Alternative Apparel Blog

SXSW 2010 - We'll See You In Austin!

Hey buckaroos - the Alternative crew is headed out to Austin for this year's SXSW festivities.  We're sponsoring two exclusive VIP suites for SXSW performers, so we'll be sending you live video and photo updates with the best artists and musicians from the event!

If you're going to be at SXSW, keep an eye out for us!  We've got some great goodies to giveaway.  Follow us on FourSquare and get live updates of where we're at and what we're doing.  If you don't use FourSquare, you can also get live updates through our Twitter feed.

See you there!

Win New Music from One For The Team!

So I've been listening to Ghosts, the sophomore album from fantastic foursome One For The Team, and I want to know one thing: why I haven't heard of this band before??  These guys jam like pros.  Each track delivers a strong blast of indie rock dynamite, but even at full volume, the music never screams or intimidates; instead, it extends an open hand and asks you to join in the sound and the thrill.  The album also offers some pretty substantial lyrics, but the songs never feel sad or depressing.  The vocals of Mr. Ian Anderson and Miss Grace Fiddler slide back and forth and up and around like a smoothly choreographed ballroom dance. All in all, I've gotta say that the album is a totally awesome experience with the sophistication and craftsmanship of a more established band.

These guys are definitely going to become your favorite band that you haven't heard yet.  For a free sample, listen to "Hard For You" which is now playing in the Music Box.  Rock!

Like what you heard?  Well, we've got a chance for you to win a copy of the album Ghosts from One For The Team as well as one of our lightweight zip hoodies made with our super soft eco-heather fabric!

Do ya wanna win??? Here's how: just leave a comment on this post by Sunday, March 21, 2010. We'll select a random winner on Monday, March 22, and notify you via email. Good luck everyone!

Ellenitza's Pick: One Dress, Two Looks

Itching to put together your spring wardrobe, but still stuck between seasons? Think versatility when shopping and choose items that can make the transition from cool to warm weather. Here I paired the Slummy Tee Dress with tights, boots and the Modal Silk Cardigan for now, and cutoffs and sandals for later. It's all about mixing the unexpected - a light breezy cotton with a thick cable-knit, and bright Spring colors with winter tones. Hang in there, and enjoy the pre-spring!

Alternative Apparel’s contributing blogger Ellenitza, a freelance artist and graphic designer in sunny So Cal, taps into the hottest trends to help boost your wardrobe and build the perfect outfit with her fab fashion advice. Check out more of her favorite things and inspirations at ellenitza.blogspot.com.

Sandra Bullock's Oscar Win Is A Win For Us All

Normally, I hate watching the Academy Awards ceremony (or any awards show, for that matter) because I tend to get anxious for no reason.  I'll suddenly find myself on the edge of my seat, wondering who's going to win the Oscar for best sound mixing. And no offense to those guys (because movies would be dreadful without sound mixing, of course), but really... I kinda don't care. At least, not enough for me to get that nervous.

Sandra Bullock pictured above, leaving the taping of Oprah's "After Oscar Special" wearing Alternative Apparel's Heather Burnout Tank.

Win New Music from Aloha: Home Acres

Our new music this week from Aloha - check out their single "Moonless March" on the Music Box. The single comes from their latest album Home Acres, set for release on 03/09/2010.

Spin magazine says it perfectly - Home Acres is an album that's perfect "for outdoorsy shut-ins... well suited for watching sunlight roll across your bedroom wall." If you would describe yourself as a nature-loving free spirit, you might want to load up this album for those afternoons when you feel like being a homebody.

Of course, I always like to rate music based on driveability - how good it holds up when you're driving in the car with the windows down. I'd say Home Acres is definitely a good drive. I'd particularly recommend it for your afternoon/evening commute (via car or however you do it) at the end of an especially productive day. You know, those days when you're exhausted because you've been so busy but you still have a kick of energy left because you're so optimistic about the day's events. For those times that you feel relaxed and happy vs. dancey and ecstatic.

For our giveaway this week, someone will win a copy of this album, plus your choice of any item in our super-soft ultra-comfortable slub collection! And I'll throw in a couple of extra Alternative goodies we've got laying around the Alternative Apparel office...

Wanna win??? Here's how: just leave a comment on this post by Sunday, March 21, 2010. We'll select a random winner on Monday, March 22, and notify you via email. Good luck everyone!

Hollywood Goes Green

 
The stars were out at Global Green USA’s 7th annual Pre-Oscar Party on Wednesday. Each year, a host of celebrities, actors and musicians walk the signature "green carpet" to kick off the Academy Award week celebrations and enjoy high-quality eco-products in order to raise funds for Global Green's climate change solutions and national green building initiatives.

In addition to A-listers like Jessica Alba, Leonard DiCaprio and James Cameron, Alternative Apparel was also in attendance, helping to spread the word about Global Green’s green affordable housing and school projects. We were thrilled to participate in the festivities, donating our eco-friendly Alternative Earth tees to VIPs and offering screen printing services to commemorate the star-studded event.

To do your part to support Global Green, check out Alternative’s super-soft, eco-heather Think Earth Tee—free with your donation! As part of our campaign to benefit the national environmental nonprofit, all proceeds go to Global Green so you can help make a difference with what you wear.

Casual Fridays: The Kids Are Alright

Forget who sat where and who accidentally flashed a nip at New York Fashion Week. All I care about is that little blue-headed child.

13 year-old Tavi Gevinson was arguably the belle of the NYC Fashion Week ball, but she wasn't the only child sashaying around the Big Apple. Racked decided to one-up Tavi by bringing a 5 year-old to the runway. Impish Katie critiqued what she saw by writing "Hate", "Love", or "Like" in giant child's scrawl on her program. She made sure to punctuate her point with oblong-shaped hearts and stars.

Children were supposedly the "in" accessory at this year's Fashion Week, much to many fashion curmudgeon's dismay. There is no denying the fact that the cool kids are actually kids and it looks like they're here to stay.