Remaking your favorite cashmere sweater

This may come as a shock, but I can't afford to make all of my own clothes (it's mostly the time, but new fabric costs a lot too). Yet, I also have to put my own spin on things here and there. I've decided to start documenting my upcycling-escapades on this blog, starting with my favorite cashmere sweater.

So, you know that adorable cashmere sweater you have that fits you perfectly and makes you look hot and sweet at the same time while also somehow being miraculously comfortable? Ok, so you know when your wonderful husband is trying to help you out on a super busy day and does your laundry for you...and that adorable sweater goes in the dryer. When it comes out and it's the perfect fit for your mini-me, you may feel like throwing it out, or the husband - but don't throw either out! First, your husband was actually being very sweet, and second, your sweater could still get even sweeter...

Here is my cute cashmere sweater after it came out of the dryer. You can't tell from the photo, but it's now a child's size sweater. It shrank in all directions, so it's tight around the waist and bust and it only comes down to my belly button.

So, what should you do with a sweater that's too small? Make a cropped cardigan! All you need is a pair of scissors, a sewing machine with a zigzag stitch or a serger, some matching thread, and some complementary trim. Optionally, add buttons, hook and eye tape, or loops and knots for closures. Just cut up the center and use the trim to add to the circumference (so you can fit into it) and cut the sleeves off (if you want). Add the trim with a zig zag foot and add your closures and you're done! I used a cream double-layered lace and cream satin blanket tape for my trim, and some small white hooks and eyes to hide the closure.

So? Even cuter right? The thing that took the longest was hand-sewing the hooks and eyes, but if you did something faster on a machine, like buttonholes, this will probably take an hour max. So, the moral of the story is you can always save a cashmere sweater!

How to be a Professional Model - tips from a designer

I just got back from Columbia Style Week (or at least I feel like I just got back, but it was actually a week ago) and it was awesome! For first timers, they really knew how to put a show together, and, minus a few hiccups, I felt really taken care of as a designer. My only complaints were that they seemed more worried about quantity over quality when it came to the clothing - but it may have been that they had trouble attracting regional talent because of their newness - and the lack of communication with models - but that's nothing new.

This is something I've noticed every time I do a show. There are models who are very professional and organized, and then there is the other 90%. This is not to say that these other women can't become professional, or that they are not trying, but many models just don't know what a designer needs from them or what they need to get from the designer. So that's what I'm going to tell you. I'm not a model and I know it is a difficult business, so I'm not trying to make an all-inclusive guide to professional modeling (this is just a blog post anyway), but I can give you tips from a designer's perspective.

1. KNOW YOUR MEASUREMENTS. This is very important. If you loose weight, or you start lifting, you'll need to update your measurements. Buy a measuring tape; they are very inexpensive. Take your measurements and have them on hand. When you contact a designer that you want to work with, send your measurements along with your photos. If you have an online portfolio (i.e. modelmayhem), put your measurements on your profile page. Designers will choose you based on measurements above your "look" because as cool or pretty or interesting as you may be, we need you to fit in the clothing.

2. COMMUNICATE! I can't stress this enough. If you correspond via email, check it everyday. If you correspond via ModelMayham, check it everyday. If you give out your phone number, answer your phone. Especially if you have already been booked for a show/photoshoot, you need to remain in touch. I can't tell you how many times I have wanted to drop a model because I can't get ahold of her when it's important. On a related note, don't plan to do anything else on the day of a fashion show; you may not be needed until the afternoon, but you need to be available in case something comes up. Plus, you don't want to loose track of time and be replaced by a back up model because you are late.

3. Know the designer's work. At least look at their website once. This is especially important if you are going to a casting call. Get an idea of the mood of the collection. If you like the work, tell the designer. You'll do better on the runway or in a photo shoot if you enjoy wearing their clothing.

4. Have lots of shoes. Everyone can get behind this, right? You should have a pair of black pumps and a pair of nude pumps. On top of that you can add black, white, and nude sandals, low heels, stilettos that you can walk in, and I would recommend one super cool pair of brightly colored or patterned heels. 

