Is Ultraviolence Ultra Seductive?

The following is a guest post album review by Erin Shiely:

Photo Credit: Erin Shiely 

Lana Del Rey has triumphantly returned with the release of her second studio album Ultraviolence. In contrast to her previous albums, Born to Die and Paradise, Ultraviolence exudes a much darker feeling complementary to Lana’s haunting vocals which fans have come to adore. With Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys as producer, the majority of the album keeps a melancholy tempo.

Photo Credit: @selenamarie318 on Polyvore

 The lead single West Coast offers a taste of 60’s psychedelic, yet a unique contemporary sound. In typical Lana fashion, the lyrics entice the listener with the fantasies and desires of a distressed woman who has an appetite for passion and lavish things. The recurring theme of fatalism comes full circle with the tracks Money Power Glory and F***ed My Way to the Top. There are moments where the imagery and ambiance is near pornographic yet beautiful in its own way. Fans are likely to recognize Lana's maturity as an artist with Ultraviolence but the darker sense may be an acquired taste for some. 

Photo Credit: @selenamarie318 on Polyvore

Authors bio:

Erin Shiely is a graduate of Purdue University and resides in Lafayette, Indiana. When she isn't working as a Faculty Manager for Kaplan Test Prep, she spends her free time collecting vinyl records, and making homemade ice cream. Her love for music was inspired by her father who introduced her to classic artists such as Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and The Beatles at a very young age. To this day she enjoys a mix of classic rock and contemporary artists which ranges anywhere from Patsy Cline to Die Antwoord. 

Follow Erin on Instagram: @wordsfaded777

What do you think of the album?

Related Content: 

Sweet & Metal West Coast Gal

Exclusive Brazilian Pop Star, "Bad Girl" Natalia Damini Leak

Katy Perry's "Unconditional" 50 Most Breathtaking Screen Captures

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Dreaming of Brazilian Beaches

It's 16 degrees Farenheit here in Bentonville, Arkansas, USA... so when my Brazilian photographer friend, Edney Suiter offered to show a few of his photos as EXCLUSIVE images for Kindred Closets, I jumped at it, even with his deadline of 24 hours.

If you are a photographer or model, you know it is difficult to photograph or be photographed in swimwear. Often times there is a fine line between "high fashion" or "catalog" and "men's magazine" style bikini photos. Not to judge the artistry of either category. The difficulty is in planning and execution of a desired visual and it takes hard work on the models part and photographers part to get it right.

This set of photos are PERFECT examples of how to do relaxed fashionable bikini photos without being over the top or too sultry. The model looks fresh and sweet and not too done up. She has natural poses and very little of the S curve so well known in men's magazines. These kinds of images make you want to go on vacation and enjoy a little bit of fun in the sun, especially on these cold winter days here in the Northern hemisphere. 

Edney Suiter: Kindred Closets EXCLUSIVE

Edney Suiter Via Facebook

Edney Suiter: Kindred Closets EXCLUSIVE

Edney Suiter Via Facebook

Edney Suiter Via Facebook

Edney Suiter: Kindred Closets EXCLUSIVE

Edney Suiter: Kindred Closets EXCLUSIVE

Photography:

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/EdneySuiterPhotography?fref=ts

Email:

Suiter-photo@hotmail.com

Model Booking:

https://www.facebook.com/clara.torres.754?fref=ts for Clara Torres

 Related posts:
Suiter Shoot: Brazilian Bohemian with Clara Torres
Suiter Shoot: Boho Chic Bilingual English/Portugues Make-up Tutorial
Suiter Shoot: Feather Lashes A La Jennifer Lawrence In The Hunger Games
 I have a few Suiter posts lined up that haven't yet been completed so stay tuned for some more of Edney's beautiful work!

Thanks, Edney, for sharing your beautiful work! And thanks to our beautiful model, Clara! Now I'm going to go off and dream of warmer weather, the sun on my face, sand under my toes, and the scent of the sea! 

Boa Noite!

Twitter: @selenamarie318  

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XOXO,

SELENA MARIE

Proof That You Don't Need Expensive Cameras To Take Beautiful Photos

My friend Linny, a very talented photographer at Linny Foerg Photography recently shared this on her Facebook page. It was only last week that we were discussing in detail how silly it seems when people make a big deal about needing expensive cameras in order to get a good photo. An expensive camera does not make a great photographer. Talent outshines equipment. This is a great example.

At the bridal party's behest, photographer Kim A. Thomas shot the entire wedding using her iPhone 4s and the photos are beautiful!

Her Equipment:

Check out her blog here to see all the photos. What do you think?

[Source: kimathomasblog.squarespace.com via fstoppers.com]

Twitter: @selenamarie318  

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XOXO,

SELENA MARIE

The Numbers Game

This game has been going around social media lately, and I thought I would share it with you. Here's how you play: Leave a comment or social media @ me and I will give you a random number. You have to say that many things about you that I don't know already (you can post it to your social media and tag me if you like).

