Kristin Cofer - Design That Kills

My version of a daily uniform is a vintage black dress, stockings, a good haircut, and heels.  I think dresses are the perfect clothing design because it’s just one piece to put on and that’s it!  I find that the dresses I wear provide an instant elegance while being simultaneously comfortable.  I organize my dresses into categories: a go-to photo shoot dress, work dresses, and going out dresses.

It’s become a uniform for me because all I really think about is how to accessorize my dress with shoes, stockings, purses, and coats. I think that is how I became interested in stockings, as they are an easy way to dress up an outfit.  A vintage black dress coupled with a great pair of stockings is the perfect outfit for me!

Richard Wayne says that his uniform consists of the perfect-fitting pair of blue jeans, black cowboy boots, black v-neck t-shirt, and black leather jacket. He says sticking to the classics is the way to forever look cool–that black is always ‘the new black’–but that he can slip on a pair of funky white loafers, mix patterns, or wrap a wild scarf around his neck for a pop of modern flair.

Do you have your own uniform?

Tips:
I am always looking for the perfect black vintage dress, and at least once a week I search both ebay and etsy for “vintage black mod dress, ” “vintage black scooter dress,” or “vintage black dress”.  My absolute favorite search is “vintage black and white,” and you’d be surprised at what comes up!

I have worn fishnets for years and tried all kinds, both from stores and online.  But I can’t emphasize enough how much I adore the fishnets from foot traffic!  They are soft, comfortable and last for two-three weeks, even with weekly washing!  Plus, they have a deal: three pair for $25!  Other great tight resources are Sock-Dreams and We Love Colors, and I think the best opaque tights are from American Apparel.  Currently Urban Outfitters has some really beautiful floral tights, and I have been drooling forever over these black peacock tights from modcloth.

I always carry a vintage purse. So, again, I am constantly searching both ebay and etsy for “vintage patent leather,” “vintage black patent leather,” “vintage red patent leather,” etc.  You will be surprised by the beautiful pristine vintage purses that are still around!  What’s more is that I have never paid over $40 for one of these, and I get compliments on my purse daily!

For the stylish man, it’s a bit more difficult, as his clothing options are much more limited than a woman’s. But Richard Wayne has a few simple rules he goes by when looking for clothing.  First off, as mentioned above, stick to the classics and the basics.  Black is flattering on pretty much everyone, and basic solids rarely go out of style (therefore, avoid trendy things like printed graphics, name brands, or slogans on your clothing).  Secondly, the fashionable male must shop creatively.  Can’t find what you want in the men’s section?  Why not look in the women’s section?  There is no sort of chemical reaction that happens when a guy slips on a piece of women’s clothing that makes him any less of a man.  But if you are shy about it, have your lady friend pick up the garment and take it to the men’s fitting room for you to try on.

Remember, if you stick to the BASICS and it fits well, no one will be able to tell that it’s not a man’s garment! Thirdly, if you find something that fits very well, buy two.  Or three.  Over the summer, Richard Wayne discovered his favorite pair of perfect-fitting jeans.  He bought two pair, so that when the first pair wears out, he knows he won’t have to start over with the arduous process of looking for a new perfect pair of jeans.   If you find a plain t-shirt that fits you perfectly, buy the same thing in a few different colors (Richard likes the “Super V” from Urban Outfitters and the “Deep V Summer Tee” from American Apparel).  Lastly–and most importantly–FIND A TAILOR you like and trust!  If you happen to find a beautiful vintage western shirt, for example, and it’s just a bit too wide, you don’t have to disregard it.  Buy it and take it to a tailor to have it taken in and fitted perfectly to your body!

Some of Our Favorite Electronic Shops:
modcloth
heartbreaker fashion
lulu’s fashion lounge
e.c. star
plasticland
phixclothing
topman
revolve clothing

“Hallo Possums!” MAC cosmetics introduces the Dame Edna collection! Shepard Fairey’s Obama Is Time’s Person of the Year! And E.C. Star, you are killing me with your new fabulous dress designs. Oh modcloth, who finds your amazing clothes?

I am new year dreaming, of a new website, camera, photo making and adventures. Richard Wayne’s birthday is on the fifteenth of January, so I must plan something spectacular. Any ideas?