5. Ask questions. Sometimes the designer is very busy and forgets to give you what you need, so you'll have to ask. Here are some suggestions: How should I walk (peppy, slow, moody, sexy...)? What shoes should I wear (you can let them know what you have)? Should I do my nails? Do you need models for a related photoshoot? What kind of event is this (buyers and press, nightclub party etc)? Who will be photographing/videographing the event and how can I get ahold of them?

6. Practice different walks and moods. Sometimes the collection is light an airy and you need a floating walk. Sometimes it is dark and moody and you need a tough walk. Sometimes you need sexy or fun or funny. Take an acting class if you have time. It will help you find different characters you can use and it will help you learn to control your expression.

7. This is for underage models - don't let your parents do the talking for you. For safety, you should always make sure your parents know your bookings and do bring them to your fittings and meetings, but tell them to keep their mouth closed (but maybe be nicer than that). If a designer emails you and gets a response from a parent, it is frustrating, and it makes you seem less responsible. Remember, this is your job and your future career and you want to be in charge of it. The designer chose to work with you, not your mom.

8. Look to the designer for the level or professionalism. I'm very relaxed and like to have a good time, but we are doing business, not hanging out. It's always important to be on time and courteous.

That's it. If you have something to add, please feel free to comment.

Have a good weekend!
Belinda

Hello Again!

It's been a while since I have updated this blog, and in about a week, you'll be able to see why...on the runway at DC Fashion Week! My fall 2012 collection, Night Flight of Dread and Delight is not only my first full collection - with 12 looks consisting of 21 garments - but it is also my first foray into fashion week, and I can tell you, I'm excited! But I am also very proud - not in the egotistical sense, but in the feeling of accomplishment. I am also proud to say that 100% of the collection is eco-friendly, and I am proud to find so many companies and manufacturers combining organic and earth friendly materials with great design and sustainable practices. That is why I have decided to update this blog now - to showcase these materials and their creators.

I will begin, as interesting stories often do, at the end. And, in sewing, that is usually the buttons.

I found these awesome buttons from WoodButtons.com, which were perfect for this collection as I wanted something that looked like an owl eye. At first I thought I would just have to use teddy bear eyes, but those are either plastic (fossil fuels) or glass (which takes a lot of energy), not to mention it would ship from half way around the world! So, enter Wood Buttons to save the day. I'll let them explain the rest:

Our wood and corozo are sourced from 100% renewable resources. For every two trees we cut, we plant three! We care about the planet and so should you. 

and

You're buying from an authentic American company; not a trade company with a factory overseas. We manufacture everything right here in Brooklyn, USA.

That last part is just as important. What's the point of buying organic or renewable materials, if they're being manufactured by wage slaves and being shipped hundreds of miles, using fossil fuels? Just something to think about when using bamboo fabrics... but that's a topic for another post.

For now, check out this great company and all the interesting designs they have!

 

Beauties and their Beasts

As promised, I am posting a selection of photos from a recent photo shoot of the fall collection, La Belle and Le Bete, inspired by early hollywood monster movies such as the Creature from the Black Lagoon. The shoot was amazing, because I had an amazing team - Jed Gammon, photographer, IC Beauty Hair and Makeup, and the lovely Charlotte - can you believe this is her first professional photo shoot?

La Belle - linen blend keyhole top and flannel and cotton skirt

 and le Bete - printed organic t-shirt, suspenders, and flannel slacks

  The other Beauty - satin v-neck top with flannel and cotton skirt.

 and her beast - linen blend top with cotton trousers

 This is actually a dress from the last spring/summer collection, but I wanted to get more shots of it.

 All photos Copyright Jed Gammon 2011

This week and this week only!

This coming Sunday, Oct 23, Belindabilly will be featured along with other designers in the Go Red Fashion Show benefiting the American Heart Association. The show is being held in conjunction with a venue tour in Wake Forest, NC (more info and tickets). 


This week is also the beginning of a new promotion at Belindabilly - our Item of the Week. Every week, one item or group of items will be featured and will be 25% off for the entire week. There is a catch though; the Item of the Week will not be advertised on the website. Only the insiders on Facebook and Twitter will hear about it, so make sure you're in on the secret!


