retro

Modern Bear’s ode to the 80’s action series- A Bearody

I have had the great thrill to work with and interview Travis and Chris, the founders of “Modern Bear” in recent weeks. Their Facebook page alone has grown to 25,000 likes in recent months using the combination of three vital tools- modern design, retro beefcake and of course bears. Now they have come up with something retro yet very funny in the “Bearody” video that they released on YouTube.

Already up to 3,000 hits and growing steadily, it parodies all of the cheesy yet lovable 80’s action TV series such as Magnum P.I. and several more. I spoke with Travis about this recently who had this to say about how the idea came about-

“The idea actually came to me while driving to Palm Springs one day. Modern Bear has always had a retro sensibility about it and Chris and I were thinking of new “webisodes” to film for our Modern Bear Channel on YouTube. The concept of creating an opening credit intro as if Modern Bear was an 80’s action TV show seemed like a natural for us.”

“We researched old shows like Magnum PI, The Rockford Files, Starsky & Hutch, etc. and used snippets of their openings as inspiration for ours. We used the same brilliant production team we’ve been using on our design videos – Michael Cline and Doug Bale of “Michael Douglas Productions”. We asked our gal pals Sandra Espinoza and Julie Hill to play parts in it and we got permission to film inside and outside the fabulous mid century Clarendon Hotel in Phoenix all in one day.”

“Our buddy Bill Stewart let us borrow his bad ass vintage Trans Am for the opening shot which we filmed in Palm Springs. Now I want a car like that for my own! It was a fun departure for Chris and I to do this “Bearody” video and now we’re hooked – we are already planning several more. The reaction was an immediate hit! Modern Bear is also interested in a TV production deal and we wanted to show we could think outside the “bear box” and do comedy. And yes, that’s me playing “Granny” LOL.”

Check out the video at the bottom of the page and don’t forget to log on to their Facebook and Twitter page and support these guys as they move their way into bear domination! GRRRRRRR. 🙂

My exclusive with Long Island’s very own Kayla Stockert!

by Ryan Shea

Kayla Stockert is your typical 16 year old girl from Long Island with a really unique twist. She is poised to be a big star in the music industry by doing a modern take on retro-pop music. Working with the likes of other Long Island natives like the Como Brothers band, she drives her inspirations from artists as wide ranged as Freddie Mercury to Taylor Swift, Connie Francis to Lady Gaga. You can’t get more open than that? Yet she does it in a simple yet extraordinary way that keeps people at the forefront of their minds. I recently sat down with this talented girl to discuss her life so far and what she hopes for in her musical career. Oh, and a duet with Elvis. Yup. Check it out.

How old were you when you decided you wanted to take music seriously?

I was about 9 years old. I used to do covers and stuff and then I started writing my music, and I developed a passion for it. It was about a year later that I decided to take it seriously and here I am today.

Who are some of your musical influences?

Amy Winehouse definitely, I love her retro-style. Then I have a bunch of ones from older generations like Frankie Lymon and Connie Francis and Leslie Gore and all those kinds of people.

How would you describe your sound for me?

I think I have a retro-pop sound, and definitely unique sounding. I can’t really be sounding like anyone else at this point and time based on the material I put out.

You play Piano and Guitar. How long did it take you to master those?

Well I haven’t mastered them quite yet. I only play chords right now. I started playing them when I was 12 and everyday coming home from school and sitting down at the piano or with my guitar. For me, everyday it is something new that I learn, can’t ever learn too much you know?

Who do you get comparisons to the most?

I know that I get told I look like Taylor Swift, I don’t really see that. I’ve been told I sound like her a little bit. Others say Amy Winehouse, some say Miley Cyrus, I don’t know. People see different kinds of sounds that I don’t really see. It’s cool that people think you sound like other people.

You have worked with The Como Brothers Band in the past. What was that experience like?

