Skip the Sequins; 5 Alternate Choices for Your NYE Outfit

#1: The Metallic Skirt. Pair a metallic skirt with a black top, then vary up your accessories. For example, grey tights and maroon shoes, or a denim jacket. You want the skirt to pop but not be too matchy matchy.
 
(images from: http://www.pinterest.com/BewolfFashion and http://www.pinterest.com/kellyinthecity)

Miami Horror's Newest Video is L.A. Eye Candy

Miami Horror, started by the DJ and producer Benjamin Vanguarde, hasn't released a full album since 2010, so we were pleasantly surprised when we saw the video for Real Slow pop up in our feeds.

The Melbourne, Australia-based artist has worked with a lot of musicians and his disco-happy beats are smooth on the ears and the dance floor.

Insider's Guide to the New York Art World

Have you ever wondered how to get into the art world in New York? Well, unless you know someone, or have parents who know someone, it takes the right mix of hard work, low-paid positions and genuine love and investment in the artists you are working with.

Williamsburg-based Anneliis Beadnell has all of the above in droves, and we went to visit her at the beautiful P.P.O.W. Gallery in Chelsea, where she has been the Associate Director for 2 years.

Anneliis, an affecting 30-year-old who passionately talks about the artists P.P.O.W. represents, is the antitheses of the Gallery Girls set—in the best way possible.

Read more from The Drift's conversation with Anneliis as she drops some knowledge on how she got where she is today and her favorite haunts around Gotham.

Runway Trend: Chroma-Coats

As New Yorkers, it's hard to imagine a winter spent in anything other than black. Afterall, the slush, dirty snow, cramped subway cars, and other recipes for messes make it hard to maintain anything brighter than charcoal. But when the majority of designers showed colorful outerwear, it was hard to not take notice of what is definitely a major trend.

1st row: Cotoo, Carven, Malene Birger, Anna Sui, Carven, Burberry Prorsum, Yigal Azrouel, Catherine Malandrino

2nd row: Christian Dior, Apiece Apart, Anja Gockel, Bibhu Mohapatra, Betsey Johnson, Antonio Marras, Chado Ralph Rucci, Rochas, Chado Ralph Rucci

3rd row: Rag & Bone, Celine, Calvin Klein, Chadwick Bell, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Burberry Prorsum, Calvin Klein, Christopher Raeburn, Rochas  

4th row: Carven, Back, Camilla and Marc, Araks, Surface to Air, Chloe, Chado Ralph Rucci

Take a Break From The New Arcade Fire Album and Listen to This

We love us some sexy time music at The Drift, especially if it's from Blood Orange.

The multi-talented Dev Hynes, also known as Blood Orange, is releasing his newest album, Cupid Deluxe, soon, and gave us a sneak peek with the Adam Brainbridge-directed Chamakay.

Another reason we love this song? Our girl crush, Caroline Polachek from Brooklyn-based Chairlift performs the female vocals in this infectious track that will make you feel like you are in a sexy smoke lounge even though you may be sitting at your desk.

We recommend you listen to it, smoke a cigarette, then repeat.

Shop the Trend, Local: Quilted Northern

Here it is, our inaugural shop the trend, local post!

Find links to the boutiques after the jump.

New Feature! Shop the Trend: LOCAL!

When we started this blog six meager months ago, we wanted to present trends in fashion, music, lifestyle, and food on a local level. While we think we've been successful to some extent, one aspect that eluded us was presenting merchandise from local boutiques. Well, the times they are a-changing, because we've spent the past few weeks gathering resources, and we're now able to bring you shopping options on a local level!

We're thrilled to roll out this new feature later this week, starting with our "Quilted Northern" trend. Keep an eye out for it!

Vive le mom and pop!

Runway Trend: Quilted Northern

Our "Quilted Northern" trend features two concepts; (1) quilting in non-traditional fabrications such as metallics and leather, and (2) quilting in unexpected silhouettes such as skirts and pants. This trend is sort of a new birth, in that it hasn't evolved from any previous trends, but we do see it evolving for spring next year when the term "quilting" becomes more liberal with a combination of padded quilting AND patchwork. Stay tuned early next year for that trend, we're calling it "Fresh Gypsy"!

(first row: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Anna Sui, Awake by Natalia Alaverdian, Banana Republic, Betsey Johnson,
second row: by Malene Birger, Catherine Malandrino, Chado Ralph Rucci, Chanel, Christopher Raeburn, 
third row: Creatures of Comfort, L'wren Scott, Norma Kamali, Rag & Bone, Rebecca Minkoff)

Shilpa Ray Was on Fire Last Night in Brooklyn!