My head is constantly thinking about photography, last week I created an inspiration board that I put next to my bed where I taped photos from magazines with lighting, composition, hair, poses, make-up- all things that I want to be inspired by for future shoots!

Model Jessica Stam, originally found via the dear nubbytwiglet!

Some more treats includes this image from artist Géraldine Georges, from FFFFound!  These delightful fashion images from British Glamour and found by frolic!  For all the other type lovers out there, I present, The Typographic Desk Reference.  I am also completely amazed by this east coast make-up artist, Lottie, found by hellojupiter-  I hope everyone is enjoying the last few days of the year- so many fun things coming soon in the next days and months.

love, us.

art by the amazing caitlin shearer

Each day in this electronic world, I am constantly amazed by all the creativity and beauty that is everywhere!  Often I am overwhelmed and don’t know what to share first, I want to just jump up and down and post it all!

Or I wish I could just get up, leave my work desk and have a photo shoot. I wish my closet was filled with endless models, make-up artists, and clothes so every night when I came home, I could pull one out and create with a lens and some light.

Happy holidays friends, thinking of you from this space, to your own.

lauched their website with my photos from our summer, natural light, 50mm, hair extravaganza photo shoot!

I am having a flirtation with textures and images. In my searches for good ones to work with, I found two great free resources here and here- they only ask that you credit them if any are used. I started a folder of these beauties, if anyone has any strange scans, film mistakes, or light leaks that I could add to my stash, please let me know!

(Modeling is the lovely Liz Liles for Bows and Arrows Vintage, Sacramento, CA)

I feel as though I have discovered the missing link.  Not in the evolution of man, but in the evolution of my personal musical tastes.

Over the years of my musical journey of discovery, I’ve often thought about how some of  the musical artists I listen to have disparate sounds and imagery and how can the tough, greasy, leathery twang of my rockabilly records fit harmoniously in my collection with the fey, glittery whimper of glam rock and brit pop, other than coming to the lazy conclusion that I just have diverse interests?  That is, until I discovered the man in this video via Kristin’s i-Pod.  It took me some time to figure out who he was, though, as the only information listed on Kristin’s i-Pod is that it was performed by someone named “Vince Ta,” and she informed me that it played before Morrissey’s performances during his tour a few years ago.

The first stop in my research into this character’s identity was an old Morrissey messageboard thread (after Google-ing ‘Morrissey tour videos’) in which people discussed the Moz tour videos.  An air of mystery seemed to surround this black leather-clad rocker.  Who exactly was he?  Was this Elvis?  Ricky Nelson?  Morrissey himself in costume?  The latter assertion made me think, perhaps, that Mr. Morrissey was indeed putting me on.  Maybe he hired a young dark-haired model to be super-imposed into a fifty year-old music video, similar to what Weezer did with their ‘Buddy Holly’ video? Scrolling further down the thread, however, one poster informs the rest of the readers that the man is, in fact, Vince Taylor.  Had Kristin’s i-Pod screen been wide enough to show the full name, I could have saved myself a little bit of time!

Next stop was entering his name into the Wikipedia database. Here I found a wealth of information regarding the interesting life of Vince Taylor, who was born Brian Maurice Holden. His stage name was influenced by a phrase on a pack of Pall Mall cigarettes. He was born in England, but when he was seven, his family moved to New Jersey. When his sister married Barbera (of Hanna-Barbera), the family moved to Hollywood. Later, after being influenced by Elvis Presley and Gene Vincent (which was apparent to me upon first viewing of his video–it’s like if you took the crazy legs of Gene Vincent and attached them to the swiveling hips of Elvis Presley, you’d have a Frankenstein of Vince Taylor) he began gigging back in England after taking a business trip there with his cartoon-creating brother-in-law.  He became wildly popular in the French rock scene.  He apparently went crazy from a combination of acid, amphetamines, and alcohol.  He died at the age of 52 in 1991.

But in reading all of these facts, nothing explained to me how I could have possibly overlooked this impressive musical presence! Knowing of his existence now, it’s clear to me that he is the missing link in the progression of my musical interests from glam/brit-pop to rockabilly and all in between, back and forward and around again. David Bowie (a former obsession of mine), has stated that Vince Taylor’s rise to stardom and unfortunate fall into mental instability was his main influence in creating the Ziggy Stardust character.  Morrissey thought highly enough of the guy to include his video in the pre-show films.  Morrissey was greatly influenced by David Bowie. Vince Taylor was British but moved to the States but then back again, but not before he picked up the very American rockabilly style of music, hence leading the ‘American Invasion’ in Britain.  Morrissey, in 1992, sought out rockabilly musicians, most of whom he still collaborates with, to be his back-up band.