Also this week I'll be publishing photos from a recent photo shoot with Jed Gammon Photography on the blog (preview on our FB), so stay tuned!

Her Name is Yoshimi

Do you ever feel like you are really busy, but when someone asks what you've been up to, you can't come up with anything, or if you do, you feel silly for saying you're so busy?


I have been working on getting ready for a photoshoot for a collection that I wanted to photograph last year. I'm glad I get to meet some other fashion-minded people in the raleigh area--I've got a great photographer and a promising makeup artist. Plus I'm trying to figure out how to use photo-emulsion screen printing without a dark room or an exposure table. I'll probably just end up using my closet as my dark room and building my own light table. That just takes a while and I feel like Veruca Salt--I want it now!


On top of that I've been sketching for my fall 2012 collection and it takes up 50% of my brain at any given moment. I am happy with it so far though, and happy to see how easy it is getting to find cool organic fabrics. Now if we can just get some eco-friendly zippers! 


I'm doing all of this because I've decided to go to fashion weeks in the Southeast in March and April. Why wait and longer? I'll be putting up a Kickstarter project in October to fund the collection, and I'm applying to the Charleston Fashion Week Emerging Designer Competition (cross your fingers for me!). I'll also be heading to Charlotte, NC and Jacksonville, FL.

On another note, I saw the Flaming Lips at Raleigh's Hopscotch Festival last weekend. I think the best word to describe it is trippy--and fun! I'd like to be able to throw a party like that!

Yea, there is a person in there.

Irene Dover

It's quite the rainy day so I figured it was time for another blog post! I was thinking about naming my next dress Irene (after the hurricane currently hanging over us), but she really isn't very impressive after all.

Speaking of new clothing, the next Printed collection will be debuting in only 5 days! Of course, that means the dairy cow t-shirts will only be around for 4 more days... For September's Printed Collection (which will be available through October 31), we worked with Wilmington, NC artist, Kevin Thomas Ward, whose silly yet creepy drawings bring a lot of smiles (and confused looks) to North Carolina's Cape Fear. Ward's first book about Carolina's resident specters came out this summer, and we are excited to have an exclusive collection of spooktacular drawings by Ward just for Belindabilly! Here's a little preview for you:

Don't be scared! It's not real! Just real cool!

Summer Updates!

It has been quite a while since my last blog post, so we're going to try something new - short and sweet. Belindabilly has just recently moved headquarters from Wilmington, NC to Raleigh, NC and we're really loving the change of pace. Raleigh is a beautiful city and it really has a lot to offer - nightlife, culture, fashion, music, local beers! Hopefully soon, it will also offer boutique where you can buy Belindabilly. 


We've got a lot of projects going on right now, and one is definitely to offer Belindabilly in stores - one in Raleigh, Durham, Wilmington, and Chicago to start. Another is the fall 2012 collection. This spring, we're going to have a few real fashion shows and we're really excited about it, but we can't say too much right now. We will leave you with some images of the beautiful eco-friendly fabrics from Herbal Fab.

Look for more from them in the spring, and more from us soon!

New Printed Organic T-shirts, Wicked Art Show, Copper Jewelry

There is a lot going on at Belindabilly right now! First of all, I'm having an art show in Wilmington, NC at Wicked Gallery. If you're in the area, come out for a masquerade opening with belly dancers, music, and free food March 12 at 7pm!


Second, I just got a new book on jewelry techniques, so look for lots of new copper jewelry this summer, plus some interesting metal clothing! Speaking of new clothing, Belindabilly will soon be introducing a new Printed Collection. Every few months we will come out with a new theme of prints that will be available on organic cotton t-shirts, organic totes, organic scarves, and probably a lot of other things too! The premier collection, "Heartland", will be available this month. Here's a preview:

The t-shirts are Alternative Apparel 100% organic cotton, so they are super comfy and super good to the environment!


Belindabilly will also be going wholesale soon, so if you have a boutique, or if you would like to see Belindabilly at a boutique near you, contact us!

