Ayla L. Montgomery, aka BRASS, is one of the coolest chicks on the internet. I know that is a bold statement to make, but HALLO…she’s not only a total babe with fly ass nails, but also one of those badasses who I always like to refer to as somebody who be: “Doin’ thangs.” If you ask Brass what her life passion is, she’ll describe it as ‘the storytelling of various subcultures using the mediums of photography and documentary films” and quote some Ayn Rand while she’s at it: “A culture is made, or destroyed, by its articulate voices.” A SoCal girl born and raised, Brass’ photography has been published in both VIBE and The Source. She then filmed the documentary series Art Goon’in as well as The Internet [Documentary] which focused on some of Odd Future’s less infamous members. Brass is now working on a documentary called NAILgasm, which is all about the worldwide phenomenon known as Nail Art, featuring some of the women at the top of the current nail game. Can you FEEL how excited I am about this??

Brass gives us the lowdown on her nail faves and the most anticipated film of the year.

How She Became Obsessed With Nails: Having ones nails done and Nail Art have always been apart of Black/Hip Hop culture, but I was a tomboy who always played sports and couldn’t get my nails done. So as I got older and products got better and the designs got cooler I became more and more obsessed with it. Especially when I saw Melody Ehsani rock cut up dollar bills on her nails. I thought that was the coolest thing ever. I’ve been hooked ever since!

Who Are Some Of The People Featured In The Documentary? Sophy Robson, DiscoNail, Britney Tokyo, Madeline Poole, AstroWifey, Spifster, the Giogo Show girls, Fleury Rose, Naomi Yasuda, Rita Pinto, Andrea Lewis, Hey Nice Nails and more!

When Is It Coming Out?  I’m hoping to wrap editing within the next month or so, so that I can enter it at a few film festivals. SXSW I’m coming for you! As for an actual release date I’m not sure yet, but I promise there will be a big announcement when it’s ready for the world to check out!

Current Favorite Polishes? I am OBSESSED with glitter. La Chat makes an amazing glitter, Milani, Floss Gloss, OPI’s Burlesque collection all have some amazing glitters. My favorite non glitter color this summer was Flip Flop Fantasy by China Glaze, and neon of course!

+Even though the Kickstarter campaign is over, you can always donate via PayPal at the bottom of the Nailgasm Doc page and she will still honor rewards! Make sure you follow Nailgasm on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (NAILgasmdoc), Pinterest and Tumblr. And Brass’ own website, Twitter, Instagram (@WhoIsBrass) and Facebook.

Queen of nails Madeline Poole should have an art exhibit for all the colorful creations she’s put on other people’s hands. Her blog is a feast for the fingertips, showcasing everything from her Misfits manicures to literal Cheetos fingers. You can see Madeline’s work in various commercials, videos, and editorials, including an upcoming shoot she did with Ke$ha for Wonderland Magazine. To help celebrate NAILZ WEEK here on AL, I chatted with Madeline about some of her favorite nail polishes, her current crush, and her new nail sets that you can buy at Sephora!

I know you are a self-taught nail artist and also have a background in painting. Can you tell us about that and how you got started doing nails?

I was just painting my nails one night because I didn’t like my outfit and I really wanted to represent Hello Kitty somewhere so I painted kitty on my nail. I used my acrylic paints, not nail polish….. and it was really easy. So I continued and elaborated and seriously within a week I was a “nail artist” and I haven’t stopped.

What’s your current favorite nail design?

Currently into ALL of these looks but especially the cubic one in the center, really enjoying finding vibrating colors for each quadrant.

Any trend you can’t stand? The caviar one creeps me out personally. I think it triggers trypophobia in me. 

Ew I’m so with you on that… totally don’t get the caviar thing or the crackle for that matter. I mean it was cute for a second but it reminds me of a bad Victorian bed frame.

What would you put on a Manicure Mixtape of your favorite songs? 

I definitely like listening to R&B when I paint nails. Makes me feel relaxed and salon-y. And this song: special Fergie present from Total Freedom.

What are some of your favorite polishes right now?

I love Ginger + Liz “Health is Wealth” and “Jeggings,” Nubar glitter stripers, and Orly “Fancy Fuchsia”.

Who are some female artists, designers and otherwise that you admire?

Consuelo Castiglioni of Marni, Kelela Mizanekristos (an a-mazing singer), and Nagisa Tushima of Disco Nail.

Is there anything you collect?

I do have a miniature collection, but it’s pretty minimal and I’ve lost a lot of it over the years.  It’s mostly doll food and accessories. I had this amazing miniature PC computer with a mouse and everything.  I’m trying to think, “What do I have a lot of?” and all I can think of is the 10+ empty coffee cups in my car.

A fictional character you identify the most with? 

Pikachu.

Who’s your current crush? 

Mykki Blanco in the “Wavvy” video. OMG.

Your five current obsessions:

Argan oil, my Kansai Yamamoto dragon sweatshirt, H20, jeggings, my friend Ashland.

Any new projects that you can share with us?

YES! My new nail polish kits with The New Black, they’re super cute. There are three kits, each kit has 4 colors and a striping brush for detailing (the longer bottle in the center.) They are available on sephora.com.

For booking: contact Vanessa@nailinghollywood.com and follow Madeline on Instagram and Twitter @MPNAILS!

♥

BE WARNED…you might fall in love with this bodacious Australian babe, Kee Kee ! She is a serious vintage collector who even travels the world to find extra special pieces for her vintage shop, Laurel and Hector Vintage! Find out all about this mod goddess and enter the giveaway at the end to win some L&H goodies!

How did you start Laurel and Hector?