We have been long-time fans of the wonderful Shilpa Ray and her Happy Hookers. But, up until last night, we had never seen her live and in action.

A part of Forest Fire's new album release at Glasslands this past weekend, Shilpa and her big voice tore the house down.

Although not a new song for her, take a listen to Erotolepsy below if you've never heard her and do a little dance in your room to pay homage to the weekend.

Genius Tips For Any New Yorker to Follow

Nathan W. Pyle's NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette is making the rounds this week on the blogosphere and we would be remiss if The Drift didn't share this list of do's and don'ts with all of you!

Join The Drift In Celebrating All the Food at Taste of Williamsburg

We sure do love our little corner of this city! And it seems like a lot of people, especially those amazing food people who bring us wonderful food, do too.

On September 22, 2013, the lovely East River Park on Kent Avenue in Williamsburg will turn into a variable feast of all things north Brooklyn! Taste Williamsburg Greenpoint proceeds will go to build the Northside Town Hall Community and Cultural Center and the renovation of the historic Engine 212 Firehouse on Wythe Ave. There will be over 40 vendors from the area serving speciality dishes for the event.

Tickets are from $25 to $50 and can be bought online in advance! Volunteers are still needed and get a free taste pass the day of the event, so email The Drift if you are interested in volunteering your time.

See you next weekend for some sips and noshing in our beloved north Brooklyn! Spread the neighborhood love and get your friends out to support the cultural growth of the area.

King Krule and His Accent Are Coming to Bowery Ballroom!

September 9, 2013. Bowery Ballroom. King Krule. Growly, English ballads that are a mix of punk and Sinatra. Be there.

King Krule's 2013 6 Feet Beneath the Moon is a fantastic sophomore release and his first full-length LP. Krule's deep, raw and untrained voice is such a great jolt to the system after this summer's slew of shoe gazey and electronic soundtracks.

Meet the Inspiring Brooklyn Ladies of PLAYGROUND DETROIT!

New York City is a breeding ground for smart, successful people. The women especially in this city are some of the most inspiring we've come across.

Driven, creative and interesting, women in our fair city work hard and are constantly supporting each other in their personal and professional endeavors.

Paulina Petkoski and Isabella Bruno are part of this upswing of talent and ambition. We met them at a summertime backyard party and knew we wanted to share their amazing organization, PLAYGROUND DETROIT.

The organization was started after Paulina, a Detroit native and current designer at RACHEL Rachel Roy, spent time in the city in 2011 and realized the potential, but limitations, of the art community there. That's why PLAYGROUND DETROIT aims to connect incredible artistic talent in Detroit with opportunities in New York City.

Paulina Petkoski
"After growing up in Detroit then moving to NYC in order to pursue my chosen career [fashion], I returned to Detroit for a few months in 2011 and was very inspired by my experience. Noticeably, the city seemed to have an exciting new energy downtown; an increase in DIY music events and venues, artist visits from international artist coming to make their 'mark' in Detroit, new galleries popping up, and a increasing growing young, creative population under 30 years old moving to the downtown or city limits of Detroit (opposed to the suburbs or 'Metro Detroit,' which has been majority of the case for years."

"Our mission is to enhance Detroit's artistic reputation by connecting artists, entrepreneurs, and influencers to opportunities," says Paulina. "New York is our base currently, but Detroit is our home."

Runway Trend: Hitchcock Housewives

This week, we're covering a trend we're calling Hitchcock Housewives. These looks are heavily influenced by 50s silhouettes, but with a slightly dark or sinister vibe. Think Dior's New Look in lots of black leather, and dark colors, with classy ladylike gloves that make us wonder if you're fashionable or  just trying to not leave fingerprints behind.

(L to R: A Degree Fahrenheit, ALC, Antonio Marras, APC, Aquilano, Band of Outsiders, Billy Reid, Carolina Herrera, Chado Ralph Rucci, Christian Dior, Co, Collette Dinnigan, Lanvin, Oscar de la Renta, Prada, Rachel Comey, Rochas) 

Well Suited: Fall Suits for Women from the Runways

For fall, the well suited trend gets updated to include heavier fabrics and darker patterns. They take on a more modern feel with prints and metallic fabrication, though our favorite "fun" look is still a short suit paired with tights.

