rock'n'roll outlaw

Summertime fun!

2010-05-17T12:49:00.001-07:00

The warm weather is starting to hit the bay area and with that comes a completely different aesthetic. As much as I'm a fan of the beach and the out doors, I just can't bring myself to rock the typical summer attire. Luckily there are a number of bands that have served as inspiration on how to "stay cool" in hot weather.

Exhibit A: Nikki and the Corvettes

I'm not quite sure why but nothing says summer to me like colored denim and horizontal stripes. Maybe it's the 1960's surfer vibe that Nikki, Lori and Sally have in most of their promo shots... or maybe it's just because their songs are about summer, boys and cruisin' with the top down, but for whatever reason I can't listen to their self titled album (1980, Bomp! Records) without feeling like I'm at the beach.

Exhibit B: The Barracudas

While the above album cover would suggests they hail from somewhere in sunny southern California, the Barracudas were actually a London based group. These Anglo-Americans did a remarkably fine job at writing songs about the beach and the breaks in the late 70's/early 80's even though it's hard to believe a group of guys from London had a lot of opportunities to surf...

The Barracudas "Drop Out..." album holds a permanent spot in my top 10 favorite summertime albums and, with tracks like "Summer Fun", "Surfers Are Back" and "His Last Summer", you can probably guess why.

Exhibit C: The Beach Boys

Need I even explain why they're on this list?

summer1 by rockandrolloutlaw featuring Dries Van Noten shoes

Items in this set:
Nautical Striped Sweater Top, $16
Acid Distressed Short, $20
Dries Van Noten Woven Leather Brogues, 490 GBP
Straw Studios Wicker Clutch, $46
Stolen Thunder | handmade wooden anchor nautical stud earrings. Fun..., 12 GBP

summer2 by rockandrolloutlaw featuring Carvela shoes

Items in this set:
SEE BY CHLO? KM14F01 NAVY WITHE COTTON -, 255 GBP
Plain Bodycon Skirt, $24
Polka Dot Tights, 8 GBP
LEONARD, 79 GBP
Nude Padlock Bag, 30 GBP

Still kickin'...

2010-04-26T13:57:00.001-07:00

While looking for old videos of teenage Nederglam sensation "The Teens" I happened upon a video of them performing their 1978 "gimme gimme your love" as adults. This sparked an interest to dive a little deeper into the world of YouTube to find out what my other favs were up to these days. Let me just forewarn that some of this ain't pretty!

1. The Teens "Gimme gimme your love"

I've gotta say I'm pretty impressed by how good his voice still sounds but I was totally distracted by how awful that outfit is! I feel like every day I find a new reason to hate Bono and today's reason can be his influence over the fashion sense of what used to be one of the most adorable front men in rock'n'roll (see below).

2. Bonnie St. Claire "Clamp your hands, stamp your feet"

Bonnie, I love you, but did you really have to make this happen? I would have much rather remembered you as the sex kitten with the voice of an angelic siren that you were back in your prime. I kinda wish I could have heard what that voice sounds like now rather than just seeing you lip-sync to the original.

3. Suzi Quatro "She's in love with you"

Not QUITE as sharp sounding as she was in the 70's but Suzi still sounds pretty damn badass... and she looks pretty damn good in leather pants for being nearly 60 years old!

4. Mud "Tiger feet"

Lead singer Les Gray died in 2004 of a heart attack (while battling cancer) but I gotta say this video from '96 proves that he rocked hard even in his older years. RIP, Les. I'm sure you'd still be an amazing front man had you not fallen early.

5. The Rubettes "Juke box jive"

Not a lot has changed for these guys. Still lip-syncing, still wearing white flat caps and polyester suits. I was a little bit shocked to see that their energy levels in the newer video actually seem HIGHER than in the following video from 1975...

used to be a troublemaker, hated homework, was a sweet heart breaker.

2010-02-08T11:30:00.001-08:00

With the release of the film about the Runaways just around the corner, I figured it was about time to pay homage to one of the most influential all-female rock'n'roll groups! I'm still not sure how I feel about Dakota Fanning playing the iconic Cherie Currie or Twilight's Kristin Stewart taking a stab at Joan Jett but I'll have to wait for the movie to premiere in San Francisco before I judge young Hollywood on their adaptation of one of my favorite bands of all time.

Anywho, onto the Runaways!

Formed in 1975 with the aid of Kim Fowley, the original Runaways lineup would set the path for all girl heavy rock bands for years to come. While the band's career as a whole was a short lived one (ending in April of '79), the girls of the Runaways would go on to bigger, more recognized projects and ultimately rule over the rock'n'roll scene of the early 1980's.