Being completely obsessed with clothing and having it take over the whole wardrobe (my poor boyfriend has 2 draws in our 3m wide wadrobe) I thought it was about time I made this into my job: sourcing fantastic clothing for hot babes all around the world! Gee wizz what a job! And when I say hot babes I mean it…seriously I wanted to make out with you when I saw you in the Orange Psychedelic dress!

Can you tell us more about how you source your items in different countries?

Australian vintage is so blerg! It’s very 80′s and it’s pretty crud, so I first thought why don’t I bring back some quality vintage from my travels for my friends. Then my friends network grew into followers of 60′s & 70′s fashion so now where ever I go in the world I am constantly scanning stores and snarling at other girls like a dog with a bone when I haven’t finished going through a rack (haha what a meanie). I mostly source from Japan because I’m O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D. with their clothing! They have an array of great quality vintage plus it gives me a chance to hang out with my Japanese friends for a month at a time. This year I will also be throwing Spain into my buying trip as I heard they’re like an untapped gold mine of incredible 60′s &  70′s vintage. Also a great excuse to lounge on a Spanish beach during European summer.

Since you are also a big lover of Tokyo like I am (WAH I WANNA GO BACK), what are some of your favorite spots/things to do there?

Oh my lord, Tokyo! What isn’t there to do!! Every time we go I drag my boyfriend to my FAVOURITE restaurant, it’s called Alcatraz ER where you get handcuffed in the lobby by a mad scientist who leads you to your jail cell and order delicious cocktails & dinner from a sexy nurse. They have a half time show that scares the crap out of me, it changes every time and it’s so dramatic.  Last visit I was stabbed with an oversized foam syringe by a masked mad man! I also love going to live gigs in Tokyo, they have the best rock ‘n’ roll scene! I’ve had the pleasure of hanging out with the 5.6.7.8′s during their Australian Tour earlier this year who have extended an invite for some karaoke & cocktails during my upcoming trip! I am so excited, our friends at Club Heavy Sick in Hatagaya will be setting that up for us.

 If you could describe your style as the love child of any two people/things, who or what would they be?

French designer Pierre Cardin (when he was in the 60′s) & guitarist Poison Ivy (when she was in the 80′s) from The Cramps. They would have to do some serious time travel to bone but they would make one heck of a baby. I adore the 60′s look and often try to pull it off however because I am quite chaotic and untidy there’s a little bit of punk rock in the way I dress, plus I think I’d totally get all my sass from the queen of attitude, Poison Ivy.

You’re also a lingerie designer! Can you tell us more about that?

For the past two years I have designed for Elegantly Scant, an Australian boutique label, but sadly I am saying goodbye to take on L&H full time. I’ve had so much fun learning about the construction of delicate lingerie and the types of fabrics that make up a perfect bra. We would spend a whole week fussing over what bow to use, it’s that involved!!

Who are some female artists, designers and otherwise that you admire?

I look towards Vivienne Westwood’s earlier years in her “Let It Rock” shop, which later changed to “SEX.” I like how she evolved the punk look into a fashion statement providing iconic 80′s bands with outfits. Her contribution to the community helped form their identity. Also Jean Shrimpton as a style and fashion icon, her face is immaculate and was definitely made for the 60′s. How can you not love her!

Is there a particular decade in history you feel a connection with?

I am a 60′s lover, as you can see in the collection on L&H. I adore mod dresses, the colours used during this iconic period and the fabrics sourced for their simple a-line dresses. They were so adventurous in the 60′s and did it with immaculate style. I often imitate mod makeup & little beehive ‘dos; the higher the hair the closer to god as Dolly Parton says!

Tell us about your pug Booga!

Naw! Even saying his name gives me heart eyes! He’s a fat little pug who turns 5 this year, party time! Full name; Booga Eggy Pop, I really wanted to name him Egg but he wouldn’t come to it, so Booga it is…and my love for my dream husband, Iggy Pop, shows! He’s getting quite a big name in the Australian fashion world, starring in music film clips for Sparkadia, he’s modeled for Miss Shop, an Australian women’s fashion label, and this week he’ll be photographed for an Australian music festival called Field Day where he’ll be dressed up as a unicorn!!

Is there anything you collect?

Mod dresses!! I have a large collection of quality original 1960′s mod dresses. One is a Pierre Cardin in lime green (my honey that I never wear in fear of staining it!) I am also in love with an original late 60′s floor length, purple maxi dress with a see-through lace top. The latter is a little extreme so I’m waiting for the perfect opportunity to wear it out without looking like I am over-the-top obsessed with the 60′s…those kind of people scare me. Quality crystal specially in vases, liquor bottles & ashtrays are also a weakness of mine.

Your five current obsessions:

1. Best Friends Breakfast Club.  I made this up due to my love for hungover weekend breakfast. Here’s the rules: anyone is invited, the cafe is chosen by quality of coffee & eggs, first person to wake up texts the whole gang, then we meet at about 2pm once we’re dressed & ready to go.

2. Bikram Yoga.  I haaaaaaated this sweaty stink pit the first time I went. Also I can’t event straighten my legs when I touch my toes so even more reason to hate the place. Then I found myself going back everyday! So now it’s my nightly ritual and I’ve dragged along friends who are now just as addicted! (I still can’t straighten my legs but I can do a killer backwards bend.)

3. Menji Mushroom Japanese treats. These delicious little suckers can only be bought in Asian grocers over here but are in abundance in Japan. I get these whenever I pass a grocer that stocks them, they are so god damn delicious.

4. Instagram…I know, I know…..such an obvious one but it’s my little bedtime story every night. I was never one for the text in children’s books, give me the images any day! At me baby @keekeeflamingo, haha!

 5. Silk knickers. Once you go silk you never go back.They are so amazing they feel like you’re wearing nothing at all! 

What’s next for Laurel and Hector Vintage?

