4th Annual Latino Rockabilly Festival

This year's Rockabilly festival was just as big as last year's, but not as fun. I think it had something to do with the the weather, it was freezing outside! It seemed like there weren't as many vendors and bands, plus by the time I arrived the last rockabilly band was playing, so I kind of missed out. It wasn't as eventful as I was hoping it would be, but it was fun. They had a raffle and a car contest, but no other awards this year. I was really hoping to see some familiar faces, especially some lovely bloggers. No luck on the bloggers, (or maybe I didn't see you? lol) I did run into some friends. I also was anticipating to see some great outfits. Not happening, very few girls braved the cold and went with a skirt or dress, myself included. We were only a small percent in a sea of jeans, leopard prints, and ill fitting clothes. My poor brother complained, saying he didn't want to deal with this stupid rockabilly crap. So we didn't stay for very long. Hopefully next years will be much more fun, sunnier and warmer too! I'll see you there next year!

Jivers! 

A familiar face, that's the girl Darlene that I photographed at last years festival. Yet again her outfit and dancing were great!

The Wiseguys

A rat pack esque group from Montebello, California. They're very close to my neighborhood and often perform at nearby events. They're good, but they're not really one of my favorites.

Steven

I named him yet again best dressed guy at the festival. I took his photo and didn't even notice his eyes were closed (so sorry Steven). This guy is always dressed to impress, even though I only see him at the festival I'm curious to know what other great outfits he comes up with. I completely forgot to ask him if he would be interested in modeling for me for at my school's fashion show this year (I'll be showing my own work), I think it had to do with me being slightly nervous; he's a handsome guy. So if anyone knows this Steven or if this is you? Can you please contact me, the modeling offer is still open!

Tonya

Yay! A gal who's not wearing jeans! Tonya braved the cold and wore this cute floral retro dress, I love the aqua blue. And her hair do is amazing, a cluster of rolls with swirls of blonde. So cute.

I'm in love with this Chevy! 

Showing off my Backseams

 I ran into my two friends Jr. and Andre. We met at a friends birthday party last year, and were reunited at the festival! We were wondering if one another was that "person we talked to at the party" haha yeah It was, now we can finally keep in touch all because of the Rockabilly festival!

(All photos by. Angel Rivera & Victoria Inez Rivera)

-Victoria

Happy 18th Birthday Songs of Faith and Devotion

 Songs of Faith and Devotion

(March 22, 1993 UK - March 23, 1993 US)

Happy 18th Birthday to Depeche Mode's Songs of Faith and Devotion album! Yes another Depeche Mode album birthday post! What can I say I'm a proud fan! You know us crazy DM fans prefer the term "Devotees", of course the name derived from this album. The SOFAD album is remarkable, reaching #1 on the US Billboard charts it truly is this powerful and very different album compared to the rest of DM's albums they managed  to still be very DM but very Rock influenced (1993 the height of grunge). I was only 3 years old and I knew nothing of Depeche. But that album and tour made a lasting impression. Especially with singer Dave Gahan, not only did the band change he did too. Becoming this "Rock Star" cliche. He was a heroin addict, drank and consumed drugs like crazy during this time. Had a heart attack on stage, attempted suicide and was dead for two minutes after overdosing. Not only that Martin Gore had a set of seizures and his own drinking problems. Sadly this is also the last album with musician and band mate Alan Wilder, he played a huge part on the album being a keyboardist and for this album drummer too. Alan left stating complications within the band. Regardless of all the debauchery it's a wonderful album! I loved the sound, the religious references and I loved the religious imagery, even though I'm not quite a religious person. Happy 18th SOFAD!!!