The most well recognized member of the Runaways, rhythm guitarist Joan Jett, went on to create her solo band "Joan Jett and the Blackhearts". Jett has gained infamy for her widely known cover of the Arrows "I Love Rock and Roll" as well as being the first female artist to own her first record label, Blackheart Records.

While never reaching fame with a band outside of the Runaways, singer Cherie Currie tried her hand at an acting career and appeared in several films in the late 70's and early 80's. While Cherie did release a duet album with her sister in 1980, her music career ultimately took a dive after the dissolution of the Runaways.

Other members of the Runaways played part in the female rock'n'roll scene of the 80's, most notably lead guitarist Lita Ford and original bassist Mickie Steel. Ford continued her music career as a solo artist, releasing several albums on Polygram Records. Her biggest, and most well known, hit was titled "Kiss Me Deadly" which still happens to be one of my favorite songs, mind you! Mickie Steel joined the all-girl group The Bangles in the 1980's, reaching great success with songs like "Walk Like an Egyptian" and "Eternal Flame".

cover of Lita Ford's "Dancin' on the Edge" LP

The Bangles!

bonus fact: the bangles were originally known as "The Bangs" but had to change their name due to legal issues. The band released one single as "The Bangs" which included, in my opinion, one of their best tracks titled "Getting Out of Hand". They later re-released the single with the extra "les" at the end of their name, but the original EP is now worth a pretty penny!

While the band's last bassist Laurie McCallister never became a household name, the band she went on to do after the Runaways happens to be one of Kim Fowley's most unrecognized music "projects", the album she played on with the Orchids definitely is worth a listen. I picked up the album for relatively cheap many years back and there are a handful of good tracks that made it well worth the measly 3 or 4 bucks I paid for the vinyl copy. Hell, if nothing else, the cover sure has some good fashion inspiration. Check out all those color block outfits!

shine a light

2010-01-18T16:41:00.000-08:00

While I'm stoked by what's going on with fashion right now, nothing seems to ever be able to top the look of this fine woman in her prime days. Words can't even describe how effing amazing Anita Pallenberg was circa late 60's/early 70's.

Unofficial Rolling Stone, official style icon, total dream boat.

you drive me nervous...

2009-11-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

There's something so insanely refreshing about the parallels between Alice Cooper's signature style and what's "hot" in fashion right now. From the heavy eyeliner down to the leather pants, Alice exudes pretty much everything that is, was and ever will be rock'n'roll. To argue that this man is not only one of the most influential people in the heaviest of rocker worlds would be an absolute outrage... and to be quite honest his iconic style can't really be beat. It's dark, it's androgynous, it's perfect.

alice by rockandrolloutlaw on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Bluebanana.cc jacket, 100 GBP
Tillys.com t shirt, $16
Peacocks.co.uk pants, 22 GBP
Singer22.com boots
Saksfifthavenue.com belt, $180

Plasmatic vs. Plastic

2009-10-12T13:43:00.001-07:00

couldn't resist posting this amazing comparison.... and also can't help but like Posh a little bit better now.

i'm also obsessed with this ring i bought from a street vendor. it kinda looks like an alien vagina.
that necklace i'm wearing was made for me by a friend... it includes a bullet shell that she placed a purple crystal in the tip of. it's become a staple.

right here, right now.

2009-08-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

Precious Metal is one of those bands I accidentally stumbled upon in high school. Often times when I'm digging through the dollar record bins I'll come across something that looks interesting and buy it if the price is right. It's usually pretty risky doing this because 85% of the time the records are horrible but the 15% of the time that they're gems make all the gambling totally worth it.

Obviously, the first thing I was drawn to about the album "Right here, right now" was the girl's over-the-top colorful (but still tough) outfits. Every time I put on this record I spend almost as much time looking at their clothes as I do listening to the 3 or 4 good tracks on it.

I never really cared to learn a whole lot more about Precious Metal because, honestly, I doubt the band ever went too far. I do know that I love their outfits on the cover of their freshman album though and I totally grab inspiration from it whenever I want that "good girl gone bad" feel.

preciousmetal by rockandrolloutlaw featuring Miss Selfridge

There's really no such thing as over-accessorizing in rock'n'roll fashion.

preciousmetaljewelry by rockandrolloutlaw featuring Dorothy Perkins jewelry

(click on images for product details)

And if you're wondering what their music sounds like... think Go Go's meets Poison.

(pattern) mix it up!