HUGE buying trip in Spain & Japan, which I think I’ve narrowed down the taste & style that my fans are loving. I’m also shooting with some very talented Australian photographers in the next few weeks, can’t say anything until the shots are out. Also collaborating on a few live photography exhibitions, live music & fashion markets. It’s all happening baby.

♥♥♥

GIVEAWAY TIME! Laurel and Hector Vintage is giving away a super cute Noir Satin Bow Tie and a pair of pink “Can’t Find My Mind” sunglasses! Just leave a comment below describing how you would wear the prizes below! I will pick a winner on Friday! GOOD LUCK HOT BABEZ. And make sure to keep up to date with all the L&H gossip and to see Booga dressed as a unicorn by following them on Facebook, Tumblr, and of course Instagram (@keekeeflamingo)! And of course…go shopping here!  All dresses are currently 20% off! Use DRESSDISCOUNT at checkout!

EDIT: I HAVE CHOSEN A WINNER! (via random.org) It is…. #16: SOCIALITE DREAMS! Email me at marie[at]agentlover.com to claim your prize!!

♥ Where The Wild Things Are ring by Gabriel Hounds ♥

Today are doing a VERY ESPECIAL’ Small Business Sponsor Spotlight and giveaway with  Gabriel Hounds, an LA-based jewelry shop that specializes in Victorian, Art Deco and Punk-inspired jewelz and accessories. Brooke MacBeth, who is the goddess behind Gabriel Hounds, is also a former entomologist, a former goth AND a fan of Mi Vida Loca. See why I love her?

What inspired you to start creating jewelry?

I wanted a hobby so I taught myself how to bead and wire-wrap.  I started beading when I was a teenager then took it up again in my 20s.  It was an off/on thing for me until about two years ago; I saw a pair of earrings I thought were cute and decided to make my own version of them, and after that I couldn’t stop.  My head was filled with ideas.  After a few months I wanted to go beyond the techniques I knew so I enrolled in some classes– precious metal clay, lost-wax casting, metal fabrication– and I got a degree from the Gemological Institute.  Now I have a pretty amazing setup at home.  I love it.

If you could describe your style as the love child of any two people/things, who or what would they be?

Coco Chanel and Charles Darwin.

Who are some females- artists, designers and otherwise that you admire?

I’ve always been obsessed with Coco, ever since I was tiny; My mom, who is really stylish and an interior designer and taught me a LOT about color; my sister Elizabeth, who is one of the most fashion-psychic people ever; Jessica Joslin, who makes these brass-and-bone sculptures that are incredibly intricate and beautiful; Anna Wintour, because it’s pretty awesome to be so legendarily terrifying, but also Grace Coddington, for making everything she touches so beautiful and interesting; my amazing friends, for their support and wisdom and just being rad.

♥ Crystal Hematite and Sterling Silver necklace by Gabriel Hounds ♥

Is there a particular decade in history you feel a connection with?

Probably the 1920s because they seemed like so much fun and I *love* that period in jewelry and design.  Other than that it’s not so much decades but time/place things, like 80s New York (I just watched Desperately Seeking Susan and it’s still SO GOOD and reminded me of how much I wished I could have gone to Danceteria).  I love the Victorian era’s sentimental and superstitious thing– everything was just loaded with symbolism, from the gardens to the jewelry to the clothing, and I find that amazing.  So much coded behavior.

What music are you currently listening to?

For a few days I was listening to that Florence and the Machine song “Seven Devils” because of Revenge, haha.  But I think my summer jam is “I Love It” by Icona Pop.  My husband also found this hilarious song and video called Stupeflipe Vite by a French band called Stupeflipe.  I love that Grimes album.  I’ve also been listening to a lot of dubby stuff.  Bass is good for working.  And early 90s techno.

What are your wardrobe staples?

I’ve been really into dresses lately.  But I’m a big believer in always carrying a great bag and having great sunglasses– right now I’m carrying a black Alexander Wang Kirsten bag and giant blue Alexander McQueen sunglasses (both gifts from my awesome husband).  I got this amazing silver dragon brooch at the Pasadena City College flea market a little over a month ago that I pinned to the bag.  One day I was out and realized later it was gone– I was heartbroken, because I’m a dragon and this is my year!  I called all the places I’d been and no one had found it.  I knew it was gone.  But a couple of hours later, I got a phone call from a girl at one of the stores I’d been in– she found it!  So I went and picked it up and soldered it in place, and it’s going to stay there as long as I want it to.  Jewelry is important!  I feel like that dragon is a lucky talisman and I want to give that feeling to people with my jewelry.

♥ The lovely Brooke wearing her own creations; the Hematite and Sterling Silver Bib Necklace ♥

Is there anything you collect?

Tons of things.  I love collecting and collections.  Jewelry, obviously; I have a small collection of Victorian mourning jewelry.  I have some great watches (one thing I don’t make).  I have a LOT of books.  I also collect antique poison bottles, Catholic art and statues, and natural history type stuff– mounted insects, bones, antlers, taxidermy.

Your five current obsessions:

Upholstery.  I’m teaching myself how.  Photography.  Teaching myself about that too, but also enlisting my husband and friends.  My new kiln!  Haha, I can only think of three, because I’ve been REALLY obsessed with the upholstery thing.  I’m giving my office/workspace a makeover.

Do you have any advice for aspiring jewelry designers?

Just go for it.  I had only made two things in four years when my sister told me to open an Etsy shop.  So I did, and it turns out I really love it.  Keep learning, keep going, and just keep making stuff– it doesn’t always have to be jewelry.  Be creative and have fun.  Some people are going to hate your stuff, but some people will love it, and that’s a great feeling.

