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

MAC Cosmetics x Hello Kitty Collaboration Rumors Proved True

You heard it here first, Hello Kitty and MAC are teaming up for a larger than life collection for the Winter 2009 season.


MAC has confirmed all rumors, and set a release date of February 12, 2009 for the US.

If you know, like we do, that the collection will be the most saught after since the Fafi collaboration, MAC will have a pre-order list up on their website starting January 7th.

"Purrrrfection",
-MF

McQ by Alexander McQueen for Target : Perhaps the Best Collaboration Ever

Oh, myself and Emily are almost too excited to blog about this!

Introducing this Spring '09, McQ by Alexander McQueen for Target's Go! International line. We loved Jovovich Hawk and Richard Chai, but nothing hyped up more than hearing and seeing the previews for the collection a la Nitrolicious.





The collection has an expected March 2009 drop, just in time for my birthday. Nice!

-MF

F**k You, Economy : Fashion Houses and Distributors Cut Costs

With this year's economic woes, more than a handful of luxury, as well as common brands, have been feeling under pressure on the financial front. With losses of jobs and cut hours, consumers can no longer afford to shell out a couple hundred, even thousands, on their favorite brands.

Thus, houses of luxurious brands such as Chanel and Christian Louboutin plan to slash prices in hopes their sales with rise steadily as the economy, hopefully, does. Though this may not take immediate effect for this holiday season, keep an eye out for sales after the start of the New Year.


As for our favorite least expensive brands, well, you can see the backlash of the economy to date. Target recently announced its holiday markdown plan for this year, as Atomic favorite, Cultist, has accumulated about six pages worth of discounted clothes 10-40% off. We have seen similar trends from mega street wear distributor, Karmaloop, within the YEAR-every week there is a new discount promo code.

Even though I am writing as if the new prices are a bad thing, I say bring it on and drop them even lower, because it'll definitely take a while for our economy to patch up.


Wishfully thinking,
-MF

And Another One: ME GUSTA Does It Again

Do yourself a big favor if you are reading this and a little bored.
Log onto ME GUSTA's Official imeem profile, and check out the ridiculous new tracks on the newly released, "Remixtape Vol. 2".


Go ahead and cover your mouth in amazement. We did.

ATOMIC PICKS: Remixes of "American Boy" and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out".


-MF