A.L.I.E.N. wants you...

The very cool crew and designers of A.L.I.E.N.(A Legion In Every Nation) is looking for brainy but cool self-starter's that's willing to help their movement and company grow beyond measures. Now I"m sure you have seen these individually clad eclectic street connoisseurs hanging out in the city. True rebels to conformity, these group of individuals have developed a movement and street wear for the unconventional soul. The downtown cool kids with a 80's and 90's aesthetic are not afraid to wear gaudy jewelry, combined with vintage inspired threads and excessive(*good thing) color. If you are interested in working with this clothing line and can professionally hold down the responsibility of accounting and bookeeping duties, definitely apply!

It's vital that you have:

- Multi-tasking skills- Computer Savvy: Excel is a must, Quickbooks is a plus- Knowledge of Accounts receivable and payableNon-paidCollege Credit given where applicable. Paid with the Right Experience and proof of work.

There are also looking for:

Also Looking for Self motivated Graphic designers , Web designers , as well as some knowledge in HTML. Artist , Taking all interns , Freelance workers , Or people looking to be apart of a great growing company there will be Interviews this Friday and Sat in the city for more information .

Knowledge of Adobe - Illustrator - HTM - Web Design- ArtistInterns - Will be working with our Studio and out of our studio in BK so if you like taking Pictures etc and looking to get some Knowledge as well come on by and get interviewed photography - portraiture - photographer film - production - photography.

Please send your Resume or contact information with what is it you do or would see your self applying for . Dorjan@thegalaxyriders.com

To find out more about A.L.I.E.N. go to:

http://www.galaxyriders.com/ or www.myspace/alienthecrew

Here's some cool pics of the line....

Tell them CrooklynChronicles sent ya!

Come on now....

This elementary-like collage pictured above was not created by 11-13 year old school kids but by our good old friends at Urban Outfitters. Fly Crooklyn girls and guys usually flock to the city but just recently, Urban Outfitters has built a home in Crooklyn.When I first found out that there was an Urban Outfitters that was going to be Crooklyn bound I had a sigh of relief. Sometimes, the commute to and from Soho can be a pain for Crooklynites with all those ridiculous train changes. Before I headed out in that direction today I received an email about their store opening ad back in March. Now, I've seen previous ads for Urban Outfitters and never before have I seen cut images of Biggie, Jay-z, Mike Tyson and the Cosby's as images on what looked like a rushed attempt at making a quick flyer. If this is an attempt to be down with the "hood," when their located in CobbleHill/Caroll Gardens (nothing hoodish about these areas), I mean very WACK! What was the goal here with this ad???? It paints a perception of who they believed their target customers would only be. Ck is too diverse a town and deserves better, I mean hell I love Jay and Big too but are they the faces of Urban Outfitters? It's one thing to include culture and race as a marketing tool but if your going to do it, Do it right! I am highly offended that Crooklyn received such representation and it makes me second guess their establishment. It's hard because Urban has some ill finds but I need to take a serious break from them, oh well there's always vintage:)

JUNE 18TH

Okay after dealing with blogger and it's issues I can FINALLY announce the event!!!!!!!!!!!! So for almost a year I started CrooklynChronicles and it's been a couple of months since Kai(former CrooklynChronicles contributor) started 718bodega. We are proud to present to you our blog launch and networking event! I can't tell you how much young incredible designers, artists musicians and inspiring entrepeneurs that we rub elbows with on a daily basis. Some have been featured on our blogs and we feel that it's vital to introduce you to them! So we are asking you to come out and support. The event will be held at of course at Crooklyn's Chronicles favorite vintage shop NOT JUST VINTAGE(see january feature, www.crooklynchronicles.com/2008/01/honey-its-not-just-vintage.html). Writers, designers, stylist, singers,entrepeneurs and all eclectic walks of life please feel free to stop by!

Crooklyn + Bodega!!!