New Limited Editions

Belindabilly is introducing new Limited Editions! It's a new division of Belindabilly, part of a redesign of our business plan that brings a little more organization to the company. The Belindabilly LE features in-house fabric designs, printed especially for the garments that they will be used in. This means that the garments are designed from start to finish as a whole concept. We're starting with the new duet dresses and each edition will be available until 10 have sold, and then the fabric will be discontinued. The best part is that they are available in organic cotton! You can view the first ones on Sense of Fashion, and they will soon be up on the Belindabilly website (with a non-organic alternative for a smaller wallet), along with another new division, the Printed Collections. I'll write more about that, though, next time.

Upcoming Rockabilly, Psychobilly, Surf, and Horrorpunk in North Carolina and Chicago

It's pretty quiet in the world of billy music this time of the year, but here's what I can find:

Tonight, January 26 - Scarlett Deville and the Devillettes @ the Horseshoe in Chicago, IL @9pm (free)

January 29 - Nothing to Gain, Jayke Orvis and the Broken Band, James Hunnicut, The Ugly Reggie's Music
Joint, Chicago, IL @8pm 21+ $10

January 29 - Dexter Romweber and the New Romans, Killer Filler, Bustello @ the Pinkhook in Durham, NC

In other news, the new Duet Dress line is available at Belindabilly.com, with more one-of-a-kinds added each week!

New "Duet" for spring

Just a quick couple updates...
Belindabilly.com is back online, literally. It took a few days to get switched over, but Belindabilly's website is now 100% wind powered. Oh, the freedom! It feels really great to have an oil-free cyber side, but there is still much work to be done!
New photos of the Belindabilly signature skirts are up at Sense of Fashion, and will soon be up on Belindabilly.com as well. Also coming soon for spring/summer are new "Duet" dresses. Here's a preview:

Ch-ch-changes

It is 2011 and Belindabilly is beginning anew. There have been a lot of changes in my own life since the beginning of 2010 and Belindabilly has gone through a lot as well. Many projects were cancelled because of this, that and the other thing; intentions for blog posts were never realized; plans just generally fell through. But it is a new year, and though it is time for reflection, it is also time for forging ahead. I restart with new energy and enthusiasm, new ideas, and new hope (no there is no star-wars themed collection in the works) and a new computer! I hope to bring my art practice and my fashion design closer together, with more of my own fabrics in my clothing and more artful inspiration in my collections. I hope to have fashion shows paired with art openings and new stores carrying both my fashion and my art. But, I'm getting a little ahead of myself.

One of my first steps is to bring my fashion practice a little more in line with my personal values. I try to make sustainable and eco-friendly decisions in my artwork and in my everyday life, so why not in fashion too? Not that Belindabilly wasn't started with sustainability as a tenet of the company, with our organic cotton logo t-shirts from the beginning, and upcycled clothing later, but I need to take bigger steps. I need to think about the impact that every facet and every detail has on our environment. That is why I have moved my website from a decent but lackluster webhost to a small company based out of Portland Oregon called Canvas Dreams - one of the few if not the only web hosting business that actually uses 100% clean energy for their servers. I'm not talking about all the places that pull electricity from the grid and then purchase carbon offsets; that's a step in the right direction, but still part of an outdated inefficient system. The servers at Canvas Dreams, and as far as I know, probably the office, too, is powered by wind energy that comes from a wind farm near their facility. That's real innovation and not only is it a good step for the environment, but they are also showing that wind energy is both viable and efficient.

Which brings me back to Belindabilly. There are many steps I still need to take and a lot of questions that don't yet have an answer, but I want to show that fashion can be eco-friendly without having to look like it is made of potato sacks and soybeans. Not everything that is organic has to be olive drab, and I'm going to prove it.

Halloween Playlist

Everyone getting excited for Halloween? I'm pretty excited. We still haven't carved our pumpkin, but I will make sure we do tonight (I'm going to make it look like The Count from sesame street, ah ah ah). Anyway, one of the most important things to have for your halloween party, besides a costume and spooky treats, is an excellently creepy playlist. I know you are quite capable of creating one yourself, but just in case, here a list to get you started. A lot of these you can find on itunes, amazon, or for free on share sites. You can also listen on tinysong.