(L-R: Banana Republic, Beautiful People, Behnaz Sarafpour,  Blumarine, Dsquared, Kate Spade, By Malene, Calla, Camilla and Marc, Carolina Herrera, Libertine, Norma Kamali, Chado Ralph Rucci, Christina Siriano, Dolce and Gabana, Dries Van Noten, Oscar de la Renta, Sachin + Babi)

Artists and Makers: Melissa Carroll

Melissa Carroll is a painter in Brooklyn. Previously working predominantly with oil, she switched to watercolor after being diagnosed with cancer.

("Limbo," 2012, copyright Melissa Carroll)

Local Business Spotlight: Fort Defiance

Straddling the line between bar-cafe-restaurant and neighborhood-gathering-spot, lies Fort Defiance in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

(Fort Defiance's Huevos rancheros: tostada, pork chili, cheddar, sour cream, and two eggs over easy, Cheddar Biscuit Egg Sandwich: with ham, jalapeno jam, and fried egg, a fizzy cucumber Tom Collins, and the Breuckelen Corpse Reviver, photo copyright TheDrift 2013)

Well Suited: Women Take Over the Men's Fashion Staple

Earlier this summer, we introduced you to the summer version of our well suited trend. It was hard to focus on layers in the middle of a heatwave, so we're excited to report that the trend continues for cooler weather, and we'll be covering it this week.

This trend is based on women's fashion borrowing from menswear and encompasses a wide variety of fashion staples, from chunky metal watches, to dainty loafers and oxfords, and suits in feminine fabrics and fits.

Flowers in Food

We're wrapping up this week's fall floral trend, Botany of Desire, with a link from the mother of all DIY'ers, Miss Martha herself.

While edible flowers can be used in everything from cocktails to cakes, sometimes the simplest recipes are the best.

Martha's recipes using edible flowers showcase the fresh taste of flowers paired with their striking presentation, and that's a good thing.

Floral Gin Fizz

After trying many violet, chamomile, lavender, and rose drinks at some of our favorite watering holes, we decided it was our turn to play bartender. Loosely based on an aviation, our (as of yet) unnamed but delicious concoction pulls inspiration from this weeks floral trend, botany of desire.

(get the recipe after the jump >>>)

New Series Featuring The Drift on Workroom Social!

We're super excited to announce a new series of guest posts, called Sewing on Trend which we'll be doing over on WorkroomSocial.com

Workroom Social is a sewing and screen printing studio located in Brooklyn, New York. With a well equipped workspace that caters to both experienced and novice makers, they enjoy working with crafters and fashion designers alike. If you've ever been interested in anything from sewing, to pattern-making, fabric design or screen printing, then Workroom Social is definitely the place to go!

This new series will feature the same trends we're covering here on The Drift, but with sewing and project inspiration provided by Workroom Social. Even if you're not currently a master seamstress, pop on over and check out the post... then check out some of the classes they offer; there's no better time to learn than now!

Runway trend: Botany of Desire

L-R: Antonio Marras, Araisara, Alice + Olivia, Carolina Herrera, Araks, Araisara, Givenchy, and Billy Reid

Botany of Desire: Dark and Moody Florals for Fall 2013

Earlier this summer, we introduced our "Botany of Desire" trend; big, dark, and moody florals that bring to mind vintage botanical illustrations. This week, we'll explore the trend more in depth -- from the runways, to street style, and an emerging trend of edible flowers in food, this is definitely one of the bigger trends for fall.

(click to see full size)

Play some Glass Cake on This Perfect Summer Day

We've been listening to Glass Cake since her first EP release in 2012. Hailing from California, the lead vocals bring that melancholic, nostalgic feeling that is synonymous with southern California films from the 90s.

We love all of this sophomore release from the band and can't wait to see them live in the future and hear more.

These Vans Are the Only Sneakers You'll Need This Fall

Just kidding! We would never dream of limiting your fall shoe purchases to just?! one?! pair?! But we *will* say, these might be our new favorite go-to's anytime we need to dress down an outfit.

vans, $55, vans.com

Global Music From French Pop Star Yelle

If you want to dive into some world music this week, French music is where any newbie should start.

We will warn you that once you start down the rabbit hole that is fantastic music from around the world—not just our amazingly diverse and talented little enclave in Brooklyn and Manhattan—and discover Senegalese jazz and German punk, there's no turning back.