About 9 something this morn Crooklyn Chronicles and 718 Bodega joined forces for a promo shoot for an up coming event on June 18th(Plzzzz save the date:). At a time where blogs focus on wild rumors and celeb escapades, we are two Crooklyn "Modern Misfits," on a mission to deliver you round the clock info on WHAT'S NEXT. The budding journalist (ME:) and driven boutique owner-to-be (Kai:) continue to scurry the city for underground talent and innovation that you need to KNOW! Stay tuned for more info about our June 18th event. Cant tell you all the details yet, so check back for more!

Photo Credit: Nasilele Holland
NasilelePhotography.com

Can't Knock Her Hustle!

(Shantelle, Designer of National Society of Soul)

Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and of course "Eclectic" RBG'S all over the globe has been donning crochet pieces for years. Today there's a determined woman on a mission to reinvent the trend with more Soul than ever before! Shantelle M.Brumfield aka Ms.LADYBUG is a DC raised designer with a hot vintage inspired collection of crochet, embroidered and sewed pieces ranging from cute clutches, earrings and even ugg like crochet warmies. Taught by her grandmother and family friend the Howard Grad decided to name her line National Society of Soul, in great efforts to "emphasize the importance of life through fashion, written and social awareness."

(Models rocking National Society of Soul)
The former Cancer Research Scientist left her field to passionately pursue and design her business full-time. Talk about drive and dedication! The hobby at HU!(I just had to do that, lol)became a hit on campus that started the flourishing business.Brumfield started crocheting hats and scarve sets that dubbed her the name"miss crochet old lady." As the buzz grew Brumfield has made various appearances and press mentions at Howard University events, New Faces Fashion Show May 2007, DC Fashion Week 2008, LA Fashion Week 2008, XXL Magazine Jan/Feb 2008 and Jersey Magazine.

(Remy Ma, XXL magazine Jan/Feb 2008)
Ms. Ladybug and her collection has a positive aura that resonates when you get a chance to meet her and see her stuff! In an era of fashion where designers are forced to copy each other's pieces and trends, Brumfield marches to her own drum beat by healing us with soulful pieces!

If you would like to find out more about Shantelle visit:
http://www.nationalsocietyofsoul.com/
www.myspace.com/nationalsocietyofsoul
She has a blog too!!!
http://www.nationalsocietyofsoul.blogspot.com/
Hit her up and tell her Crooklyn Chronicles sent you:)

Another Reminder!!!!!!!!!!

Enjoy a fun evening as you shop the clothing and accessories of Brooklyn’s finest up and coming indie fashion designers. Come prepared to nibble, drink, and walk way with the hottest clothing and accessories. The first 25 guests will recieve a complimentary gift bag.
Where: 388 Atlantic Ave b/w Hoyt and Bond
Time: 8pm-11:30pm
When: May 3rd, 2008

Designer Name Line Name Website
Carina Cid Black Rabbit NYC blackrabbitnyc.etsy.com
Micheal Bemmel Close Up Clothing closeupclothing.com
Jacob Gushue Project TransAction projecttransaction.com
Megan Nugent Photosyntesis photosynthesis.etsy.com
Gina Mauro Thimk ginamauroblogspot.com
Lisa Galinske Born in Eighty one bornineightyone.com
Jennifer Yi for Jennifer Yi jennifercomyijewelry.com

Kissed By Rain Photoshoot(Behind-the-Scenes)

HEY CROOKLYNITES!!!!!!!!!!

(Rain and the Models)


KissedbyRain is back and Ms. Eclectic has got behind the scenes photos of the shoot that took place in of course, a Crooklyn Brownstone. Just a couple of months ago I introduced you to designer Rain and I'm so happy to see she's still working hard.This time around the line is more grown-up with flirty dresses, cute skirts(a rosegold pencil skirt that I want that's not pictured below, sorry:)and even a male collection.Stay tuned for a new interview coming soon!

