Discovering The Twisted Mind & Lens Of Celebrity Photographer Tyler Shields

You MAY or may not know who LA-based photographer Tyler Shields is.  Thing you should know though, is that is he brilliant, controversial, dark, and quite possibly a tad insane.  He’s a realist that uses his photography to prove that materialistic items mean absolutely nothing.  His shots are unbelievable, I can’t believe I’m just finding out about his work now.  Most recently, he’s caused a bit of controversy in the media by having his model girlfriend Francesca Eastwood chainsaw and set a $100,000 Hermes Birkin bag on fire for a set of spectacularly bizarre photos.  Because of the media spectacle over it, (which included death threats to his girlfriend…really?? Over a damn handbag??) Shields stated that if someone buys one of the photos, he will donate $100,000 to a family in need, which is extremely admirable in my opinion.  

Shields has shot countless celebrities in all states of undress and dress, kooky to beautiful, morbid to grotesque, mindless to cerebral.  He’s shot Lindsay Lohan as a hooker, vampire, and murderer.  Heather Morris, the good girl from Glee as a black eyed, domestically abused housewife.  Emma Roberts horrifyingly looking in on a Barbie doll murdering Ken AND snorting lines of cocaine.  Mischa Barton prancing around Los Angeles in a Panda headpiece, chomping on some raw meat.  The celebrity client list goes on forever.  He is almost akin to a young Terry Richardson or David LaChapelle, I am so happy to have discovered his work and will now certainly be on the lookout for any and all upcoming projects.  

Here are some of my favorite photos by Tyler Shields.  What do YOU think of his shocking photography?  Are YOU a fan?

xx

Barbie McQueen

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Christian Louboutin To Launch Luxury Make-Up Line

One of the most innovative and biggest names in footwear is set to dive head first into the world of beauty.  Coming in fall 2013, Christian Louboutin will roll out a luxury make-up line, Christian Louboutin Beauté, in partnership with Battalure Beauty LLC.

The line will embody the brand and mirror the DNA of what the brand stands for, according to the Paris based designer, so I am expecting some trademark red lips and red nails to go with my red soles.  Where did Mr. Louboutin get inspired to launch a make-up line?  Why, Queen Nefertiti and her 3,300-year-old bust at Berlin’s Neues Museum, of course!  He went on to say, “It’s the most beautiful thing. I stayed like an hour just looking at the bust. It’s a perfect beauty and the makeup is quite perfect.”  Perfect, indeed.

Are YOU excited for Christian Louboutin Beauté to launch?  

xx

Barbie McQueen

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French Chic: Wheels & Dollbaby Fall/Winter 2012 Editorial

Rock n’ roll luxury line Wheels & Dollbaby has never looked so très chic!  The latest editorial, shot by the incomparably iconic photographer Ellen von Unwerth, shows the Fall/Winter 2012 collection in a fun, flirty, and playful light.  The “Jolie Bow” picnic dress is my favorite look, the sheer, capped sleeve dress with matching hair scarf and sheer dot tights is retro at it’s best!  Also the other favorite of mine here is ABSOLUTELY the black lace number in the second photo, DEAD.  Gorgeous Parisienne ladies getting up to no good, in insanely amazing clothes, against an antique French hotel backdrop?  YES PLEASE!  

What do YOU think of the Wheels & Dollbaby F/W 2012 editorial and collection?  Loves or Leaves?

xx,

Barbie McQueen

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Band Spotlight - Gatsbys American Dream

So as a blogger, you can write for any sort of reason, at any time, for any purpose.  I write most of the time when I’m feeling inspired.  Within the last week, I have been reinspired by one of my all-time favorite bands, Gatsbys American Dream.  They may not be a “new” IT band, but they have certainly made a huge impact on my life.  GAD has continued to wow me more and more as I realize there really aren’t any bands out there like them that take as many chances sonically, which I of course love.