The discovery of Vince Taylor, then, has closed the gaps in the synapses of my brain. They’re firing again, and everything musical now makes sense to me.

Ladies and gentlmen, I present to you, Vince Taylor:

That smile. That hair. That big-ass chain around his neck!

Daddy-o was sporting the full black leather long before Elvis did in his ‘68 comeback special.

The man had the moves, too!

This guy was so punk, the Clash covered him.

May you rock in peace, Vince!

-Richard Wayne, founder of the Men’s Organization for the Utilization of Style and Taste in the Advancement of Countenancial Hair Enhancements (MOUSTACHE)

sacramento. fashion show. pomeranians. olivia/rafter sleepover. bows and arrows. new haircuts. cold cold cold. tuxedo cat on my lap. vintage. giggling. old friends. (and some new) irish coffee. pretty trashy. impromptu saturday night photo shoot. high heels. glam. foggy. excitement. 4am editing. oh you pretty things!

This week, Richard Wayne and I purchased our first piece of furniture, an adorable mid century inspired couch.  This means you can now come visit us and not have to sit on the floor!

Mandie Bee was a darling and sent me a new super spy dress, which I have already worn and love as well as a polka dotted purse, which is all I am using to carry treats to work.

If you’re looking for some visual stimulation, my favorite online rag, N.E.E.T. magazine, has their new winter issue online now!  Also, Modcloth has a cute holiday gift guide for every type of person on your list!

Every day I come across many different artists, designers, and illustrators, and one in particular I’ve developed a design crush on is Tori Higa and her lovely greeting card work.

We decided that one of us should join the fabulous wardrobe_remix and that one will be the ever so stylish Richard Wayne, who Tricia Royal posted as a remixer of the week!

Some new blogs I’m adoring are the art, design, and music thoughts of my dear friend Erica and a great design blog, FormFiftyFive, that just posted a cool website all about designing with the grid system.

I love this image from FFFFound! so much.

The always charming, Nubbytwiglet, posted a great article on learning more about graphic design, as well as a link to free type desktop wallpapers! Also, if you visit the Urban Outfitters homepage, for a limited time they are giving away a free year subscription to NYLON magazine, wow!

The folks at Veer have created an application called, “The Face Builder”, where you can insert your face and instantly have a new haircut,  a mustache, or even an eye patch! And this fun list from Poppytalk, 101 Reasons to Buy Handmade.

This weekend Richard Wayne and I are heading up to Sacramento to photograph a fashion show with new designs by my friend Trisha from Pretty Trashy.  Saturday is haircut therapy, and then Sunday is a 70s glam inspired photo shoot with my talented hair and make-up friend, Amithyst.

What is currently inspiring you? Do you like or loathe the holiday season?

Hugs and Hisses,
Kristin

Though I love a good deal of Bob Dylan’s music, I will admit that my admiration for him is based more on his status as an icon and what he stands for and less on a deep knowledge of his vast discography.   But I will argue that, unlike basically every other musician, Bob Dylan has gotten better with age.  Take, for example, my favorite Dylan album, Time out of Mind. It was released in 1997, a good three-and-a-half decades into his career. Another hero of mine, Nick Cave, is right at about 30 years into his career and has already made a few albums in a direction toward artistic irrelevancy.

Since this is primarily a fashion blog, though, I’d like to speak to Dylan’s personal style. Much as he’s been able to crescendo his craft, he’s also been making progressively cooler fashion decisions. The unassuming fuzzy-haired folkie has gradually evolved into the present-day sartorially elegant old-west gamblin’ ramblin’ cowboy oultlaw, complete with an impeccably groomed Gable-esque moustache.

Behold:

Mr. Dylan, you are one SUAVE motherf-er!

-Richard Wayne, founder of the Men’s Organization for the Utilization of Style and Taste in the Advancement of Countenancial Hair Enhancements (MOUSTACHE)