What’s next in the world of Gabriel Hounds?

More– I’m just going to spend more time with it and see where it goes.  I have a lot of exciting new tools and equipment to use, so I’m hoping I can go a little more nuts than I have before.  I’m looking forward to it!

♥ Custom lyric nameplate necklace by Gabriel Hounds ♥

And now for the giveaway! Brooke is giving away a personalized lyric nameplate necklace to one lucky Agent Lover reader!!! What lyric would you want on it? Will it be one of Thee Purple One’s? Morrissey? Justin Biebz? PAWLA ABDUL?! Just leave a comment with your favorite lyric below and you’ll be entered to win! The winner will be chosen on Friday! Good luck MY BEWZ. And don’t forget to *like* Gabriel Hounds on FB here!

UPDATE 6/15: The winner has been chosen! #16 LINDSAY GIBSON YOU ARREEEEE THE LUCKY WINNA!!! Email me at marie[at]agentlover.com to get your necklace!!!!!

HAPPY FRIDAY! Here is a closer peek at my Worn Fashion Journal shoot with Lisa Kannakko, a very talented lady from Toronto, where Worn is also based. The idea to do a guerilla shoot at the creepy Old Zoo at Griffith Park was basically a last minute decision, but I was loved how the whole thing turned out! In the interview, I talk about how I’ve always been obsessed with this Marjan Pejoski dress that Bjork wore to Cannes in 2000 and a pleated peach dress she wore to the 2005 Venice Film Festival, and how I felt this vintage dress in the above photo was a combination of the two. It might look more red online but in person the dress is this really rich coral. SO BEAUT.

I love, LOVE Lazy Oaf. When they came out with this “daisy boobs” crop top I bought it immediately. I wear it all the time but it’s still not enough!!! It’s RULL COMFY. I want them all. Maybe this CHEESEBURGER AND FLOWERS DRESS next? Or this fruit dress? Thoughts?

I got this really cute peach gingham cutout dress from ASOS but I don’t think they have it anymore.

And finally, this amazing Betsey Johnson neon fish dress that I luckily scored for $35 a while back (before the announcement of doom.) Kinda hoping I go to the aquarium this summer so I can make a hat to match. Anyone wanna come with?

Don’t forget to check out more of Lisa’s work here!

Aurora Lady is a portrait artist and girl power soldier living in LA. When we first met, we immediately bonded over our unabashed love for Drew Barrymore and Mariah Carey. Her new collection, Cathedral of Rebellion, celebrates the bad girls we all adore and in this interview with the lady herself, we get to learn about all the things she loves! We are also giving away some goodies from the new collection so make sure you read about how to do that at the end of the post!

What inspires your art?

I go through very obsessive, neurotic phases, and I these phases totally inform my content. Right now, I’m getting Spring-y: loads of pastel colors I find in the Pasadena Rose bushes, stray cats that have different colored David Bowie eyes, Scorpios, blended peach margaritas at this bar called Amigos, podcasts about politics and  sex, talking with a friend so intimately that you start crying, and women who rock muumuus and caftans (Mrs. Roper and Stevie Nicks). My favorite, though, is talking to other women who have cultivated their style, and then finding out about their influences. It’s the best way to dig deep and look for inspiration.

If you could describe your style as the love child of any two people/things, who or what would they be?

My style would be a cross between Steve Martin circa 1979 with the white suit and bunny ears, and Drew Barrymore circa 1993, when she was a bad girl who took everything off, except her dark red lipstick. And even though I’ve been consistently in love with both of these people and their respective styles for decades now, it’s really their attitudes that just sent me over the moon. I like people who know exactly who they are, but aren’t held back by that self awareness.

Who are some females, artists and otherwise, that you admire?

My latest collection, “Cathedral of Rebellion”, is a love letter to seven women who have made their mark on me, in one way or another. They are all completely different and I completely love them. There’s Marie Antoinette, Lydia Deetz, Marilyn Monroe, Lindsay Lohan, Lolita,  Courtney Love, Mary-Kate Olsen: they’ve all had a hand in my consideration of the type of woman I am. They’ve each had their highest of highs and lowest of lows, and that’s what’s kept me attracted to them. I adore people in pop culture who know their own humanity, who aren’t solely pursuing a perceived perfection. My biggest girlcrush right now is this woman in Canada named Jessica Luxury (also a Scorpio!), and I’m pretty sure she’s gonna rule the world. She’s a sex positive body activist and is so smart and clever on every level. She’s like my power animal– even reading her Facebook updates make me wanna work harder, be more present, and love with every bit of  my humor and strength. Jessica and her partner host their own sex show called “Heavy Petting”. AMAZE! When I moved from Fresno to Los Angeles, I made an effort to make friends with women who were focused on their careers and living their dreams. Now, my girlfriends are the people I look up to and admire, because they’re constantly making killer projects, creating lifestyles that empower them and other folks. They are complete badasses and keep me moving forward. I could sing their praises til the end of time—instead, I make sure I talk ‘em up on my blog and hope that their love is embraced by my readers.

Is there a particular decade in history you feel a connection with?

It’s more like certain elements and ideas from certain decades are what I connect with, and it’s mostly through memory. I’m old enough know that I have really beautiful, romantic ideas about the pop culture I grew up with in the 90’s. And I feel really appreciative of the 40’s and 50’s because that’s when my grandmother came of age, and I was close to her. My mother was definitely a product of the 60’s and I saw that in the things she gravitated to, and now I am drawn to as well—it’s so strong that when I am watching older Angelica Houston movies, sometimes I pretend that her and my mother were friends, or were connected on some cosmic level. I do my make up like my mother did hers, not because she taught me, but because it links me to her on a daily basis, and she learned how to do hers at a certain time. I think people might automatically view it as an homage to a certain era, but most of the time, it’s just a singular way to share something with someone I love.

