ideas, please visit my new Trends page and my Instagram.

Behynde the Eyeliner: Chrissie Hynde’s Smoky Eyes

Posted on July 25, 2019 by modamuseatx

“I never want to bore the public.”
Chrissie Hynde, The Pretenders

When I think smoky eyes, one name comes to mind: rock goddess, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. My next Moda Muse looks will focus on women who rock, the first being Chrissie. Her smoky eyeliner is so easy to execute and you won’t need expensive products or additional time to get ready. I used tools and eye shadow palettes I already owned. The look is messy, like “morning after” makeup. Imperfection is encouraged!

Here are the tools and palettes I used. As far as drug store beauty products go, I stay with tried and true Maybelline products. I’ve been using Great Lash since 1992, when I started wearing makeup. However, it’s fine to use any of your favorite brands and tools. Just make sure you have some darker shades in your palette and something for smudging.

Now for the “how to” portion, I referred to this simple tutorial from Glamour Magazine UK. I like that it’s broken down into five easy steps. Additionally, there’s a “cheat way” explained too. The link includes plenty of example photos and it’s focused on tips and hacks, rather than selling the reader expensive products.

After following Glamour’s guide, here’s how my “Chrissie eyes” turned out:

This accentuated look makes a statement, just like Chrissie’s rockin’ music. It can be exaggerated with more liner underneath for an evening out, but you could also lighten it up during the day for a power look at the office. Just add that Chrissie Hynde confidence, as the final component! Like the song Brass in Pocket states, “Gonna make you, make you, make you notice…” Thanks for stopping by and please visit Moda Muse again, as more content is posted weekly.

Best, L.

Rocket Queen

Posted on July 20, 2019 by modamuseatx

“For me, the original Guns N’ Roses is the embodiment of a certain kind of chemistry that really couldn’t be duplicated.”
Slash, Guns N’ Roses

Guns N’ Roses is touring in 2019, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I’m so thrilled, that I feel inspired to squeeze into leather clothing in the middle of the hot, humid summer. The chemistry behind GN’R can’t be duplicated, according to Slash. I would have to agree, but I’m going to do my best to at least duplicate their fine sense of style for an evening at a rock show.

For the Rocket Queen look, I combined several elements which you may find in any GN’R member’s closet, or your own! Here’s a checklist of items that can be combined to create your own version of GN’R attire:

Aviator shades (Axl)
Leather and fringe (Slash)
Band tee and belts (Duff – punk or post-punk tee, if you’ve got it)
Bangles, chains, accessories (Izzy)
Hat and more leather, much much more (Steven)
Additional items: Torn fishnets, torn jeans, boots, gloves, leather jacket, vest, messy hair, scarves, bandanas and attitude

Like this:

Leigh, “Rocket Queen” ensemble
Photograph by Leigh Kessel/Matthew Greenfield

I’m not suggesting you need to buy anything for this look, because it’s really just an eclectic mix of accessories and black on black. But even if you did shop for the look, some of these items are easy to score while thrifting. In fact, that’s where I snagged the black leather skirt and the two belts pictured here.

I had a great time rockin’ out in this look and I even got some compliments at the show. Remember, GN’R style is a lot of mixing and matching so don’t be afraid to be bold and throw on more accessories. There aren’t really rules here, just unabashed rebellion like Guns N’ Roses would have it.

I’ll leave you with this “sweet” GN’R video to get your creativity going….

Sweet Child O’ Mine (Official Video)

Roll Around in the Grime at Fashion Grunge

Posted on July 18, 2019 by modamuseatx

“While the music came first, inevitably a style followed. The dichotomy of masculine and feminine, edgy and minimal, fashion and grunge.”
Lauren M. Brown, editor and founder of Fashion Grunge

To spread inspiration through Moda Muse, I must get inspired myself. These are the times I venture out into the blogosphere and happen upon gems like Fashion Grunge. This blog is the creation of photographer Lauren M. Brown and it combines two of her interests, music and fashion. So often, the two intersect. It was while living in New York City, Brown became enamored by a resurgence of the grunge aesthetic.

What I really enjoy about this blog is the exclusive pictorials within, like Grunge Bride by photographer Nalie @girlsofunderground. This exclusive story is told through a grainy polaroid camera and a cigarette stained lense. The bride pictured thoughout Berlin’s underground perfectly encapsulates that cross section of grunge music, culture, and fashion. The style throughout the exclusives at Fashion Grunge have an overtone of edgy, dirty and dark grunge subculture.

Cover of *Fashion Grunge Zine* (print)
Photography by Christian Navarro @jisusisback
Published by Fashion Grunge

Within the Fashion Grunge site are beauty tips, music reviews, featured looks and more. There is also a link to buy Fashion Grunge’s print version or “zine” if you will. What better sums up 90’s underground culture than an actual zine? Fashion Grunge Zine is around $10 per issue and it features the work of photographers who contributed to the online platform. After exploring Fashion Grunge, I’m delighted to recommend this strangely beautiful site to my readers. Definitely give the blog a follow on IG as well, @fashiongrunge.