We've spent many unsuspecting hours listening to inspiring and beautiful music from across the globe after listening to one Cambodian rock song or classic Spanish melody from Susana Baca.

To continue with our 'wild side" theme this week, we introduce Yelle, a french pop singer who is a star in her own right in France. YouTube some Yelle videos and you'll discover the bawdy, infectious sound that created a following in the U.S. back in 2008 with the song Ce Jeu.

Animal House -- Animal Prints and Graphics In Stores Now

Animal prints aren't the only way the animal trend is manifesting this season; animal graphics and motifs are popping up everywhere from earrings and necklaces to socks and shoes. This trend is nothing new, we were wowed in recent seasons by the J.Crew Toby sweater and the Madewell Llama Love sweater, but the breadth and scope of the trend and animals featured are what make this trend stand out this season.

Check out our pick of the best animals graphics as well as a few original print concepts in our slideshow below.

Want to try out Pop-Up Restaurant Bunna Cafe? Now's Your Chance!

If our previous review of Ethiopian Pop-up restaurant, Bunna Cafe, had your mouth watering, then you're in luck because they're hosting two-day dinner events for the rest of the summer!! The dinners will be held in places all over town, with the next one THIS Thurs/Fri (Aug 8/9) from 6pm to 10pm at The Drink (228 Manhattan Ave b/w Grand and Maujer in Williamsburg.) For more info, including the menu, check their facebook event page.

Not Your Mother's Leopard; Animal Prints Get Wild for Fall

We've long loved leopard as a neutral, pairing it with outfits the same way other people pair things with blue denim, black flats, or khaki rain coats. While we love leopard as much as the next, our constant use of it meant it was loosing a little of its je ne sais quo, so we were thrilled to see so many designers branching out into other forms of animal prints. 

This fall, we're seeing everything from giraffe to snake, alligator to, well, "fur print", and we're loving every last bit of it. 

L-R: Carin Wester, Burberry Prorsum, Rachel Comey, A Détacher, Antonio Berardi, Carven, Cotoo, and Burberry Prorsum again

The New H&M Online Store: What to Buy and Wear Now for Fall

To the dismay of our wallets, H&M has finally launched their online retail site. We did some shopping of our own, and put together a guide of the hottest pieces to buy and wear now, and how to transition them into fall. 

To wear this lightweight sweater now, pair it with these great faux leather front shorts (they have a twill rear with pockets) and these strappy, studded sandals. To transition the sweater into fall, tuck it into this faux leather skirt, and pair with opaque tights and ankle-height boots. Bonus: the fall look fits in nicely with our Hitchcock Housewives trend.

See more of our suggestions after the jump>>

Remember a Simpler Time With This Brooklyn Rocker

The days of James Dean and Marlon Brando may be long gone, but that doesn't mean the infectious, willful rock'n'roll music that made those rough exteriors and leather jackets that became the stuff of girls' dreams has to go away too.

Brooklyn singer Devin, previously Devin Therriault, has been performing in the city for years, and released a record through Frenchkiss Records last year. Romancing is a fun, energetic freshman debut for this slicked-back, nostalgic rocker.

Remember When? We Roundup a Collection of Modest Red Carpet Gowns from Earlier This Year

Since sequins and lace aren't always appropriate for every day, we don't usually like to reference the red carpet for trends... But the fact that so many young women, in a position to really push the sartorial envelope (and in warm locations that don't pose the need for full coverage!) decide to make a conservative choice, we take notice.

Modest Proposal - The Antithesis to This Summer's Cutouts and Crop Tops

If you're tired of this summer's body flaunting cutout and crop top trends, then this upcoming trend in modesty is for you.

We'll start our coverage (no pun intended) with these runway looks.

(L-R: Alberta Ferreti, Alessandra Rich, Carolina Herrera, Co, Preen, Rochas, Smoarta, St John)

Lana del Rey Goes Mod in Russia

Sporting a look that almost straddled the line between Mod Squad and Love Child (we're calling it for Mod with that hemline), Lana del Rey "blue" us away with the late 60s look she donned at her Moscow performance late last week.

1960's-Inspired Songs from Wild Belle

Wild Belle got some traction last year from the music festival circuit, and their happy, slightly off-kilter tunes are the perfect background music for when you are dressing to kill in your mod shift dress.

Comprised of a brother and sister from Chicago, Wild Belle released their first full-length album earlier in 2013. Listening to their funky, 60s-inspired beats, you can tell they were raised by musician parents.