What music are you currently listening to?

I’m really into the new Exit Music. I can’t wait to get that album! I also really love Fun.’s “Some Nights”—I’ve always adored Queen and I think Fun. is a fantastic progression in that style.  My husband and I are really into record hunting; last year we got set up with a record player and now vinyl is pretty much all we listen to.  We’re sticking to a lot of the classics right now: Matthew Sweet’s “Girlfriend” and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers “Damn the Torpedos” are pretty much always on rotation. And, of course, “Rumours” from Fleetwood Mac. That album has officially seeped into my bloodstream and is now a huge part of me. Now I’m starting to collect the vinyl versions of the CDs I loved as a teenager: “Last Splash” from the Breeders and “Exile in Guyville” from Liz Phair. I still can’t get through a listen of “Exile” without wanting to write a letter to some dude. Only now, it’s different dudes for different things. That would be a pretty fun ‘zine to make, “Letters to Dudes in the Key of Exile.”

What are your wardrobe staples?

I adore vintage clothing! I know that’s vague, but it also gives you the idea that I just like things that have a history to them. My staple would probably be this fake black leather biker jacket that I found at Goodwill on La Brea. I wish I had about 8 of them, so I could decorate them different ways! I also love dresses—lightweight, puffy a-lines, and long polyester maxi’s from the late 60’s are totally my jam. I love my little black vintage ankle boots. And I would consider make up a wardrobe staple: I love a strong penciled in brow paired with whatever Lime Crime lipstick I happen to have in my purse.

 Is there anything you collect?

How about hearts?! I’m actually very against “collections”, personally. I constantly take stuff to the Goodwill and it freaks me out to know that I’ll be saddled with certain possessions for the rest of my life. Collections generally make me very depressed. It’s part of why I like the internet—I enjoy cataloging and organizing in an intangible manner. It’s the only way to keep collections truly tidy.

 Your five current obsessions:

The color of Lime Crime’s Airborne Unicorn lipstick (I want this pink/purple hybrid to be my hair color!), iced chai tea soy lattes from Lovebirds Café in Pasadena, starting or not starting another zine focused on feminist discourse, DIY sewing projects that utilize crafts made by people I don’t know (like quilts or crochet or embroidered towels refashioned into skirts or black metal drum kit cases.)

 Do you have any advice for aspiring lady artists?

Eliminate the static! Find a job that allows you to showcase and use your talents, and if you don’t have that job yet, create it. Don’t waste time on people who are dream killers—seriously, break off all ties from them and get the hell out. Be ruthless and use every moment to work on your art—even if you are working a desk job, have notepads next to you so you can write down every idea, and listen to podcasts that inspire you while you are pushing papers. Wake up an hour early to draw before your commute. Use your sketchbook at lunch and take notes on everything.  Talk to EVERYONE about what you are passionate about, and don’t limit your social circle to other artists! Your vision is needed and there is room for every sort of perspective. Look for opportunities to help others—ask what their passions are and connect people. Most of all, just keep going and don’t get discouraged. I mean that. It’s really, really easy to say I’m never going to get anywhere with this, and stop. That’s a sad way to live. If I had given up, I’d still be living in a podunk town, wishing I had had the guts to go balls to the wall and make money off my art.

What’s next in the world of Aurora Lady?

I just did a collaboration with my favorite makeup company ever, Lime Crime, and I have some more partnerships coming up. This is so exciting for me and has been a huge goal of mine; it’s terrifically nausea-inducing to know it’s finally happening! I’ve got more portrait projects on deck, and I’m working on a show in downtown L.A. I’m also doing a St. Antoinette sticker campaign—look out for her face on the streets! She’s going to be everywhere!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY! One lucky reader will win a set of all Cathedral of Rebellion buttons, plus a signed Cathedral of Rebellion print of their choice! Just leave a comment below! Comments will be closed on Thursday at midnight and I will choose a winner randomly on Friday! Good luck! MORE GOOD NEWS!: Aurora is offering 20% off to AL readers with the coupon code: secretagentlover

EDIT: The winner has been chosen! #22 Kitty! Please email me at marie[at]agentlover.com to claim your prize!!!

Photo credit: NICOLAS SAGE PHOTOGRAPHY

When I first discovered Francesca Lia Block’s work, I was fourteen- the age where I really started to discover my own personal style and interests…and began to worry a little bit less about being ‘weird.’ I remember I was in the school library when I randomly came across Weetzie Bat,  the first installment of FLB’s popular Dangerous Angels series, about a girl named Weetzie, her two gay best friends Duck and Dirk, and her Secret Agent Lover Man living in a dreamlike Shangri-LA. Its pages were filled with magical, glittering imagery, vivid characters and beautiful sentences that could be sung like songs: “He kissed me. A kiss about apple pie a la mode with the vanilla creaminess melting in the pie heat. A kiss about chocolate, when you haven’t eaten chocolate in a year. A kiss about palm trees speeding by, trailing pink clouds when you drive down the Strip sizzling with champagne. A kiss about spotlights fanning the sky and the swollen sea spilling like tears all over your legs.” This is what a daydreamin’, teenage girl wanted to read you know? Sitting in that library, I never could have imagined that years later this book would still have such an effect on me, to the point where the name of my blog was inspired by one of her characters. Without further ado, I present to you my interview with the wonderful Francesca Lia Block!

You recently collaborated with clothing company Wildfox Couture. Can you tell us more about that and how it came about?