I discovered this awesome alternative/progressive/post-hardcore band when I was a sophomore  in high school. Their album “Ribbons And Sugar” was released on my 16th birthday and since I had been reading The Great Gatsby at the time, I thought I’d pick up the CD and give it a whirl.  After the first listen, I was SO glad I did.  That album was on repeat for a year HARDCORE.  It’s clever without being pretentious, has super catchy choruses, and it’s ironic and experimental, in the best way possible.  My favorite track, “A Manifesto Of Tangible Wealth” still rings in my head, “Who do you want to be, or would you rather die here tonight?  This is an empty mural of cubicles and apparel,”.  When the band’s first Fearless release came out in 2005, Volcano, I was stunned.  This is probably their best overall effort, and it’s the most focused.  The disc, blasting off with “Theatre” the first single, was definitely the soundtrack to my senior year (well, that along with My Chemical Romance’s “Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge” and Brand New’s “Deja Entendu”).  Every track is different, every track hits your core, it’s an overall amazing album.  “Shhh… I’m Listening To Reason” is definitely my favorite and is the stand out track, although “A Mind Of Metal And Wheels” is a close second, with it’s crunchy guitars, crazy tempo changes and kick you in the stomach sound.  GAD singer Nic Newsham’s voice is cool yet powerful, and it showcases his abilities immensely on this album.

The band released one more disc under Fearless which is also their last full length, called simply, Gatsbys American Dream, in 2006.  The album got a stellar 9.5 out of 10 review on absolutepunk.net.  Their recreated sound was well liked by critics and fans everywhere, and as it’s very good, but I still have a soft spot for the first album I purchased from the band, Ribbons And Sugar.  

Their official website is set up so fans can play a game that unlocks a song called “Modern Man”.  GAD is currently writing and recording new music, hopefully we will hear some new tunes very soon.  Until then, let’s tell the band how much we love their music on their Facebook page.  We want to hear these new songs soon boys!

What’s your favorite track or album from Gatsbys American Dream?  Did this band make as big of an impact on you as they did me?  

xx,

Barbie McQueen

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Mermaid in Black + White - Lana Del Rey’s “Blue Jeans” Video

You all know how much I LOVE Lana Del Rey’s style and music.  The video for the third single off of her debut album “Blue Jeans” just leaked yesterday and I am again, in love.  Of course, as usual, Lana looks breathtaking in the clip, in a vintage looking one piece bathing suit.  All shot in black and white, the video is a little hard to decipher at first.  It’s a passionate and creepy love story between a girl and a rebel (heavily tattooed model Bradley Soileau is her love interest in this clip, reprising his same role from the “Born To Die” video) under the water of a palm-tree lined pool.  You almost get the idea that Lana is either a mermaid or becomes a mermaid in the video, because it seems that she almost can’t breathe when she’s not under the water, possibly?  As she is caressing and making out with her love, there are some alligators swimming in the pool, perhaps referencing some bad news ahead.  Her lover wraps his hands around her throat and…well… I don’t want to spoil the ending.  Full of darkness, drama, sex and mystery, “Blue Jeans” is the perfect antidote for those who cannot get enough of the very hot right now singer.

Watch Lana Del Rey’s “Blue Jeans” video and let me know what YOU think.  Loves or Leaves?

xx,

Barbie McQueen

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Wildfox Spring 2012 Fashion Film: “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues”

Wildfox Couture is always coming out with the cutest, most alive mini-films to showcase their newest collections.  ”Even Cowgirls Get The Blues” shows their spring line in action with beautiful models running around in a mock wild west setting.  Guns-a-blazin’, fun to be had, sunshine on skin, sand in cowboy boots, this film embodies everything Wildfox is as a company.  Now the clothes are of course, in one word, darling.  I am LOVING the cropped “BANG” t-shirt and sheer maxi skirts.  Why can’t I have all of these looks in my closet?  

What do YOU think of the Wildfox “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues” fashion film?  Would you wear any of these ensembles?  Loves or leaves?

xx,

Barbie McQueen

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#NYFW - Barbie’s Dream Closet - All Pink EVERYTHANG

As you all know, I’m KIND OF a Barbie fan.  The iconic image of “a perfect can-do-it-all” woman is so empowering, not to mention, bitch has a mean sense of style.  This past weekend over New York Fashion Week, Mattel put together a pop-up shop called “Barbie’s Dream Closet”. 