First of all, you have to have a few dance numbers mixed in there. My favs are
"Thriller" by Michael Jackson
"Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers (The Misfits also did a version) and
"Time Warp" from the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack

Pretty much any Nekromantix song works well for Halloween, but the best ones include
"Trick or Treat"
"Dead Moonwalkin'" (also good for getting people to dance) and
"Where Do Monsters Go?"

There has to be some Danzig, so try
"Killer Wolf" or
"Not of This World"

Danzig also sung on AFI's cover of the Misfits' "Halloween" that was pretty good. I don't usually recommend any AFI but they did an "All Hallows EP" that I like for Halloween that includes
"Halloween" and
"Fall Children"

And here is a list of the rest:
"Ecto-1" by Lilitu
"As You Die" by the Mutilators
"Never Die" by Tiger Army
"Walking Dead" by the Independents
"Beheaded" by the Offspring
"Walk Like a Zombie" by the Horrorpops
"Last of the Human Beings" by the Quakes
"Hotrod Vampires" by Demented Are Go
"Night of the Living Dead" by Left For Dead
"Graveyard Beyond the Woods" by Horror of 59
"Graveyard Tree III" by Koffin Kats
"Midnight Spookshow" by Calabrese

Plus any of the songs from the Rocky Horror Punk Rock Show album are a lot of fun.

And here are some cookies for you.


<3 Belinda

The Long Awaited Rockabilly and Psychobilly Music Calendar

Here it is - the new Calendar! Upcoming Rockabilly, Psychobilly, Horrorpunk, Folkpunk and related shows in NC, MA, and Chicago. As always, if you want me to cover your area, send me a quick email, and if we missed a show leave a comment so no one else will miss it!


October 28, 2010
Dexter Romweber at Sadlacks Heroes in Raleigh, NC @9pm

October 29, 2010
Scarlett Deville and the Devilettes, Coffin Banger at Horseshoe in Chicago, IL @8pm
The Villians at Divebar in Raleigh, NC @9pm
Transylvania Transport Co, Go Devils, Joe Buck Yourself, and others at Stella Blue in Asheville, NC @9pm

October 30, 2010
Kelley and the Cowboys at Cane Creek Campground in Snow Camp, NC @7pm
Ormon Grimsby's House of Halloween Hullabaloo presents The Tremors, Straight 8s at Kings in Raleigh, NC @8pm
Frankensexxy, the Gravetones, Old Scars at Horseshoe in Chicago, IL @8pm
Zombiefest - Dex Romweber Duo and others at Space 13 in Wilmington, NC @9pm
Devil's Ball Kostume Cruise In by Road Devils CC presents Flat Tires, Dielectrics, Speed Kings at 16 Taps in Wilmington, NC @9pm *note: costume contest with prizes, also filming video for Flat Tires
The Bo-Stevens at the Garage in Winston Salem, NC @9:30pm

October 31, 2010
7th Annual Spooktacular presents Sasquatch and the Sick-a-billys, Labretta Suede and the Motel 6, The Othermen, Cactus at the Lucky Dog Music Hall in Worcester, MA @8pm *note: half price cover if you wear a Halloween costume
The Tremors at Arizona Pete's in Greensboro, NC @7:30pm
Blood Red River at Dain's Place in Durham, NC @10pm

November 3, 2010
Mad Sin, Dreadnoughts, Curtains!, Nothing to Gain at Reggie's Rock Club in Chicago, IL @7pm

November 5, 2010
The Tremors at the Cave in Chapel Hill, NC @ 10pm

November 7, 2010
Reverend Horton Heat at the Metro in Chicago, IL @7pm
Mad Sin, Dreadnoughts, the Arkhams, Wicked Whiskey, Creepin Cadavers at the Studio at Webster Hall in NYC @9pm *note: this is the only East Coast Show that Mad Sin will be doing, so hall it up to NYC if your in the Northeast! Also, there will be a flea market, craft fair, fashion show, go-go and other fine entertainment.
The Tremors, Straight 8s at Puckett's Farm Equipment in Charlotte, NC @10pm