I have always wanted to do a clothing line. When I was a little girl I salivated over European Vogue magazines and drew sketches for designs. I always play dress up with my characters in my books as well. Kim and Emily of Wildfox told me I had inspired them when they started their line and we became friends. They also sponsored our screenplay reading of Weetzie Bat at Book Soup in August 2010. We decided to do a mini collection, based on a short story I wrote for them online, about Ella, a pink-haired fairy girl, Cherie, a free-spirited French gypsy and a blond witch named Dahlia. I am so in love with these clothes. This is really a dream come true. I love Wildfox.

A friend of mine recently discovered old ‘zines from a Jayne Mansfield fan club that would meet in Hollywood in the 80′s. It reminded me of my favorite part of Weetzie Bat, with Vixanne’s coven of Jayne groupies. Being a fan of Jayne myself, I’ve always been curious- what inspired that particular scene in the book?

It was that fan club! My friend and I went to a meeting. It was strange, very cult-like. It inspired that part of Weetzie. I’m glad your friend found the zines because sometimes I think I hallucinated the whole thing!

Why do you think Weetzie has become an influential icon for girls over the years?

To be honest, I am surprised at how enduring she is. I guess because she is loving and sweet and vulnerable but also not afraid to be herself. Plus she has mad style sense. Weetzie <3s Wildfox.

If Weetzie was a teen girl in today’s social media-powered world, what would she be doing? Would she be a Tumblr punk? A fashion blogger?

She’d do it all but then she’d get mad and shut down the computer and make cookies and collages. Then she’d take pictures of them and post them and the cycle would begin again…

How do you stay positive when facing obstacles that are out of your control like what is going on with Bank of America and your home?

Taking care of my children really grounds me and keeps me sane. Also, the support of my friends, running, yoga, meditation and always writing!

You are such an inspirational role model to so many women, who are some ladies you admire?

Thank you! Many of them had tragic lives–Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, Frida Kahlo. I admire that they produced so much beauty in spite of (or maybe because of?) the pain they suffered.

What are some of your current obsessions?

As of today? Cinna played by Lenny Kravitz in The Hunger Games, my Wildfox hoodie that says “Sleep Under the Stars” worn under a leather jacket, my pale pink Wildfox sweatshirt that says PUNK in black, white jeans, my silver Nike Air Force Ones, Iggy Pop’s high school yearbook photo, Butter non-toxic nail polish in gold glitter, changelings.
 Every day: my kids, my dog, my friends, my house, poetry, fiction, film, music, faeries.

Do you collect anything?

Does dust count? No, seriously, I guess cute shoes that don’t hurt, although I don’t mean to, Wildfox T-shirts, little goddess statues.

Have you ever had a supernatural experience?

Yes. The white horse I mention in ECHO. That really happened to me after my dad died. There was another incident with a note from my dad that literally blew into my hands in the desert years after his death. I slept in a haunted house once.

Do you think you will ever write an autobiography about your magical life?

I would like to ,yes, if there is ever interest?

Since you are an LA native I’d love to know – What are some of your favorite lesser-known places in LA?

I have an app on here that tells you everything!

Can you tell us a bit about what you are working on right now?

Well, Pink Smog the Weetzie prequel and Love Magick, an e-book anthology I edited just came out. I am awaiting the arrival of my adult psychological faerie thriller The Elementals from St. Martin’s Press in October and working on Love In The Time of Global Warming, an apocalyptic Odyssey with a female lead.

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Keep up with Francesca Lia Block on her website, her blog and help support the efforts to save her home at Save Francesca’s Faerie Cottage.

If you’re looking for a reason to admire the lovely lady known as Kristen Adam, you better enjoy writing lists. If it’s her background in design to her expert pie-baking, or making lion head hats to making music with her band, This Can’t End Well, Kristen has an artillery of talent that seems endless. When I found out she was going to start making and selling accessories, I was more than excited to see what she had in store. Her love of vintage fashion was the basis for Rococonouveau, a shop where you can find beautiful detachable collars that Kristen calls “Collarettes.” You might remember this outfit post when I wore one of her gorgeous “Madeline” pieces.

Read more about Kristen’s inspirations and style icons and don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the end!

How did you come up with the idea to start making your Collarettes?

I’ve had a lot of free time on my hands this year since I was given the gift of funemployment, so I’ve been trying to make the most of it by filling up my life with various art projects. Sewing has been one of my favorite hobbies for as long as I can remember, and when I looked around my house I realized I had tons of fabric remnants from altering vintage dresses over the years. So! I set out to find a way to use it all up. I started out making ascots, which I wore all over the place and everyone seemed to love. Feeling utterly fabulous from all the compliments motivated me to keep on creating new pieces. I started digging through my collected sewing treasure and found a leopard skin collar taken from a vintage coat that a friend had gifted me some time ago. I had put it away waiting to have that stroke of genius on the perfect use for it. As soon as I saw it again I had the idea of simply sewing a ribbon on it and just wearing it on its own. Then I realized, hey! I could draw up a pattern like this and make these out of anything. So I did! Thus the Collarette was born.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I’ve always felt a connection to things of the past: vintage and period fashions, early 20th century classic film, vintage erotica & pinup photography, art deco architecture, art nouveau textiles & jewelry, and the gilded splendor of the Rococo era. The goal in all my work is to merge the essence of these core inspirations with the modernity of the 21st century. Thereby preserving the beauty of these bygone styles in a way that is relevant to today’s aesthetics. Hence, the name rococonouveau!

I look at lots of vintage fashion illustrations and magazines for ideas. I’ve picked up a couple of priceless vintage sewing books just lying on the sidewalks of SF. You find a lot of treasures that way around here. Just getting out and hunting for fabric is also a huge inspiration. I’ll find things on the hunt and come up with ideas that I would never think of while holed up in my crafting cave and looking at books.