Okay, this took me an episode of "Once Upon A Time In Wonderland" and an album worth of songs on Florence & the Machine's Pandora station (plus the time to find the pictures to go along with it).  I was given 5 and 9  by two different people so I went with the harder number... Go figure. 

1. One of my favorite snacks as a child was kosher pickle & peanut butter sandwiches (on hot dog buns only).

http://photograzing.seriouseats.com/profile_post_images/peanut-butter-and-pickle-sandwichon-a-hot-dog_bc66f4a5f1a943efae7646baa8516ef9.JPG

2. I used to hate Lady Gaga but I still can't keep myself from singing along to the lyrics, "I live for the applause, applause" driving in the car alone or watching that Kia commercial. Damn it. 

Google Search: Kia hampster I live for the applause, photo: eonline.com

3. I love where I live now... however... I have dreamed of living in NYC ever since I was 13 years old. I always imagined there was a place for everyone there, a place where I could wear my crazy hats and no one would ask why. Because in New York City, everyone is on their way to somewhere else and at any time of day or night it is plausible and reasonable for someone to be dressed for any occasion, real or imagined. 

Google Search: New York City Easter Parade, photo: StarTribune.com

4. If money was not a concern, I would spend my life traveling the world to exotic places, painting in the streets, wearing a beret, dressing like a crazy person-because I can, learning foreign languages, getting to know locals, skipping all the expected tourist locations, finding unknown crevaces and hidden places and people to photograph in hauntingly beautiful ways, to show the world how to see through someone else's eyes. 

Follow me on Pinterest... Click here to check out my "Photography" pin board!

5. I am going to change the world one day. I don't know how, and I don't know when, but I know I will and no one can tell me otherwise. Anyone who tries is wrong and they just don't know it yet. 

Kindred Closets July 7th 2013 Post Art created on Sketchbook Pro, by me 

6. I am a keeper. I keep things- very clear (selective) life-impactful memories of people I may have only ever met once and may never meet again, boxes of fabric, projects and plans, random so-called-useless facts. The physical stuff isn't always useful, but the knowledge is. There is no such thing as "useless facts." That is a term made up by ignorant people who don't want to take the effort to step outside of the circle they have drawn around themselves in the sand to hold onto knowledge that they have no use for yet. 

Source: HelenJameson.wordpress.com

7. I used to believe I was ugly... And I feel guilty sometimes for feeling beautiful now. But at least I know better. And I am glad for it. I truly believe I can look at anyone and find beauty if I look hard enough. It has taken me years to see myself clearly when I look in the mirror, but I know who I am. 

35MM  b&w photography- self portrait, 2004

8. I might have been a real ballerina if I had ever taken dance lessons. Sometimes when no one is around, I pretend I did. If a tree is graceful in the forest and no one sees it, was it graceful at all? I believe it was, if the tree believes enough. 

Source: TheVivid.Tumblr.com

9. I wont give up on or let go of my childlike wonder. I believe in fairie tale beginnings, middles, and endings.

Source: Garchibald.com

Each of us has a story waiting to be told. This is a glimpse of mine. What's yours?

Twitter: @selenamarie318  

or LinkedIn Connect with a message: linkedin.com/in/selenamarienorris
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XOXO,

SELENA MARIE

EXCLUSIVE Brazilian Pop Star,"Bad Girl" Natalia Damini Leak

Screen shot of EXCLUSIVE VIDEO LEAK, See below for video.

Brazilian pop star, Natalia Damini gets a boost with her first commercial EP release as she pairs up with Grammy nominee rappers Shop BOYZ (best known for "Party Like A Rock Star " , and partnerships with Beyonce on The Experience Tour). Two versions of the single are set for release November 1 by Concore Entertainment, in partnership with Universal Music Group, executive producer Charve The Don. In addition to its SHOP BOYZ version, the new single will feature a remix with newly recorded guitars and drums, trading in the pop flavor for a rock sound. The Tranzformaz of Los Angeles who produced the single also worked with Natalia on the track " Never Say Goodbye."
Natalia Damini announced via social media that she will release a new music video by VEVO in the first half of 2014 but she sent me this link personally and asked me to promote it. She's such a sweetie, and if you are a pop fan (a la Gaga, Kesha, and the likes) you would love her too, so how could I refuse?

Also featured on the EP are two other tracks: "Cannot Be Without U," and "Kiss It," a remix which ranked #1 on the charts in Canada. So here it is, the "EXCLUSIVE OFFICIAL LEAK" with snippets from all the tracks of her EP, which will be available on iTunes November 1! http://youtu.be/GmPYOA_m6Bc . 