November 13, 2010
Wicked Whiskey, Lenny Lashley at McGreevy's in Boston, MA @8pm

November 14, 2010
Dex Romweber Duo at the Middle East in Cambridge, MA @9pm

November 18, 2010
Koffin Kats, Johnny Murder and the 25 to Life, The Ugly, The Van Buren Boys at Reggie's Rock Club in Chicago, IL @7pm
The Bo-Stevens at the Millenium Center in Winston Salem, NC @8pm

November 19, 2010
David Allen Coe, Appalucia at Tremont Music Hall in Charlotte, NC @8:30pm

November 20, 2010
Pearls Mahone and the One-eyed Jacks at Horseshoe in Chicago, IL @9pm
The Belmont Playboys at Tremont Music Hall in Charlotte, NC @9pm

November 24, 2010
.357 String Band, The Gravetones, Stang Stomper at Reggies Music Joint in Chicago, IL @7pm

November 26, 2010
Rumble House Rockabilly at Great Chow in Abington, MA @8:30pm

November 29, 2010
Tex Railer's Doomtown at Charlie's Kitchen in Boston, MA @7pm

New and Improved!

Obviously, the Belindabilly blog has been on a bit of a hiatus. I've been re-thinking the format and trying to figure out what is really important about it - what I'm trying to accomplish. I've decided that the music updates are still very important, but I'm changing it to a month long calendar with updates on changes when needed. I will just edit the original post and tweet about the change (follow @belindapaige), as well as give notice on the day of big shows. I will also be getting rid of the "Fashion Friday" posts. Instead, I will be posting whenever I have new clothing or accessories to show, or other fashion related items. I'll also be using the blog to keep track of my own favorite designers, bands, new textiles, fiber artists, and wedding-related things. Don't worry, it won't get too girly, but I have to make it interesting to me in order to make it interesting to you.



In that spirit, here's something awesome!

My fiance's mom made these cute Halloween pillowcases for us. I adore the fabric! I would love a dress or a jumper out of it, wouldn't you? I might see if she can get me more of the fabric so I can do a one-of-a-kind - who wants it?



I also have the beginnings of the new Belindabilly Knit Collection. It won't be ready to go until January probably, but here are some scarves I've been working on.

I plan to have some little sweaters and cardigans along with stockings and maybe even stocking caps for guys.



That's all for now. By tomorrow I should have the music calendar up through the end of November. This weekend will be busy with Halloween shows; check back here so you don't miss any! Follow me on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook for updates.



<3 Belinda

Music Monday

Septemeber 11

Hello my dear readers,

This weekend was the 2011 Port City Rumble at 16 Taps in Wilmington, NC. There was quite a turn out and a helluva party. I didn't get to see all of the bands, but I saw enough to say this:
Dear Sound Guy at 16 Taps, I respect you and your position, and I'm sure you pretty much know what you are doing. However, I do have one note for you. In most cases, the drums will be the loudest instrument out of a group, so loud in fact, that they barely need to be mic'ed, especially in a small venue. In psychobilly and rockabilly bands, the drums should also be the least noticeable. The emphasis here is on vocals, and guitar, but also much attention should be given to the bass. The bass is what makes these bands special, and though it mostly acts as rhythm, it adds a lot to the melody. So what is my point, you ask? Well, I hate to complain, but nthe drums were so over mic'ed, especially during the Koffin Kats' set, that the bass was totally drowned out unless it was the only instrument being played. For the first few songs, we couldn't hear the guitar either. But, the Koffin Kats rocked out anyway and I'm sure pretty much everyone was too drunk to notice. Maybe you were drunk too, so I'll give you credit for doing your job at all, but next time, let's just take it down a notch.
Thanks
Belinda

And now for the week in Rockabilly, Pychobilly and everything similar*:

Nothing tonight, Tuesday or Wednesday...