(Rain posing for my loud camera courtesy of my sis, lol)

(Me posing, Ms. Eclectic:)

(Photographer and good friend of Rain, Matthew Ramirez)
(Daniel Roundtree, Miss New York 2008)

(Model posing and laghing in between shots)

(Model posing in that very cute jacket)

(Ms. Daniel Strikes a hot pose)

(Other photographer and good friend of Rain, Daniel Bonilla a.k.a.nike food*inside joke)

(Everyone in their own world in between shoot)

(Introducing "NILE," I'm his agent, lol)

(She's the only that wants her pic taken at the moment, lol)

(The camera was driving me a little crazy on the set)

(wow)

(YOOOOOO NILE)

(Rain works with models and their poses)

(And last but not least, the lady of those quick two hrs, lol....RAIN!!!!!!!!)

Trunk Show

Once again it is time to shop until you can't shop anymore. Come out on May 3rd form 8pm-11:30 and shop some of the best up and coming independent Fashion designers in NYC. *Free Gift bag for the 1st 25 people...




**Thanks to Christopher Gandsy for this**

Ripe is MO BETTA!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Ripe jewelry designer Folasade)

It's saucy and succlent, divine,and ridiculously tempting. Folasade the downtown chic a.k.a. Ms.MoBetta is hitting the scene explosively with her most ripest goods.

"I want it to be ripe and juicy, when you see it I want you to have to have it," says the twenty one year old Jewelry extrodinaire.
Hey what did you think I was talkin about, hahaha... Anyway the Crooklyn born and Harlem raised designer has been intensely working on the line for about eight months.With her optimistic persona Folasade is surely on her way to seeing every cool,unique chic or dude with his/her own MO rockin a ripe piece.The daughter of a former Alvin Ailey Dancer and spiritual guru wants her line to personally reflect her struggle to fill a needed void not only in the jewelry industry but in the life styles we lead.

(Folasade hard at work)

(Model wears Ripe)
In an insightful and what turned out to be a surprising interview on aim(yes you read correctly, aim...lol) we vented, and unveiled how Ripe jewelry was born. Growing up observing the mixed NY downtown scene for it's varied and diverse lifestyle,ranging from rich to poor you can't help but notice how Folasade embodies a persona that influences her designs and how she see's the world. She is also the beautiful product of mesh cultures always wanted more.She felt that things were moving but not fast enough.For two years she interned at the International Center of Photography and later worked with another NY based jewelry line Bijules.Later on Folasade found herself sitting in Brazil sipping caprihinas and simply enjoying life."I remember just coming home and working on my portfolio and designing, it's one of those moments in life where you see more of what the world has to offer. You just take it in, interpret it and bring it out in some form and I brought it out through my jewelry line," said Folasade.Coming home with a worldy sense of creation and influence was the major force into truly pursuing the line even more.

Ripe Jewlery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ripe jewelry is bold, clever, raunchy and down right individual. If your like me and you walk through the streets with your own flair and a "Look world I'm here and in-your-face MO" then you want a ripe piece NOW. With prices ranging from 85 to 350 your guranteed to turn heads and have people bumping into poles in order to get a good glance. Folasade pushes the bar with ripe. It's not your average Tiffany's line of jewelry but so what, average is the worst form of settling in life. And that's definitely not in Folasade's agenda.As a female designer in a male prodominately scene she's determined to make ripe a global cult favorite.Where does the savy Downtown Belle see Ripe Jewelry in the future, she responds,"Mo Betta......" we all do too:) Sade ur major Doll!!!!!!!!!!!

If your interested in a ripe pieces,contact her at ripejewelrynyc@gmail.com and check out her myspace pages. www.myspace.com/sweetestaboo1 www.myspace.com/ripejewelrynyc

Sade Ripe will be MO BETTA!!!!!!!!

Look who's in NOT JUST VINTAGE!!!