What other artists, clothing designers or otherwise, do you admire?

One of my all-time favorites is the early 20th century French fashion illustrator George Barbier. I could look at his illustrations and find new inspiration every day! I’m also an admirer of the art of Erté, Aubrey Beardsley, Tamara de Lempicka, Toulouse Lautrec, and most recently Josef Frank and Nell Brinkley.

It’s funny, not a lot of my fashion inspiration comes from actual fashion designers. It’s more of a melange of influences from music, art, film, and my lovely surroundings here in San Francisco. I recently also really enjoyed watching RuPaul’s Drag Race! Endless inspiration from all those fabulous queens.

Who are your style icons?

The Ziegfeld girls.

If you could describe your personal style as the love child of two people, who would they be?

Prince and Daphne from Scooby Doo.

What are your wardrobe staples?

Currently: my army green vintage uniform skirt, taupe houndstooth professor blazer, Malcolm X-style prescription glasses, nude pumps or brown oxford pumps, backseam stockings or over-the-knee socks, a good red lipstick, and a fancy headscarf for bedhead days – I really want to make that “grandma chic” headscarf/turban the next big thing.

What are some movies that speak the vibe of Rococonouveau?

Blade Runner, Metropolis, Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Faster Pussycat Kill Kill!, Twin Peaks Fire Walk With Me, Dangerous Liaisons, Gilda, pretty much anything starring Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly, and for some strange reason I’m really inspired by The Shining. I think I just really fell in love with the Overlook Hotel and the idea of all those fancy ghosts from the 1930′s partying down in that delicious gold deco ballroom for all eternity. Basically it’s all about being fun, adventurous, fancy, romantic, mysterious, and having a little extra lady sass thrown in for good measure.

Your five most recent obsessions?

Nell Brinkley cartoons, RuPaul’s Drag Race, “grandma chic” headscarves/turbans, over-the-knee socks, baking the perfect mini cupcake.

Do you collect anything?

Other than way too many clothes/shoes to fit in my tiny apartment? I’m starting to wonder at what point of closet overflow I need to admit that I have a problem…

I’ve always held a certain fondness for tea pots and cute tea sets. This last year I’ve been trying to collect various musical instruments and then figuring out how to play them in interesting ways, some of them toy instruments. However these days all I can think about collecting is vintage fabrics.

What’s next for Rococonouveau?

I’m inspired all the time to design Collarettes in different shapes and styles, but my big plan is to eventually start designing and screen printing my own textiles to make them with using mostly repurposed materials. Also, thanks to my new obsession with Nell Brinkley I have been cooking up a couple stellar ideas for some new vintage-style accessories. So stay tuned!

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AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY! Rococonouveau is giving one of my readers (PALS OF AL) the same Madeline Collarette that I wore…which she named after me! Just leave a comment below describing the outfit that you’d wear with the Marie Madeline Collarette by Thursday, August 18th at midnight!  The winner will be chosen at random on Friday August 19. Additional entries given for tweeting about the contest on Twitter (just @ me @agentlover), and for posting on Facebook. All you have to do is “like” Rococo Nouveau and Agent Lover and link (again with @) to our pages on there! In addition to the contest, she is offering free domestic shipping when you place an order with her shop until August 26th. Just use the code AGENTLVRS upon checkout!

If Sweatin’ to the Oldies with famed fitness guru Richard Simmons has always been a dream of yours, you can attend one of his personally-taught exercise classes at the Slimmons Studio in Beverly Hills and make that wish come true! But it’s not just oldies you’ll get to work out to. Each class has a different theme, ranging from Kiss to Madonna versus Gaga and Richard usually has an outfit to match! Every time I’ve been to Slimmons, I have an amazing time and leave with with his kind and inspiring words echoing in my head. If you have the chance to attend, YOU MUST! But for now… the awesome Richard Simmons gives us advice on making workouts more fun and staying motivated to reach your goals, whatever they may be!

How did you decide to make your life’s work all about eating healthy and exercising?

After I lost weight and learned to exercise I knew in my heart it would be my life’s work to help others who suffer from a weight problem. I was 200 pounds in the 8th grade and 268 in high school. I never ever exercised in my life until I came to Los Angeles in the early 70′s. and now for the last 37 years I have been a teacher. It is what makes me tick…….makes me happy. I wake up in the morning and I can’t wait to attack the day and be the best that I can be. That ……..is what I teach.

You inspire so many people around the world. Who are some people that inspire you?

I am very inspired by all the people I have met on my journey. I am inspired by people who have turned their lives around, who lost weight and moved on in their life. I am inspired when i see people who can hardly stand for five minutes of my class and now do the whole class. And over these almost 4 decades I have seen miracles. and those miracles drive me to work harder and help more people.

There’s no doubt that the classes at your Beverly Hills studio should be experienced in person, but for people that are too far away to attend, what advice can you give them to make their workouts more fun?

I learned a long time ago that a workout had to be fun. I mean let’s face it we have fun putting weight on, why not have fun taking it off? If you are bored in your workouts then here are some suggestions: Search the web and find some fun DVDs that you can do at home, then build up a library of them and do one a day. Go look at some gyms or exercise studios. Look at their list of classes. There are so many classes new classes offered today and you should try them out to see which ones fit your fancy.

The anecdotes that you share during class always inspire me on a very relatable level. Can you share one with my readers that might help them when they are going through the woes and throes of everyday life and find it hard to keep focused?

After class I do like to inspire people. So many people seem to live in the past. They can’t forget what happened back there and it is hard to have a healthy present and future when all you can think about is the sadness of the past. You have to make peace with the past and look for the rainbows in the present. You must surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good. Those friends are the true rainbows in your life.