Here are links to some of SOFAD's music videos, just click the title:

I Feel You

I Feel You is probably my favorite song and favorite music video from SOFAD! It's bluesy, so sexy so...hypnotic!  I don't know.. it reels you in, that constant da da da thump da da da thump da da da thump!! It's like heavy breathing! I really love the music video, the imagery, Dave's look and his dancing. Dave became like this Rock Star Jesus with his new tattoos, frailness, long hair and goatee the attitude. It's terribly sad to see him like that, but I feel so guilty when I say he looked so sexy (TMI: I kind of have a thing, like I find it sexy when guys I'm attracted to have this Jesus Christ thing going on, weird I know)!! I plan to later in the year dance around in the desert to this song blasting, seriously!

Walking In My Shoes

Brilliance. Yes do try walking in my shoes. I love how the video starts with Dave isolated in the corner.

In Your Room

 I love this song! Every time I listen to it I can't help but think of Dave Gahan and DM, the power they have and how they've always been there, then you wonder in the back of your mind will they? And yes they are in my room (It's cheesy I know but it's true, their pictures are on my wall!) You know the band thought this was going to be the end,  with Dave Gahan's erratic behavior and drug use the band and everyone thought Dave was going to die. Artist Anton Corbijn decided to do the music video as somewhat of a homage to DM with a girl dressed  as different characters from some of DM's music videos like, Enjoy the Silence, Strangelove, Condemnation, Personal Jesus, I Feel You, Walking In my Shoes and Halo. All of which were directed by Anton Corbijn.

One Caress

This song is so hauntingly beautiful and touching. It's a masterpiece really, the build up of the song is wonderful! You know the first time I told someone that I really liked them as more than a friend, this song was playing in the background I was a nervous wreck and as this song was building up it only made the situation more intense, haha!

Condemnation

Condemnation such a soulful song, it's just like an amazing experience in church! So much power in Dave's voice. You know during the Devotional/ Exotic tour, Dave often couldn't perform this song live due to him being overworked on stage and so strung out on drugs and alcohol, Martin Gore would have to take over. This is Dave Gahan's favorite DM song.

Devotional Tour

I absolutely adore the Devotional/ Exotic Tour, it may just be Depeche Mode's best tour? Even though it could've been their last. If I could go back in time and see any DM tour it would probably be this one and the Masses tour. DM's performances on this tour were so amazing, the energy, the imagery, the music! They brought on two lovely gospel singers and this was the last tour with band mate Alan Wilder, he left soon after. See the footage of  'In Your Room' live in this performance, it is like the epitome of the tour! When Dave throws himself into the sea of fans and the gospel singers voices, that moment is like Wow,Insanity and love! It really is powerful I've shed a tear watching it. I also really love this performance of 'Stripped' a classic and certainly one of my very favorite DM songs.

Hopelessly Devoted

-Victoria

Upcoming Event: 4th Annual Latino Rockabilly Festival

Saturday March 26th, 2011
10 am - 5 pm
Pitzer College

 I've been going to the Latino Rockabilly Festival since it's first year. I could honestly say it gets bigger and better every year. Last year they even had prizes for attendees with "Best Hair" and "Best Dressed", including car awards. Which I much mention the car show gets bigger and bigger too! Even though it's a long drive from Los Angeles I enjoy going plus it's free and directed towards the Latino community which is awesome, But the show is open to everyone! Not only is there a classic car show, there are vendors selling everything from clothes, accessories to home furnishings, food and of course entertainment, plenty of bands!
Plus Viva Las Vegas is coming up, the big annual Rockabilly festival in Las Vegas, Nevada and it's complete torture for me since I can't go! Yes, still under 21, bummer. So this is just a small taste of getting my Rockabilly festival fix. Here are some photos taken at last years festival, which was one of my very first blog post:

(All photos by. Victoria Inez Rivera & Angel Rivera)

See you there!
-Victoria

Happy 21st Birthday Violator

Depeche Mode's Violator 

(Released: March 19th 1990 UK, March 20th 1990 US) 

I'm soo in love with the artwork for this album and the overall theme for the album, songs, videos and tour all done by one of my favorite artists, Anton Corbijn

Yes this year both Me and my favorite Depeche Mode album turn 21!!

