"Afro Blue" by Robert Glasper & Erykah Badu

iyerfan via youtube.com

I'm a sucker for good jazz - it transports me to summer in Central Park, where saxophonists often play. Robert Glasper's album Black Radio, which was just released today, has a style of jazz that hits a different place without losing any of my respect (and not at all entering "elevator music" territory - important!). It's a little more hip-hop influenced, and nearly every song includes vocals by hip-hop and R&B artists. The highlight is the track "Afro Blue," which features the smooth voice of Erykah Badu. A little less summer-in-the-park, but still equally warm. 

Darcel Illustrations for Colette's 15th Birthday

Colette

The French boutique Colette is celebrating its 15th birthday, and in honor of the occasion, artist Craig Redman is creating 150 illustrated portraits to be displayed and sold at Colette. Redman, creator of the one-eyed illustrated alter-ego Darcel (check out Darcel Disappoints here), features fashion folk, musicians, and artists, all in Darcel style. To view more of the portraits, head over to Colette's website at this link.



Milan Fashion Week Highlight: Marni

Style

Marni's Fall 2012 collection was lacking in the predictable Marni-esque prints, but wasn't lacking elsewhere. There were a couple floral patterns, but besides that, the attention grabbers were the punchy colors and sixties silhouettes. There was plenty of red, as well as a light blue, pale pink, and lemon yellow. Then, there were the full capes, linear and colorblocked styles, boxy outerwear, and A-line shapes. The materials also added interest to the mostly print-free collection, with plush fur accents, glossy leathers, and chunky gold buttons and embroidery. Oh, speaking of gold, those gold cap toed shoes are kind of amazing.



Luv AJ Lookbook

Fashion Gone Rogue

Luv AJ is an accessories label out of LA that has perfected edgy jewelry, using chains, spikes, and worn metals. The most recent lookbook has been released on Fashion Gone Rogue, and it definitely doesn't disappoint. Shot at Venice High School, the lookbook feels youthful, and the model (Wylie Hays) depicts the cool girl who is probably familiar with detention.



New York Street Style: 1969

All images by Vernon Merritt, LIFE, via Retronaut



Musicians' Yearbook Pictures

Janis Joplin, happy and cute.

Flavorwire has gathered famous musicians' yearbook photos, many of which are a) super amusing b) completely shocking. Find all the pictures here.

It's Kanye, but the less-cool version.

Aw, it's little James Newell Osterberg, Jr. Err, I mean, Iggy Pop.

Lil Jon? LIL JON?! IS THAT YOU? I think I've even seen this before, but I still can't believe it.

Wow, the hair, Debbie Harry.

Okay, this is unfair, because she practically looks the same.

If I Were a Stylist: 2012 Oscars

The Academy Awards are tomorrow in Los Angeles, and to be honest, I don't pay much attention to the actual awards ceremony. However, everyone is always buzzing about who wore what, what looked awful, what looked amazing. So, I thought I'd get in on the action! Here are my (ehem, 24) choices for head-turning dresses if I was a stylist to one of the attending starlets.

Bibhu Mohapatra: The dark-to-light effect and movement at the bottom are strikingly beautiful.

Oscar de la Renta: The bow sleeve details and rich blue would make this a smart choice.

Prabal Gurung: This is fun but glamorous, and the color would work on so many skin tones.

Elie Saab: Delicately beautiful.

Blumarine: Hey there, hot stuff.

Jason Wu: Neon has been a trend for a couple seasons now, and I love transforming a classic gown with a poppy color.

Haider Ackermann: No one would be missed in this. To avoid a wardrobe malfunction, fabric could be sewn in to cover the chest and back.

Giambattista Valli: Love the berry shade, and the cut and drape feels seventies-chic.

Zac Posen: Easy choice, and on the right actress, with great jewelry, this would definitely be on the best dressed lists.

Jonathan Saunders: Saunders is relatively new, but quickly making a name for himself, and I'd love to see one of his designs on the carpet.

Zac Posen: Structured on top, flouncy on bottom.

Bibhu Mohapatra: This evokes easygoing glamour, but the construction on top is amazing.

Carolina Herrera: A little art deco glitz goes a long way.

Christian Dior: Classic, forties and fifties Dior.

Jason Wu: The color combination is perfect, and the Asian influence would be unexpected.

Victoria Beckham: Celebrities have been loving Victoria Beckham's collection, and this pretty-meets-sporty frock would feel fresh.

Salvatore Ferragamo: Luxurious.

Badgley Mischka: Love this - it feels so now, and super feminine.

Ralph Lauren: Look at that pleating! Then move down, and it's like liquid gold.

Marchesa: This is the one people would see and gasp at its beauty.

Versace: Perfect for the sexpot, not so good for the girls who like to play it safe.

Alexis Mabille: Okay, put one finger over the long bow thing (things can be altered, ya know), another over the green face and crazy headpiece, and you have a great, bold Oscars gown.

Carlos Miele: Cut-out shoulders are trendy right now, and this hue looks similar to 2012's "tangerine tango," but there's no lack in sophistication.

Theyskens' Theory: Definitely not a little black dress. This gown is begging for diamonds.

All photos Style.com