East Court Square - Decatur

The little black dress for dog walking.

The Timeless Polka Dot Dress With An 80's Flash Back

The art and photography of a classic album cover can really hang around in ones mind. I was reminded of this today. For those too young to remember, there was a time when the album cover and fold out was a primary connection to a musician's appearance or atmosphere. I believe it's fair to say sometimes an album image can become synonymous with the artist or band (i.e. Beatles "Abbey Road" or Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side”). Just look at all the 1960's - 80's album prints on mass-produced t-shirts these days! However, classic album cover sentiments aren't always revived in the form of a blatantly spelled out band t-shirt.

While women have certainly been wearing the red with white polka dot dress for decades now, I realized today my first impression of this classic dress was on a record cover from Linda Ronstadt's 1982 "Get Closer", which was a staple in my mom's early 80's record collection. Thanks to my mom, that album received a lot of airplay in the house. That album cover lying on the turntable as the record spun for my mom’s listening pleasure obviously left a visual impression on me.

 

The red with polka dot dress minus the 80's shoulder pads and large white

buttons. Church St., Decatur

Linda Ronstadt "Get Closer"

Church St.

Dance Like No One Is Watching - Starbucks

A couple couldn't contain themselves when Patsy Cline's "Walkin After Midnight" played at Starbucks-Conyers. I applauded their random act of sweetness by celebrating life and each other while most just turned their noses up.

Peachtree St.

Baker St.

Courtney, a model on the runway and the street in a off one shoulder fuchsia dress. 

Spring St.

... in Summer.

Emory Village - The Color-Block Dress

Every style conscious girl has received the memo regarding the imperative multi-task friendly “little black dress", but it doesn’t capture the attention and curiosity like the symmetrical color-block dress. This dress emanates modesty, mystique, elegance, and unlike the “lbd” it looks as sophisticated on the street by day as it does swirling into the night on a dance floor. 

Peachtree St. - Summer In The City

It's the first day of summer! 

"Skate It or Hang It!?" - Midtown

The 15th to 16th St. block of Peachtree closed to motorized traffic today at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and welcomed skateboarders to skate freely for MODA's  opening of "Skate It or Hang It!?" exhibit. The exhibit is a monument to skateboard graphics from the inception of skateboard culture in the 70's to present day.

Decatur Square Gazebo - Roddas

I ran into Roddas this evening as she photographed the architecture and the landscape of the Downtown Decatur Square. After a day of seeing very little inspiration with the repetitive skinny jeans and t-shirt girls, it's obvious why she really stood out as a lady in her satin wide leg pants. It creates the perfect silhouette and is made for those breezy spring days.

Majestic Diner - Nina

I ate breakfast this morning with Ray the Blacksmith at Majestic Diner. An Atlanta classic for late nighters and early risers since 1929. My grandparents had their first date at the Ponce Ave landmark. It's a compliment when your waitress reflects the same retro look of the classic American diner. 

Artlantis - Spectators On The Steps

Stylish spectators enjoying music on the steps at Druid Hills Babtist Church on Ponce de Leon Ave. for the Artlantis Arts & Music Festival.

Artlantis - Local Music

I stopped for 2 foot stomping and fist pumping local bands at the 3rd Annual Artlantis Arts & Music Festival Saturday. Both bands featured a female vocalist with classic style that complimented their bands vintage sounds. I'd be lying if I said these stylish and sophisticated women didn't play some role in attracting my attention. However, I quickly learned their talent doesn't end with putting on a flashy shirt or a charming sun dress. Don't be fooled by either of these bands visually sultry female vocalists. Neither of these bands are spewing homogenized pop masquerading behind sex appeal and the good looks of their female band members. 

While both bands have absorbed style and musical influence from past decades, the origins of their roots are noticabely different. Muleskinner MacQueen is a folk trio drawing inspiration from traditional bluegrass and Americana. Ghost Bikini is a traditional 4 piece rock n' roll cocktail in fast forward of delta blues, punk, surf-pop, and other vinyl era classics. Oh, and Anela of Ghost Bikini belts some train chugging harmonica that steals my heart and a raspy vocal and delivers it back with a kick in true punk form!

I also feel it's necessary to point out I just discovered that no one has gracefully oozed with more cool on this blog than Anela of Ghost Bikini. Here she appears at last years Artlantis in her signature white cat eyed glasses and around town on her Peugeot here.

Ghost Bikini

Ghost Bikini

Ghost Bikini

Ghost Bikini

Ghost Bikini

Ghost Bikini

Muleskinner MacQueen

Muleskinner MacQueen