                 


You can watch the Bad Girl lyric video on VEVO here:

         

Let me know what you think! Do you like it?

Know an artist, musician or style icon that should be featured? Interested in being featured as a guest blogger or global correspondent? 

Contact me:

Twitter: @selenamarie318  

or LinkedIn Connect with a message: linkedin.com/in/selenamarienorris
Or reply in the comment section below!
And please don't forget to subscribe or follow by email! There's a spot in the side bar! ------->

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XOXO,

SELENA MARIE

WINNER: September 2013 Artist Showdown: Resto Vs. Corens

 The views and comments are tallied and the vote is in! We have a winner! 

I'm very excited to reveal the first Kindred Closets Artist Showdown winner! Before we delve into passing out imaginary trophies, I'd like to dive in to show a little bit more of the talent represented in this contest. Both of these artists are immensely talented and it was a fair duel, yet one artist came out on top in terms of "votes". Although this is a contest, the true purpose is to enable introductions to artists who may as of yet be unknown to my readers.

I mentioned in a previous post that Anthony Resto insists art lovers like to see process images and quick sketches (see one of mine here), so I've asked both Resto and Corens to submit some process images of their work.

The below process photos are of Anthony Resto's works:

The below process photos are of Greta Coren's works:

Thanks to both artists for sharing your step by step imagery!

Drumroll, please...

And now without further ado, the winner is......

 Greta Corens!

Congratulations Greta, our September 2013 Artist Showdown Winner!

Please be sure to check out both artists separate posts and visit their websites for a larger view of their portfolios.

Related links:

Artist Spotlight: Anthony Resto

Artist Spotlight: Greta Corens

Artist Showdown Resto Vs. Corens

Are you an artist ready to share your work? If you are an artist or know an artist that should be featured, please comment in the section below. Include the artists name & contact info, a short description of their work, a portfolio link, and a comment stating you would like to be considered for Kindred Closets Artist Spotlight and Artist Showdown!

Remember, we are here to support!

Follow me on Twitter: @selenamarie318  

LinkedIn Connect: linkedin.com/in/selenamarienorris

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XOXO,

SELENA MARIE

Miss Inquisitive: Part 2

Miss Inquisitive: Part 2 CC Selena Marie Norris

This is what I've been working on since last night. I finished the line work today in between some evening talent management/image consultancy. I decided to make my "Miss Inquisitive" sketches into a series. I like playing with proportions, though it's surprising how much you have to alter in terms of shapes once you agree to modify proportions.

Miss Inquisitive: Part 2, Detail, CC Selena Marie Norris

 In this case the eyes, the head, and the left hand are bigger than natural. I also didn't make it a perspective type drawing. I just wanted to play around with proportions and textures (that's a sparkly sequin collar on a chambray shirt with a sweater and salmon suede pants with side cut outs). I am super happy with how it turned out.

Ever since I decided to approach my fashion sketching like fine art, my work has seemed like night and day.

 I'd like to give you a long blog about all the techniques I used, but it is late and the morning will come quickly! So, rain check?

Miss Inquisitive: Part 2, Process Photo of Sketch, CC Selena Marie Norris

I'll be posting the winner reveal and some new images from the artists in my September Artist Showdown. Let me tell you, these new images are worth coming back for! The contest was a huge success and I definitely plan to have one for October.

Miss Inquisitive: Part 2, Process Photo of Sketch, CC Selena Marie Norris

Hopefully I will finally get to publish the exclusive fashion photo shoot by some amazing Brazilian artists which I've already promised. Cross your fingers! Coming soon!

Check out Miss Inquisitive: Part 1

All of the above images are protected under Creative Commons. You may use these images in their current state for non-commercial/non business use. Permission must be obtained to use these images for any business purpose. Please do not edit or use these images in your artwork. If referencing these images in a blog, social media, or etc, attribution to the initial source (Selena Marie Norris) and a link back to this post must be included. Thank you.

Are you an artist ready to share your work? Contact me or share your information below if you are an artist or know an artist that should be featured.  If you are interested in participating please send me a message at one of the below links. Make sure to mention you want to be considered for a feature in Kindred Closets!

Twitter: @selenamarie318  

or LinkedIn Connect with a message: linkedin.com/in/selenamarienorris
Or reply in the comment section below!
And please don't forget to subscribe or follow by email! There's a spot in the side bar! ------->

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

XOXO,

SELENA MARIE

Miss Inquisitive: A Fashion Croquis

I sketch a lot at work but it is flat sketching for tech packs in Adobe Illustrator. It's been a while since I've really sat down and just sketched for hours. But last night and today I was feeling in the mood for it, perhaps because of the spike in page views for my Artist Showdown Contest between Anthony Resto and Greta Corens. Please make sure to visit their respective posts (and check out the links to their portfolios). All views to their posts and each comment counts as a vote. Voting ends Sunday night at Midnight Central Standard Time. So make sure to check them out before then!