2009-08-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I know pattern mixing can go really wrong really quickly but when done the right way it can be a really good way to spruce up old favorites. Since the summer 2009 floral frenzy has pretty much taken the world by storm, come fall we're gonna either be throwing the stuff out in heaps or looking for new ways to wear it. Why not try mixing it up by doing pattern-on-pattern looks. Mismatching can be done without looking like Screech from Saved by the Bell so long as you don't go too busy or too overboard.

(Dustin Diamond as "Screech" on Saved by the Bell)

While I think bands like the Bay City Rollers and Slade had an interesting style I would be hesitant to wear my patterns as boldly as they did. After all, no girl wants to look like a clown vomited confetti all over her.

(The Bay City Rollers)

(Slade)

patterns by rockandrolloutlaw featuring American Eagle Outfitters

(click image for product details!)

hit'n'run

2009-08-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

When it comes to rock'n'roll fashion, heavy metal band "Girlschool" is one my prime sources of inspiration. From their perfectly distressed denim to the perfectly tousled coifs Girlschool perfects perfection in every sense of the word.

While I find it a little... hmm... bizarre.. that it's so easy to find clothes that mimic the girl's style of the 70's and 80's I also find it fucking brilliant that I don't have to search high and low for the perfect vintage leather minis and ankle boots.

I've put together a couple of Girlschool inspired looks for your viewing pleasure! (click on images for product prices and details)

girlschool 1 by rockandrolloutlaw featuring American Eagle Outfitters

girlschool2 by rockandrolloutlaw featuring Maje

suzi... and other 4 letter words

2009-08-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

Skin-tight leather, ridiculous amounts of gold chains, high waisted jeans, multiple statement rings.

This sounds like what's in for F/W '09, right? Well yes, but it's also been a uniform for Suzi Quatro since the early 70's. Known mostly for her part on Happy Days as Leather Tuscadero, Suzi also took fame in the UK and other parts of europe as one of the biggest players of the 70's glam rock movement (which, unfortunately, didn't have as much of an effect on the US as it should have... thanks a lot disco...). She also took a place in my heart from the very first glance when I became enamored with her "pretty-girl-gone-tough" style. It's always leathery, always dark and always as tight as can be. Translation? Fucking PERFECT.

(Suzi as "Leather". Seen here with "The Fonz")

(one of the most famous images of Suzi)

I hunted down some Suzi Quatro worthy pieces that I'll hopefully be able to get my hands on before this fall. I've got my fingers crossed that this trend will stick and T-U-F-F leather and skintight denim will prevail!

suzi by rockandrolloutlaw featuring Balmain

faux leather short-short from F21, $23

I can't say I'd be willing to rock these leather short shorts with bare legs but paired with some textured black opaque tights and a loose fitting blouse I think these bad boys would be super cute!

leather-look leggings from Wet Seal, $20

Ok, so let's be honest. Leather pants don't look good on that many people, nor are they the most conducive to one's comfort factor. These faux leather leggings give that same edgy look that Suzi had goin' on without sacrificing practicality.

leather motorcycle jacket by Balmain, $12,050

Right... so in a perfect world we'd all be able to afford this Balmain leather motorcycle jacket. Actuality? We can find one that's pretty much identical (except for the embellishment on the sleeve) at Bebe.com for 1/100th of the price.

gold snake chain 3 row necklace from Torrid, $14

You'll need like... four of these to get the authentic Suzi look. Good thing they're so cheap!

purple caged platform pumps from dorothyperkins.com, $66

The glam rockers of the 70's were known for their extravagant platforms (see below). This more subdued version lends an updated feel to a somewhat dated (but still awesome) style.

(yeah, they are awesome but very intense...)

style icon: lemmy kilmister

2009-08-16T19:49:00.001-07:00

Often times when I'm looking for inspiration in fashion, my go to guys end up being rock'n'roll icons. Lemmy (of Motorhead fame) has always been someone I've drawn inspiration from based on the simple fact that he always keeps it classic and simple. The look is all black, always skinny and always super tough.

Of course, I am not a lanky rocker dude so I can't really pull off the things Lemmy sports but I HAVE thrown together a look that invokes the Lemmster!

lemmy by rockandrolloutlaw featuring Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

tie neck long sleeve blouse by Philosophy di Alberta, $425:

Lemmy is known for his western wear, particularly in black and in long sleeved! I love this take on the western blouse- the added string bow tie gives it a little something special and feminine.

cowboy harness boot, $40:

In EVERY picture ever taken of Lemmy he is wearing a classic motorcycle harness boot. The wood stacked heel on this pair give it a little more of a "girly" feel as well as an added vintage vibe. A heel in any height is a girl's best friend because, after all, no one is gonna say no to a longer looking leg!

tight stretch black jean by cheap monday, $60:

When it comes to rock'n'roll fashion the tighter and blacker your jeans are, the better. Cheap Monday has become known for it's stovepipe skinnies which can pretty much be found everywhere these days (and on the cheap no less!).