Fans could enter the 9,000 square foot design space and be Barbie for an hour.  Um… how cool is that??  There were hors d’oeuvres, pink sugared cosmos, life-size Barbie models, and amazingly enough… a real life virtual closet that you can “try on” a slew of Barbie-esque looks.  Yeah, “Clueless” style, guys. 

Love this whole idea, I wish I could be in New York right now.  Sigh, Los Angeles will just have to do for the moment.

xx,

Barbie

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Announcement: Blonde-A-Holic For BUZZNET

Big news Glamazons.  The biggest social networking magazine on the web, BUZZNET, has asked me to blog for them!  They’ll be featuring my profile, entitled “Blonde-A-Holic For BUZZNET” on their home and fashion pages.  This is so exciting!  Not to worry, I will still be writing on my official #Blondeaholic site as well, but there will be different content on both blogs, so I suggest you update your bookmarks accordingly. =].

My BUZZNET profile is located HERE at blondeaholic.buzznet.com.

Make sure if you don’t, Follow me on Twitter and Like me on Facebook!

xoxo,

Barbie

“Turn Me On” Video: Nicki Minaj + Frankenstein + Sleepy Hollow

Music videos rarely get me excited anymore.  But, the newly premiered video for the collaboration between French producer and DJ David Guetta and Nicki Minaj is fan-freakin’-tastic.  ”Turn Me On” is one part Sleepy Hollow, two parts Frankenstein, and all glamour.  ”Doctor” David Guetta sets up shop and creates a “Nicki” by hand out of a pair of lips and various machine parts.  Nicki emerges alive while fabulously dressed in a top hat, corset, and black coat with long flowing pink hair.  She leads a team of other gorgeous, albeit plastic, “Doctor Guetta” made dolls on an 1800’s style, dark, cobblestone-lined street.  The special effects couldn’t be more fun to watch and as always Miss Minaj lights up the screen.  The video screams Tim Burton to me and it’s an amazing take on a soon to be #1 dance smash.  

What do YOU think of the video for “Turn Me On”? 

Love,

Barbie McQueen

Wildfox - Lavender Blonde + Boho Chic - Spring 2012

Amazing is the only word that comes to mind when describing the SS 2012 Wildfox White Label “Pony Tale” collection editorial.  First off, the model Amanda Booth has some serious sun-kissed skin and the most gorgeous lavender blonde hair.  The clothes are girly bohemian summer chic with a slight rock n’ roll edge.  The shoes are Jeffrey Campbell.  Could it get any better?

Need I say more?

I had no idea Wildfox made jewelry!  That necklace is a must have.  Adore it paired with this nude ensemble, LOVE the gold cross detailing on the shorts.

How very Alexander McQueen!  These lace bell-sleeved flowing minis are beautiful.  

I see no signs of the American Flag clothing trend slowing down this year.  This crop has a very vintage feel, love it paired with the nude leotard.

Um, can we talk about these platform ballet slippers from Jeffrey Campbell!  My head is going to explode.  Too good.

More simple, yet gorgeous long flowing gowns here.  That melon color screams spring, love!

Ripped cross oversized sweaters in nude and periwinkle?  SIGN ME THE HELL UP!  Would look sick paired with House Of Harlow faux garter tights.

Boyfriend and/or Grandpa sweaters in pale tones, yum.

These fringe numbers are MADE for outdoor summer festival shows, are they not?  Very rock n’ roll, very fun and very sexy.  I’m obsessed with the black one.

Distressed, sheer star crops, adorible!  Are bohemian sheer maxis the next big thing?

Those cross shorts in nude, black AND white too, so cute!  Perfect for summer.

Leopard maxi love.

You’ll soon be able to buy everything via their website.  I think this collection is a big step forward for the mostly kitchy t-shirt and sweatshirt company.  Bravo and well done ladies!

Do you love the “Pony Tale” Wildfox Collection? 

xo,

Barbie McQueen