Miss Inquisitive, CC Selena Marie Norris

As for my sketching, it was raining all day today so I didn't feel much like going out. I opened the windows and listened to the rain pour down while I watched back to back episodes of Fringe on Netflix. I could smell the scent of the rain while sketching and I just got lost in what I was doing. It was lovely. This sketch is the result of a couple of hours (give or take the time it takes to make a phone call, pepare dinner, and work on a press release for a friend). 

I was initially wary of adding the background, but I quite like it now. It is a good representation of the color story I wanted for the design. So much of fashion sketching feels utilitarian in nature- just the purpose of getting the design ideas out of my head and onto paper. In this case, I decided I wanted to approach my croquis drawing more as fine art illustration (perhaps slightly influenced by the artists I've been in contact with lately), playing with the proportions and emphasizing color. This sketch was made with Prismacolor markers, Prismacolor, Crayola, and Rose Art colored pencils, and a black ink pen on Strathmore 50 lb (74 g/m squared) paper. I love bobble heads, so this was sort of inspired by that. I've included some process photos below. I am pretty happy with how it turned out! Let me know what you think!

 Miss Inquisitive, Detail, CC Selena Marie Norris

Process Photo of Sketch, CC Selena Marie Norris

Miss Inquisitive, Process Photo of Sketch, CC Selena Marie Norris

All of the above images are protected under Creative Commons. You may use these images in their current state for non-commercial/non business use. Permission must be obtained to use these images for any business purpose. Please do not edit or use these images in your artwork. If referencing these images in a blog, social media, or etc, attribution to the initial source (Selena Marie Norris) and a link back to this post must be included. Thank you.

Check Out Miss Inquisitive: Part 2

Are you an artist ready to share your work? Contact me or share your information below if you are an artist or know an artist that should be featured. Make sure you let me know you would like to be featured!

Twitter: @selenamarie318  

or LinkedIn Connect with a message: linkedin.com/in/selenamarienorris
Or reply in the comment section below!
And please don't forget to subscribe or follow by email! There's a spot in the side bar! ------->

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

XOXO,

SELENA MARIE

Artist Spotlight: Greta Corens

Our newest artist spotlight is an accomplished fashion designer turned fine art water colorist, Greta Corens. 

"Roses In A Bunch" By Greta Corens

"Iris Joan Sutherland" By Greta Corens

Corens is as equally passionate and artistic in her way of life as she is in her way of speaking. She titles her pieces in the same emotive words of which her paintings represent- a colorful, glowing vocabulary of excitement balanced by a kind of soft romance with a decidedly European influence. Her work currently focuses on still lives, graphite portraits, and sepia tone nude figure paintings, but her most exquisite work by far is that of her watercolor floral depictions.

"Botanicals: Iris Rhapsody" By Greta Corens

 "Iris La Forza Del Destino" By Greta Corens

 "Iris Donatello" By Greta Corens

"Rosa di Jaques Brel" By Greta Corens

Corens' work has an ethereal quality. Her skills in floral painting can range from the depth of the velvety opacity of a rose petal to the evocative nature of beautiful x-rays with the translucence of sunlight shining through the petals of an iris, illuminating veins and features often difficult to portray in her chosen medium of water color. 

"Minuetto di Rose"  By Greta Corens

"Bouquet Romantique" By Greta Corens

Ms. Corens will be an associate member of the American Watercolor Society for 2014. She received second prize at a juried show in the Bendheim Gallery in Greenwich, CT with her piece, "Bouquet Romantique" and is currently available for gallery showcases.

You can view her website or contact her here and read her artist statement below:

GRETA CORENS New York

"Red Rose Of Longing"  By Greta Corens

"She was a sought after fashion designer in New York 

and she has taught the principles of design in various

Westchester, NY institutes. Her still life paintings in 

watercolors and oils are influenced by baroque Dutch 

Golden Age Flower paintings. She studied Architecture and 

Design at St. Lucas Institute of Architecture in Brussels

and Art at the Antwerp Royal Art Academy in Belgium. As 

President of the prestigious Reilly League of Artists, NY 

she has held master classes."

Greta Corens is also a continuing contributor to the Mudpie Fashion, Trends, and Culture Linkedin Group of which I am a moderator. Please join us in discussion here, or there. 

Contact me if you are an artist or know an artist that should be featured.

**UPDATE: Please check out the September 2013 Artist Showdown: Resto Vs. Corens here for rules and how to vote.**

Twitter: @selenamarie318  

or LinkedIn Connect with a message: linkedin.com/in/selenamarienorris
Or reply in the comment section below!
And please don't forget to subscribe or follow by email! There's a spot in the side bar! ------->

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

XOXO,

SELENA MARIE