223 caliber brass shell bullet belt, $65:

If you want to get that really tough look you pretty much have to add a brass bullet belt. After all, Lemmy is seen wearing one is pretty much every picture he's ever been in (which is funny because I have actually lost a bullet belt to security while seeing Motorhead play live!). If you can handle the fact that it's a little awkward getting used to going pee and you might have some bruised upper thighs, the look really can't be any cooler than with this brass M16 belt.

...and if you're looking to get REALLY authentic in your look you can go ahead and slap on a couple of fake moles ala Lemmy!

holy moly! fake moles, $1.95

to bleach or not to bleach...

2009-08-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

After seeing Kate Bosworth and other celebs sporting these J Brand thrasher jeans, I can't help but feel a little taken back by what's happening in the denim world.

Here's the skinny (no pun intended) on my history with jeans.

It's freshman year in high school.... I can't find a single pair of jeans that are tight enough for me because Dogpile hasn't started making their girl's skinnies yet and Lip Service still hasn't figured out how to flatter a woman's body properly. As someone who won't settle for anything short of EXACTLY what I have pictured in my mind, I decide to alter all of my own pants (some by HAND!) to get that "painted on" look. This ritual continues until the rise of the skinny jean happens sometime around 2003.

So fine, I have totally accepted the fact that skinny jeans are just cuter than gross bootcut ones and yeah, I'm glad people caught on... but BLEACHIES?!?!? Seriously? Come on! I remember standing in my dad's basement, hovering over a pair of Levi's I had altered (no, they weren't stretch... holy uncomfortable!), splashing little cap fulls of Clorox on my jeans to get that bleached out look. In punk rock subculture, being "good" at making a pair of bleachies would get you street cred. I actually have fond memories of complimenting the skinhead boys on theirs because, for some unknown reason, boys were always much better at making them than girls were.

So now, here we are. It's 2009 and the "bleached out jean" is fucking EVERYWHERE. It's fucking everywhere and I can't decide if i love it or hate it. Some part of it makes me a little bit happy that I could take out my old bleached out skirts if I wanted to regurgitate my old style but my better judgement tells me maybe I should splurge for the new take on this old punk rock staple and get the J BRANDS I've been secretly eyeing.

(more barbaric pairs of DIY "bleachers" or "bleachies", as seen on skinheads and punk rockers)

To be continued....

I'll fight hell to hold you by my side...

2009-08-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

It's official. I'm done for. There is no way I can go on living without these..

(Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony F/W '09 buckle boots. $625)

Lord almighty, where do I even begin with these puppies? I have had some pretty sick obsessions with shoes in my past but none that have ever been as strong as the one I have with the pair of genius Chloe Sevigny has created for the 2nd installment she is doing for Opening Ceremony. The western buckles add just enough of a vintage feel to keep these boots from looking too butch. Worn here with a simple white button down and a leather mini, I believe Chloe has invented the epitome of the perfect "pretty rocker girl" look. It's tough, it's soft, it's my dream come true.

I commend you Chloe, Ace and the boys would be proud.

denial is not a river in Egypt...

2009-08-11T17:35:00.001-07:00

Admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery.

Hello, I'm Courtney and I'm addicted to clothes.

My problem started at an early age and I suppose I have my mother to blame/thank for that. My first memories of spending time with her were at Nordstrom (my mother claims I was christened there....), fawning over scarves and jewelry that were probably something most 5 year olds wouldn't be looking twice at. While the other little girls were playing house I was always trying to find new and innovative ways to make my Barbies look more sophisticated or tearing up my dad's old clothes to make something more "chic" than those pesky kitten-printed sweat material skirt outfits my parents were putting me in.

The high school years were spent as a punk rocker, DIYing my own clothes and adding as many studs and zippers to my attire as humanly possible. Save for the unfortunate hairstyles, I'd say those were probably the most favorite years of mine as far as my style went... the "anything goes" ideals set forth in punk rock dressing are some I'll always live by.

With that said, we make a segue into today's fashion world. The things happening in mainstream fashion have me tickled pink! From pants optional (see below) to bondage wear to mismatched patterns, the fashionably acceptable has reached such great heights in the past 5 years. I commend you, world, for finally letting your inner 5 year old shine through. So here's to saying "fuck the rules" and letting fashion take it's course. I cannot wait to see what comes next! I hope to let this blog be a document of the normal to abnormal, the loves and hates and the misses and hits.

sienna miller, sans pants.

mary-kate "no pants" olsen, my favorite pants-free celeb.