Premium Denim vs. Mall Denim: Where Do You Draw The Line?

There are some things I'll hands-down spend my money on: cardigans, boots, records, purses, DVDs, etcetc. There are other things I'm certainly not so wild and crazy about shelling out for, but in a more inexpensive setting are totally necessary, like sneakers and jeans. I'm perfectly happy spending $55 for two pairs of irresistably cute and surprisingly well-fitting Bullhead jeans from PacSun instead of saving multiple paychecks for a single pair of Rock and Republics or True Religions. I don't care as much about having a horseshoe design embroidered on my behind as I do putting gas in my car or having a little extra spending money for a fun night out. I mean, am I crazy?



Sure, when I inevitably get enveloped in Hollywood culture and actually start caring about what everyone thinks, I'll probably cave and spend a small fortune on denim, but right now, that's just not where my priorities are.

So here's where I turn it over to you: How much would you pay for a pair of jeans? What would you spend that $300 on otherwise?

- Emily Rose

Deal of the Day - 1/14

After waiting on line at the DMV for a bit and pretty much stressing the hell out over a million other issues today, I decided to come home and have a little imaginary retail therapy. Because everything totally sucks as far as finances and money goes for everyone these days, I've concluded that bringing our readers a semi-daily deal to brighten their spirits wouldn't be a terrible idea. So starting today, expect a new, cheap staple every so often to enliven your wardrobe and put a smile on your face. Today, we start with an adorable little pair of leopard flats via H&M. An ever-changing bastion of all things chic and affordable, Hennes and Mauritz do it again with these babies.



- Emily Rose

Billabong x Cory Kennedy Swimwear

Apparently, this is not Cory Kennedy's first collaboration with the wave-riding megabrand. According to the company's official blog, Kennedy designed a t-shirt, released in May of 2008, as a piece for Billabong's 'Design for Humanity' project, available through Urban Outfitters (yeah, I know it seems like I only post about UO related business, but that's where I do most of my shopping so deal). This go-round, CK has achieved a great balance of flirty sweetness with a tough-girl attitude that'll put any unwanted beach-scum attention on your B list and keep you looking bodacious as you work on your tan. Bravo, Miss Kennedy! Purchase yours here.

- Emily Rose

Currently Loving...

While I'm pretty much missing school/waiting for it to start again, doing little chores here and there and catching up on my DVD collection, I've stumbled across some things that are proving to put a smile on my face time and time again.

California-inspired T-Shirts
Why? I have no idea, but for some odd reason, I've just been bursting with California pride lately. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that everyone else is loving New York 'til the cows come home. Anyway, there are a few I'm totally drooling over for no legitimate reason other than the fact that they represent something I hold near and dear: being a Californian.


Stirrup Skinny Denim + Leggings
If an adorable outfit of your creation has suffered at the hands of bunchy jean legs or stubborn legging creep-ups, you are not alone. Grab a pair of stirrup "pants" (no longer just for mom jeans!) and let your most chic ensembles live long, happy existences.

C.O. Bigelow Soda Fountain Lip Glosses
I've never claimed to know or care much about make-up (I pretty much leave those matters to Michaela), but since starting my job at Bath and Body Works, I seriously can't get enough of the C.O. Bigelow 'Soda Fountain' lip glosses we sell. I'm not a huge fan of the Hot Fudge Sundae flavor, but I'm definitely all over the Butterscotch Vanilla and Strawberry Sundae glosses. What's even better is that now, they're on sale! Buy one at www.bathandbodyworks.com for about $4 or purchase all three for just $10!


David Bowie
Enough said. The most fierce man around, you kind of just ooze a good vibe when you listen to Bowie.


The New Year
Along with a growing sense of self-control, welcoming 2009 is a biggie for me. It seems almost as though, upon waking up on the first, things were instantly better. It was kind of like that scene in The Wizard of Oz, when the Lollipop Guild sing about the witch being dead. Whether I look back at this post in eleven months with disgust is something no one knows just yet, but here's to hoping things stay peachy.

- Emily Rose

It's been awhile, no?

Anyway, I promise this post has more substance than solely being a reintroduction to the slacker half of ATOMIC (starting college really can make a gal lazy). Other than watching Freaks and Geeks to no end and thinking about what to blog without actually putting the wheels in motion to achieve anything in that arena, I haven't really been doing much. How have you been? Good, so we're all caught up! Here we go...