Elliot, the older sibling of the band, also started an afrobeat band when he was in college, which his sister Natalie joined later on.

Just in Time for This Heat Wave: SUITS!

It's hard to think about wearing anything other than, well, nothing, in this heat wave, but as they say, "the show must go on!"

(l-r: Rachel Comey, Tucker, Tory Burch)

Summer Trend in Stores: 60s/Mod

The 60s/Mod trend is still emerging and will continue to grow stronger, peaking next summer in 2014.

We found some great examples of the emerging trend in stores. Check out our findings after the jump!

It's Heating Up In the City

It's Monday and 95 degrees outside. When it gets this hot and miserable in New York City, things can get a little weird.

More people are outside, away from their hot apartments and looking for some reprieve from the heat in the form of air conditioning. Duane Reade, movie theaters and the service entrances to office buildings will do.

An Ethiopian Pop-Up Restaurant Brings New Energy to the Bushwick Food Scene

Bunna Cafe has been hosting dinners around New York City for the past year and their vegan Ethiopian fare has gained a following if their last event at The Drink on Manhattan Avenue in Brooklyn is any indication.

A small, three-person operation, Sam Saverance, along with his two Ethiopian partners, hope to continue offering their version of Ethiopian vegan food to city dwellers in a permanent home by 2014.

Lovely Swedish Vocals for a Cloudy City Day

Even though it's a cloudy day in Brooklyn, we are more than ok with the lack of sunshine if it means the sweltering weather from the past week is taking a break.

Now that everyone can relax without sweating, we wanted to share the other-worldly voice of Swedish-born Alice Boman.

Summer Trend Runway Inspiration: Mod/60's

Mod fashion has been creeping back into style for the past few seasons, but really goes full blown for late summer/ early fall of 2014.

Dreamy Beach Pop by Cayucas for the Last Week of June

New York Business Spotlight: Prohibition Distillery

Bootlegger 21 is named for the 21st Amendment that repealed the ban on alcohol in 1933. While John Walsh and Brian Facquet run an operation far from the bathtub distilleries of the 1920's --their shiny, oversized distillery operates out of a pristinely renovated firehouse in Roscoe, NY-- their company, Prohibition Distillery, holds true to the spirit of love for booze of that era.

Fall Trend: Botany of Desire

(l-r: antonio marras, araisara, alice + olivia, carolina herrera, araks, araisara, givenchy, and billy reid)

Last year, we saw fall florals in the form of earth-toned ditsy prints. This year, we see the evolution from those ditsy prints and this year's summer floral trend continue for fall 2013 in a darker and moodier way than previous years. Gone are the girlish ditsy prints, replaced with oversized, dramatic, ladylike patterns.

Can We Talk About the Rachel Comey 2013 Pre-Fall Collection?!

With warm weather hitting our lovely city this week, it may be impossible to think about fall and wearing anything more than a sundress (fellas, you should really try them). 

Brooklyn Business Spotlight: Brooklyn Kolache Co.

The reinvention—or gentrification—of Bedford Stuyvesant is well on its way in 2013.

New Feature: The Drift's Guide to Local NYC Businesses

We're interrupting this week's coverage of the Flower Power trend to bring you a new feature; The Drift's Guide to Local NYC Businesses.

Floral Dresses for Every Budget

Flower print dresses are everywhere this season, but we help you get the best bang for your buck with our picks for every budget.

Check out our top choices below, as well as the rest of our flower power coverage!

Sylvan Esso Brings the Pretty Psychedelic Vibes With Their New Mix

This song is perfect for a lazy, hazy day. Just enough synth and pretty vocals go hand-in-hand to make this mix be a contender for the best backyard or stoop lounging song this summer. 

Runway Trend: Flower Power

(SS13 images, left to right: Zadig & Voltaire, Vanessa Bruno, Blu Girl, Cynthia Rowley, Gregory Parkinson, Peter Som, Band of Outsiders, Blumarine. )

This week we'll investigate the influence florals have on clothing, food, and drinks, as well as share some of the great bands that are influenced by the laid-back-summer-vibe this trend pairs with. We'll also begin exploring how this trend evolves and translates for fall.

Our First Giveaway: Bright Futures Sunglasses!

We're super excited to announce our first giveaway! We've got 4 pairs of sunglasses from Bright Futures Sunglasses up for grabs. Yes, that means FOUR WINNERS will each receive one pair of awesome sunglasses!