(M.I.A. and 1/2 of Not Just Vintage Maya!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Stop in Not Just Vintage Ladies

Support, Support, Support

*See I told you guys it's worth a visit*

www.myspace.com/notjustvintage

KISS, KISS, KISS

(Rain working hard in her design room)

Hey Crooklynites!!!!!!!
So, my first entry I introduced you guys to my friend/business associate Rain and her clothing line Kissed by Rain.As promised her new line is coming soon and I am so excited.Stay tuned for a brand new interview and pics from the 08 collection.

Visit her blog too www.bekissed.blogspot.com

"Trust Me It's NOT JUST VINTAGE!!!!!!!!"

(Pic courtesy of Not Just Vintage)
When I walk through the streets of New York and I see young women like myself channeling that back in the day look I think about why we are fascinated with the word,idea,style or notion of vintage. Remember those dated square shaped flicks of our mother's posing with their high waisted acid wash jeans, big burgundy gazelle specs(LOL)and those long brightly colored bags with the foot long strap? Yeaaaaaaaah you do, lol... Well I bet even seeing those pictures now makes you want to simply pay homage to women who dared to walk the streets with their own individual style and flair!

Memory Lane

I mean think about women like Ms.Chaka Khan who use to rock the big honey brown hair,pastel colored tube tops and parachute pants.Or better yet Ms.Grace Jones in her leather cat suit and of course how can we forget the first Queen of Fabulosity, Ms.Ross! Between all these women they have one thing in common.They are all mesmorized and adorned globally by many modern misfits. With clones of Beyonce every where, the eclectic bunch scurring through the city in their vintage platforms and bright clutches feel the dire need to separate themselves from society's norm. Well ladybugs, Bedstuy vintage shop owners Maya and Lamonica understand your pain ladies and want you to know that vintage is indeed more than just clothes of the past. But, more like a divine tradition to memoralize influential times in our culture.So,with that said help them to help you get the point across throughout the streets of Crooklyn and every where else that this movement to be individually fierce is truly NOT JUST VINTAGE.


(Not Just Vintage Owners Maya Furbert and Lamonica Peterson)

Combine a determined bonafide hustler with a style architect that has a sharp eye for style and you get two innovative African American women that open a shop that looks like Black Barbie's closet! Business partners Maya and Lamonica hit the jackpot meeting each other.Maya, a Medgar Evers college graduate and Bermuda native has been grinding for a while now. From rigorous interning, bartending,and pain-in-the-butt retail(I've been there, lol) Maya got sick of not doing her own thing so she opened up a small store front on Fulton in BK. In her shop she sold bags, earrings, and any hot item that was indeed needed for fashionable ladies.Lamonica on the other hand was making a name for herself, so much that she was featured on BETJ's short run reality show hosted by Eva Pigford,"My Model Looks Better Than Yours." With the over critical cast of judges Lamonica didn't make the cut but that didn't stop her strive for success. She later became a personal stylist for singer/actress and video host on BETJ, Myoshi Marilla (http://www.myspace.com/myoshimarilla).


(My day at Not Just Vintage)

Last year in August of 2007 the two ladies realized their two sparked interests was a sure plan to fill their voids and fulfill a dream of combining business, style and culture. Not just Vintage opened their doors in the heart of Brooklyn,Bed-stuy.Since the opening both business partners pledge on building up black youths in their community. Maya and Lamonica want them to know you can use fashion as an outlet to showcase their talents. Both fashion conniseurs have also set up their Bedford shop Not Just Vintage to be a place where photoshoots as well as classes can be taken(if you need a venue hit them up).
Style architect Lamonica and her beautiful pieces!

Maya the bizness woman, such a sweetheart!

Me posing in front of my obsession

This vintage Louis is sick!!!!!!!

Cute!

Me posing!!!!!!

Visit the shop!!

The powerful force of determination and passion fused together always leads to big things so please support these women. Pleasant, powerful and strong black women on the rise! SUPPORT, SUPPORT, SUPPORT!!!!!!!!! Visit their myspace page and tell them I sent you:)
http://www.myspace.com/notjustvintage