 As I mentioned in numerous previous blog posts I love the Violator album and feel strongly connected to it! After all this was the album who's songs first introduced me to DM. Released the same year of my birth and even better released the month I was conceived! I did the math, I don't quite know what day, but hey it's the same month and year! haha I wished I was conceived while this album was playing haha but that wouldn't happen my parents didn't know who Depeche Mode was. But enough of that and back to how this is one of the greatest albums of all time!! Depeche Mode were big before the release of their Music For the Masses album which totally took the band to new heights, but with Violator it took them to a whole other level! I feel because of this album, it has definitely contributed to the legends that they are today. This album not only inspired a ton of artists but changed music as well! I guarantee you, go to almost any 80's flashback club, party, kereoke or whatever and your going to hear either Personal Jesus or Enjoy the Silence. When I ask people if they have ever heard of Depeche Mode they say No. As soon as I say, "Well have you heard 'Personal Jesus' or 'Enjoy the Silence'?" and start to sing and hum the song they're like "oh yeah!" haha! Till this day Violator remains Depeche Mode's best selling album worldwide! Rolling Stone Magazine even placed it on the list of " 500 Greatest Albums of All Time" (at number 342) and Personal Jesus was listed on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" (at number 368)!!

Ever since the Depeche Mode's World Violation Tour you can not go to show without hearing a Violator song it would be entirely impossible if the did not play Personal Jesus and Enjoy the Silence, which could possibly be the best song ever!! I never tire of it! Also did you know the great Johnny Cash covered Personal Jesus which is really remarkable and so did Marilyn Manson, which I must admit is good cover. You know Hilary Duff even tapped into Personal Jesus which was such a mistake and horribly wrong that's all I'll say, she should never go near DM, ever! ( If you must know I really dislike her 'work')

 Overall if you've never heard DM give Violator a try, I guarantee it you'll become hooked sooner or later. Even if you don't fall madly in love with the band or even like DM I'm sure you'll like at least one Violator song. How do I know this? Because I've tried it with my family. First with my Mother and then my Brother Angel, who is by far the hardest person to convert! haha  I must also note that if you love the Violator album you just have to hear the bonus tracks they're soo good!!! 

I can go on and on about how great the album and band is, I'm telling you they really are the best!

Much Depeche Mode love to all and all the fellow DM Devotees!

 Mode on!

I've posted the links to the youtube videos of some DM Violator songs with their official music videos, just click the song titles below!

Enjoy The Silence

Most likely the best song on the Planet!! It will never ever get old! The music video was actually inspired by the classic children's book "The Little Prince".

Personal Jesus

Of course the classic! Personal Jesus! You know quick fun fact this song has even been in popular video games!!

Policy Of Truth

Gotta Love it!! Especially the guitar riff at the end up the song (which isn't in the video)! This song is quite popular with m family it's probably my two closest and favorite cousins fav DM song!

Halo

The Halo dance! One of the two dancing girls in the video (the tall one) is American actress Jenna Elfman. My good friend and who I call my DM sister, Andrea, we both know the Halo Dance. We're just waiting for the day to do it in the nightclub together! By the way I want a Bullet Bra like that for myself.

Clean

The wonderful, romantic Clean video. Martin Gore fans go crazy for this video often wishing they were the girl, haha

World In My Eyes

So sexy without the sleaze! If I guy used these words on me I'd melt! Love the video too! The first few seconds of Dave just laying there pure bliss! Who wouldn't want to go on a date to the drive in, in a classic car with Dave Gahan?!

I think this song is by  far one of the most overlooked DM songs. It's one of my obsessions I love it too much. Plus this fan made video of different Violator videos put together is perfection!

I absolutely adore this song. It's so romantic and soothing, a complete lullaby.