Thursday, October 14, 2010
JJ and the Retrobillys (rockabilly) play at the Horseshoe in Chicago @9pm.

Friday, October 15, 2010
The Great Chow, a Chinese restaurant I think, in Abington, MA hosts Rumble house Rockabilly @8:30pm.

Saturday, October 16, 2010
Rumble House Rockabilly, Wicked Whiskey (pyschobilly), and The Knuckledusters (rockabilly) play at Sally O'Brien's in Somerville, MA @8pm.
In Pittsboro at The General Store Cafe, The String Machine (rockin' bluegrass) plays @8pm.
Motorbilly (psychobilly) and Cutthroat Shamrock (punkgrass) play at Divebar Raleigh (NC) @10pm.

Sunday, October 17, 2010
Tex Railer's Doomtown (psychobilly) plays Central Mass Roller Derby in Lancaster MA @6pm.

*Right now, I only cover North Carolina, Chicago, and Massachusetts, but will add more places if I get requests. So, if you live somewhere else and want to know what's going on in your neck of the woods, give me a holler and I'll add your city or state to my list. Also, if your band or venue isn't listed and it should be, make sure to add it in the comments so everyone knows!

Music Calendar

Hi Gang,

I was out of town and missed my Monday post, but I didn't want you to miss any shows if I could help it. So, here is what's left of the week in rockabilly, psychobilly etc.

Wednesday October 6, 2010
Koffin Kats (psychobilly) and Go Devils (psychobilly) play the Milestone in Charlotte, NC @8pm.

Friday October 8, 2010
At the Rockshop in Fayetville, NC, the Koffin Kats (psychobilly) and Motorbilly (hard rockabilly) @7:30pm
In Chicago at the Horseshoe, 13 Angels play with Tracer Bullet (rockabilly) and Johnny Murder and the 25 to Life (psychobilly) @9pm.
The Cave in Chapel Hill, NC hosts Killer Filler (surf) @11pm.

Saturday October 9, 2010
The 4th Annual Port City Rumble takes place at 16 taps in Wilmington, NC starting at 12pm, bands @6pm. Bands include Blood Red River (psychobilly), Transylvania Transport Co (psychobilly), Koffin Kats (psychobilly), the Dielectrics (punk), American Speedway (rock'n'roll), and JT and the Dragpipes (rockabilly), who I think actually play earlier in the day. The rumble will show Pre '67 Rods, Kustom Bicycles and the "Legendary Death Defying Creeper Race". Belindabilly will also be making an appearance along with other vendors.
In Winston-Salem, NC, the Bo-Stevens (rockabilly) go on @7:30pm at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds.
Creepin' Cadavers (psychobilly) play in Southwick, MA at the Southwick Inn @9:30pm.

There wasn't anything on Thursday or Saturday that I found; a lot of bands are probably getting their rest before the Halloween hoopla (for which I am very excited!). As always, if I missed anything please leave a comment and if you want me to report on your city or state please send a message!

Fashion Friday

Dear Reader,

Well once again, it's not Friday. This post is coming to you from San Francisco, California, where I haven't been able to get an internet connection until today. But enough excuses! There is fashion to be written about. Of course, the most exciting thing to report is that the Belindabilly fall collection is now available. Unfortunately, I don't have photos yet! The fashion shoot fell through last week as I found out how hard it is to find a photographer in Wilmington NC. I promise there will be photos soon, though!

In other news, Haight and Ashbury in San Francisco is definitely not the same hippy stuff it was in the 70's, but it is a great place for fashion and music. Yesterday, we stopped in Skunk Funk at 1475 Haight St. The fashion was original if slightly plain, but there was a mix of interesting construction details on solid colors and simple but clever screen prints. We also stopped in a Bettie Page Clothing store, which is even more fun in person than shopping the website. But the greatest fashion gem was a store called Decades Of Fashion‎ at 1740 Haight Street. It is a wonderful vintage boutique that has clothing and accessories from the 1980's back to the 1880's. In my opinion, their best treasures were a collection of beautifully beaded flapper dresses, real 1950s housewife pumps, and a variety of men's suits from Victorian tails to 1950s tuxedos. They also had an incredible collection of costume jewelry, inexpensive when it was made, but now prized for it's excellent (and now rare) craftsmanship, even though the gems are glass.