It was good. I went to them and asked if they wanted to be my musicians and help me out with certain shows and stuff. They agreed, and wanted me to show them some songs and we can help you. I showed them my song “Don’t Go Messing”, and we collaborated on it and it turned out great. Overall it was a really great experience.

Favorite song you have recorded and why?

I definitely think it is some of my newer songs off of the EP. I really like the song “What They Say” off of the new EP because I remember in the recording studio we had a lot of harmonies and it was really fun so if I had to choose one it would be that.

Tell me about the new EP and other things you have planned.

I definitely want to come out with a full length album as the EP is only three songs. I also want to keep writing and practicing my guitar and piano and really honing in on my craft.

Who would you love to do a duet with, dead or alive?

Hmmm. I would go with Elvis Presley because he is a huge music legend. I think it would be a really cool thing do it a duet with him.

What is the one thing you want your fans and readers to know about you?

That I am a real person and I don’t strive to be perfect. I am unique and have my own little unique kind of style and always want to stay true to who I am.

Be sure to check out her new EP and everything Kayla by going onto her site and seeing more.

Time to Suit Up; Summer 2013 Swimwear

by Ryan Shea

One of my most feared and yet favorite times of year is Summer. From October to May I long for the heat and sunshine and beach days! I start purchasing my swimwear well before the Summer season begins and by the time Memorial Day hits my bathing suit drawer is over flowing! Growing up on Long Island, the beach is not just a place to soak up a tan and cool off in the Atlantic, it is an endless, sandy, runway where every girl wants to have the most eye catching bikini or one-piece. And, thanks to Facebook and Instagram, the pose off continues off the beach.

I have to say I am really excited to write about the swimwear trends for the 2013 Summer Season. They are fresh and bold. I will also give you some affordable options so you can rock these looks on any budget.

Retro is huge this year! Not only in clothing but in swimwear as well. If you read my last article you know all about my affinity for high waist! And thankfully this trend is showing up for beach wear too.

Floral High Waist Bikini — Mix and Match High Waist Bikini

high-waisted-bikini — Polka Dot High Waist Bikini

Retro Swimwear — Retro Inspired Swimwear

These Retro vintage-feel bathing suits are my favorite for this season. The high waist bottoms look great with a variety of tops; bandeau, halter, string… Mixing and matching only make this look feel more vintage and I especially love the idea of mixing prints.

Speaking of prints, bold pattern and prints are another trend this year. Aztec, houndstooth, floral, etc… Pretty much any pattern you can imagine is showing up on Runways for Summer. So feel free to stand out and make a statement. Mix and match patterns and colors! Also, a look resurfacing this year is graphic prints. The prints I have seen so far are animals, people, and landscapes. These prints work best on a one-piece otherwise the effect is lost.

Graphic Swimwear — Patterns and Graphics

Lion Graphic Bathing Suit — One Piece Lion Graphic

Now something for the sexy women out there. Boudoir bathing suits are another hot trend this year. The lingerie look is not something everyone would feel comfortable in but as long as you are confident you can pull this off. Black, chic, and sexy are just a few of the details in this look.

Lastly, I’d like to quickly mention some bold looks that are trending this Summer. The Rocker look is hard and accessorized and textures are also a fun look to try out this year.

Now obviously we can’t all afford Vivienne Westwood or Versaci bathing suits (myself included), luckily many affordable retail company’s offer a variety of these popular looks for reasonable prices. Take a look below and hopefully you’ll find something that suits you!

www.forver21.com has some cute options as well as www.target.com.

Another site I’d like to mention is something you’ve heard me talk about before www.wanelo.com. Just search your favorite look and browse from hundreds of retailers. Also, www.etsy.com is a great place to find vintage and handmade swimwear.

Also, for you bling lovers out there, a friend of mine, Danielle, has created a business where she customizes beautifully decorated bathing suits. Her one of a kind designs are stunning and the best part is you can request a look that is just for you.

Check out the Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Bikini-Crush-Swimwear

retro

Footer