What are your top five songs from the 90′s to work out to?

I am a living jukebox and I listen to music every single day of my life. My top 5 songs from the 90′s that I like to workout to are:
“I’m Too Sexy” – Right Said Fred
“Livin’ La Vida Loca” – Ricky Martin
“Genie In A Bottle” – Christina Aguilera
“Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here” – Deborah Cox
“Believe” – Cher

Where do you get the ideas for the costumes you wear in class?

I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana.  I was in costumes for Halloween and for the days of Mardi Gras. My parents were singers and dancers. I guess crystals and feathers are in my veins. You see, I like to weave a spell around my students at Slimmons. I don’t want them to think that they are working out. I love dressing up for everyone and making them laugh. The theme of the class dictates the costume. In two weeks* I am doing a class of the legendary voices of the 21st century ………………the warriors of music and of course I am coming as a………….gladiator. Chest plates and all. LOL gold leaves in my hair…………..well you get the picture.

And lastly, what advice would you give me since I want to be an instructor someday? Will you take me under your wing and let me be your apprentice?

If you want to be a fitness instructor what you need to do is take a lot of classes at different places. See the style of other teachers then get certified to become a teacher. but you have to have a passion for it. And before you can become a good instructor you must walk the walk and talk the talk of a healthy person. You must be a good example to your students and you must always let your students know how wonderful they are. That is what I try to do.

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Thank you Richard!! We love you! For more information on Richard and the Slimmons Studio schedule, take a look here (classes are only $12!) You can also follow Richard on Twitter and Facebook!

*Sorry I couldn’t get this post up in time before that class! But sign up for his newsletter so you can find out what themes are coming up!

Photo by ‘Shanty’ Cheryl Groff. From left: Paloma, Angela and Jerico

Bombón is not some average cute girl band with matching outfits and an adorable name (marshmallow in español.) This San Pedro-based ladytrio plays 60′s surf rock with the kind of energy and talent that would make Link Wray proud and have Annette Funicello shaking her hips. Their first LP, Las Chicas del Bombón, may invoke warm weather, the desire for days spent at the beach, and road trips with girlfriends. It can also be the official soundtrack to our daily winged-eyeliner application. Learn more about Angela, Paloma and Jerico below!

How did you ladies come together to form Bombón?

Jerico: Bombón was the brain child of Angela. She has a passion for 60′s surf and shared it with us. That girl is just the most amazing guitar player and she got us going on the genre by showing us her mad reverb-y stylesss haha. I had previously played guitar, but opted to learn some drums for the occasion and Paloma brought forth her funky bass styles. Ang showed us what she had and it just flowed out real easily from there. The three of us collaborate really well together and it all just sorta fell into place. A little more than a year in, we had a cassette done by Burger Records of Orange County, a mini-tour of Nor-Cal, followed by our self-released LP, Las Chicas Del Bombón on 45 RPM Records, and an epic tour, nay, journey! of the South under our belts. I might also add that we made LA Weekly’s “Top 10 Bands to Watch in 2011″ list!! Yay!

What inspires your songs?

Angela: Family, friends, old westerns and horror films.
Paloma: Friends and bandmates
Jerico: I just like to make songs that i think will get peeps’ toes a’tappin’.

Photo by ‘Shanty’ Cheryl Groff.

What female musicians have inspired you personally?

A: There is a great span of female musicians that inspire me to play music such as Holly Golightly, Kira Roessler, ect… but the first that had initially inspired me would be Poison Ivy Rorschach.
P: Basically same as Angela. Definitely Holly Golightly and Kira Roessler taught me how to hold my bass and pluck a bass string with my fingers! Although she doesn’t approve of me playing a right-handed bass while being left handed. Kira rules!
J: My lady faves are Jenny Lewis, Zooey Deschanel and Kim Shattuck of The Muffs. They are all rock goddesses in my eyes.

Your current musical crushes?

A: Not quite sure if you can call it a crush, but The Pine Hill Haints I will love to death!
P: Thurston Moore
J: Totally have a girl crush on Bethany Cosentino from Best Coast right now, but my heart will always belong to George Harrison.

Are there any movies that speak the vibe of Bombón?

A:  I would like to hope for a Quentin film.
P: Yes Any Quentin-directed movie.
J: QT has it!

Photo by ‘Shanty’ Cheryl Groff.

You always rock the cutest outfits, how do you decide what to wear for shows?

A: Our decision is usually based on comfort.
P: Whatever is easiest but cute.
J: We like to shop together, we pick out things that are cute, but also functional, and we all throw our own unique twists on each outfit. Our schtick is based off of the nostalgic girl-group vibe , that’s why we go all matchy-matchy.

If you could describe your style as the combination of any two people or things, who or what would they be?

A: My grandparents and Barbara Eden,
P: I would like to think Zooey Deschanel with a mix of punk…well at least that’s the style I like.
J: I’d like to think of myself as Jenny Lewis meets Lucille Ball.

What are your wardrobe staples?

A: Boots, tangerine lipstick and black tights.
P: Black or grey worn out t-shirts.
J: You’ll pretty much always see me in a pair of high top chucks and anything red.

What are some of your current obsessions?

A: Currently… in search of Silvio Rodriguez albums and 1950’s sweater clips.
P: Mastering the art of 1960′s hairdo’s.
J: I’m kind of obsessed with Words with Friends right now, the Scrabble game for iPod where you play against your friends. Haha!

What’s next on the menu for Bombón?

A: Writing new songs!
P: More songs and hopefully more tours and records!
J: I wanna tour Japan!

For more Bombón, check out their Facebook for upcoming shows and don’t forget to purchase their LP here! The record comes with a free digital download and a cute insert too!