Don't forget, Belindabilly is giving away a t-shirt to one lucky winner! All you have to do is answer a few quick questions and enter your email address. See you back next week for How-2 2nd Friday and pics of fall fashions!

<3 Belinda

Music Monday

Septemeber 27

Hello my dear readers,

I hope no one missed a show due to the absence of updates last week, but there really wasn't much going on. I also hope that my readers in North Cackalacka made it to the Carrboro Music Festival, an annual event put on by the city of Carrboro, NC with 25 stages and over 100 acts. Unfortunately, because of rain, a lot of outdoor stages were closed and great bands like the Straight 8s didn't get to play. One such canceled band, Rough Cut, decided to take a chance and ask some neighbors if they could set up on their porch. The neighbors were happy to host and as soon as the band started to play, a crowd started to form. An americana bluegrass band, Rough Cut's harmonies are as sweet as their picking. Since they don't play very often, you should really see them whenever you get a chance. This band has serious talent. Another great band I discovered at the music festival is the String Machine. This bluegrass quintet has a bluesy, rockin' edge that appeals to a wider crowd than the regular bluegrass listeners. String machine is made up of talented vocalists and amazing musicians, plus there is eye candy for most types, so they're easy on the eyes and the ears. They cover well-known songs, like Bob Seger's "Turn the Page" (Metallica also had a turn at it) and put a lively bluegrass spin into it, but they also have some good original songs, each taking their turn to write and sing. I was impressed and would recommend them to anyone who enjoys outlaw country, rockabilly, bluegrass, roots or folk.

And now for the week in Rockabilly, Pychobilly and everything similar*:

Tonight, Monday, September 27, 2010
Public Assembly in NYC hosts the Memphis Morticians (psychobillY), Tracer Bullet (soulful rockabilly), and the Brains (psychobilly) at 9pm.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The legendary Koffin Kats (psychobilly) play with Tex Railer's Doomtown (psychobilly) @9pm at the Midway Cafe in Boston, MA.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Blood Red River (rockabilly) play at the Pinhook in Durham, NC @10:30pm.

Thursday, September 30, 2010
Nothing really going on Thursday, but if you are in the Wilmington, NC area and you are interested in modeling, or if you are an actor needing photos, Belindabilly is looking for models for a photo shoot September 30 or October 6.

Friday, October 1, 2010
Carrboro, NC's Artscenter hosts Killer Filler (surf) at 8pm.
At 9pm James Hunnicut and the Revolvers (rockabilly) play in Charlotte, NC at the Milestone.
Also in Charlotte, at Puckett's Farm Equipment the Straight 8s (rockabilly) and the Tremors (rockabilly) play at 10pm.
In Durham, NC, Near Blind James and Harmonica Bob (ragtime/blues) play at the Broad Street Cafe @8pm.

Saturday, October 2, 2010
Mad tea party ("uke-abilly") and the Straight 8s (rockabilly) play at the Pour House in Raleigh @9pm.
Johnny Carlevale and His Band of All-stars (rockabilly) play at Boston's Midway Cafe @9:30pm.
Then back in Charlotte, NC, The Tremors (rockabilly) and the Transylvania Transport Co. (psychobilly) play Puckett's Farm Equipment @11pm.

Sunday, October 3, 2010
Kelley & the Cowboys (rockabilly) play an outdoor show as part of Durham, NC's Warehouse Blues Series in Durham's Central Park @5pm.

*Right now, I only cover North Carolina, Chicago, and Massachusetts, but will add more places if I get requests. So, if you live somewhere else and want to know what's going on in your neck of the woods, give me a holler and I'll add your city or state to my list. Also, if your band or venue isn't listed and it should be, make sure to add it in the comments so everyone knows!

Lastly, Belindabilly is giving away a free t-shirt to one lucky contest winner. To enter fill out this quick survey now! The winner will be notified October 10th by email. See you on Friday!