Do the winter blues have you down? I know the feeling. It seems like every year, I spend at least two months preceeding the cold weather fretting about the diminishing number of hoodies I own - not to mention all the appropriate shoe-planning I have to end up doing because apparently all I own are flats and high-tops that I would never, ever wear out in the gloomy California slush. And don't even get me started on the fact that I always find myself begrudgingly saying "hasta la vista!" to my summer dresses.

Well this year, I'm dreaming of a lush green Spring and dressing accordingly. Here are a few of this coming season's staples to consider that will make your wardrobe bloom like a flower garden.

At least one graphic tee and lady-like blouse... EACH.
Personally, I never really know what look I'm going for. I dress how I like and seem to not (noticeably) offend anyone, so I can usually go on my merry way. There are times when I like to "dress down" and throw on a graphic tee with jeans and some sneakers or boots, and this 'Lolita' inspired shirt by Dope Couture is number one on my list for Spring for those such ocassions. The v-neck and curve-hugging shape make this tee an A+.

Get it here.
And Kimchi Blue never ceases to amaze with their delicate designs and totally original silhouettes. They have a reputation for being somewhat pricey, but it's quality stuff - trust me.

Get it here.

A killer pair of denim shorts.
I must admit that up until this past winter (when my ache for warm weather started), I was really aprehensive about wearing shorts. Through the years, I've been teased because my legs are about five shades whiter than Casper the ghost. I've embraced it, actually, so this Spring and Summer I'm all about the shorts. And, as a bonus, you can usually find some on the cheap at this point in time. I just recently finagled my way into a pair of Bullheads at my local PacSun for only $7! Just don't let your derriere hang out and we'll be all good, ladies.
*PICTURE AND LINK COMING SOON!*

The most adorable flats you could ever find.
I've always been oddly attracted to the whole "old man" aspect of oversized cardigans and worn-in loafers, so these shoes are perfect for my inner library skulking nerd.

Get them here.

A structured bag.
Another Kimchi Blue pick! This medium carry-all is perfect for stowing a mini lunch for a walk in the park or discreetly carrying your recently purchased overload of multimedia through the streets.

Get it here.

A thick, gold charm bracelet.
Betsey Johnson always makes good and puts a smile on my face in this respect. Because my eye is drawn more to huge, ornate, tacky jewelry 80% of the time, I appreciate the use of charms and extra links in her work. For this round, though, I've chosen a more subdued design: straight out of her "Tea Party" line, it's a new take on the famous ditsy heart!

Get it here.

So that's it! Wear everything at once, ration your pieces; whatever! Shop well and don't do anything I wouldn't do, which isn't much if you think about it...

- Emily Rose

P.S. Send good vibes Michaela's way! We're all wishing her a great trip to L.A. this New Year's Eve Day. Get us the scoop, girly girl.

Mama Drops Finished Holiday '08-'09 Collection

I've been LOVING the few tees that are currently on sale on Karmaloop, but after seeing the look book via Nitrolicious, I have to say the collection is a little too concept-y for me.



The individual pieces alone are awesome, and I don't believe dressing up obviously non-Latina girls as late 80's Echo Park cholas in Mi Vida Loca is supposed to back up your idea. I feel it's a little too stereotypical to be taken seriously. Any how, regardless of my opinion, the collection is chock full of many different and unique tees to choose from, flannel, and jackets, and available on Karmaloop as of now.


ATOMIC FAVORITE: The Santa Coco Tee (Damn straight Coco Chanel is a saint)

Photo Credits: Shot by the amazing Amanda Lopez and Ali of One Hit Wonder.

Married to the Mob : Holiday Collection 2.0!

Yes, that's right ladies. MOB is making it especially difficult to just pick a few items to splurge on yourself during this holiday season.

And while you're Christmas shopping, remember to get a little frugal on your loved ones because after seeing this collection, you'll want to get some deserved presents for yourself. I know I do especially.




ATOMIC Favorites: The OBJF tees, Money Tee in Grey, The revised DILLIGAF tees, and the shiny kiss hoodie in black (the Lord knows anything gold and black is calling MY name).


HUGE ups to Leah and the rest of the MOB team,
-MF