My favorite bonus track off of Violator!! Happiest Girl! This isn't the official video, since there isn't one. But I'm extremely happy with this, Bettie Page and DM!! It's perfection! (clips are from the movie "The Notorious Bettie Page")

~ Victoria

Godfathers of Glam

Not to be confused with Glam Rock. Sunday's  (March 13, 2011) New York Times Style Section featured musicians who's music, style, and skinny suit make them ultimate cool guys even if they're over 40.

And boy was I thrilled to see two of my favorite fellas:  Iggy Pop & Dave Gahan!!

Leading the spread with the awesome Mr. Pop. Even though he is a 63 year old punk rocker he still looks good. 

This made my day. The always awesome, always stylish, the man! Mr. Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode!!

Check out this link for the full photo spread:

Godfathers of Glam

~Victoria

"Precious"

I
Have
Learned
So much from God
That I can no longer
Call
Myself

A Christian, a Hindu, a Muslim
A Buddhist, a Jew.

The Truth has shared so much of itself
With me

That I can no longer call myself
A man, a woman, an angel
Or even pure
Soul

Love has
Befriended Hafiz so completely
It has turned to ash
And Freed
Me

Of every concept and image
My mind has ever known.

'I Have Learned So Much'
By. Daniel Ladinsky

Well watching my Depeche Mode Tour of the Universe : Live in Barcelona DVD the other day, during the performance of the song "Precious" which deeply resonates with me and is one of the songs I consider to describe my life. It was a beautiful  performance but what caught my attention even more was the poem on their screen backdrop as it's revealed slowly on a typewriter. Translated by American poet Daniel Ladinsky, by Iranian poet Hafez. "I Have Learned So Much"

So honest, beautiful, pure, simple, true. I love it.

Oufits of 2010

Isn't this blog suppose to talk about fashion? Haha I haven't done that much or even put up an outfit post in a very long time! So like the inevitable procrastinator that I am, here are the past outfits (worthy of or ones that I only could snap photos) of 2010. Starting with the most recent (December 2010) to the oldest. I don't think I'll describe each one, I'll give a little snippet. But I can guarantee you that in every outfit there is something thrifted and vintage. All of these outfits are just my everyday work and school outfits, except the one taken at night that was for a small cocktail party. I'd have to say my favorite outfit of 2010 had to be the 10th photo, that was the most simplistic, comfortable and it could be dressed up and dressed down in an instant. Sorry for the very glamourous bathroom mirror photos, I hate having to ask someone to snap my photo, plus by the time I leave home my 'personal photographer' aka my brother has left for school.

Does my outfit look okay? haha

This dress used to be my mothers back in the late 1970's

With my coat

Without my coat

You can't tell but I'm wearing one of my favorite 1940's hats!

I was in a 1960's mood

Most likely my favorite outfit of 2010

My brother says "It looks like a luau exploded onto you." haha I love bright colors!

I've owned this blouse since the 5th grade; it fits much better now haha

-Victoria

The Los Angeles Air Raid of 1942

• February 19th, It was my first time going to the Great Los Angeles Air Raid 0f 1942.  It's a great, fun historic reenactment of the LA air raid that occurred in '42 when an unidentified flying object was reported. No one knew if it was a Japanese war plane or an actual UFO? So to celebrate the historic Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, California holds a dance and WWII reenactment. I apologize for not posting this in my 'Upcoming Events', I've been distracted and yeah lazy too.  At the last minute I didn't even know if I was going to go, it was pouring buckets! Eventually we went and I'm glad I did, I met a new people made new friends, checked out guests wonderful outfits and had fun! Though it was so cold and rainy, hopefully next years will be bright, warm and sunny; which would make for much better photos too. Hopefully by next year my swing dancing skills would be better as well! I was stepping all over my friends toes, haha!
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• A lovely sunset

Setting up camp

Empty dance hall

My friend Robs' awesome FDR pin

Dancing

A couple who dressed and danced wonderfully

The air raid goes off!!

Yours truly; Thank goodness I wore stockings!

With my fabulous gal pals Ashley and Jessica. 

Hello Sailor! These boys were soo entertaining! 

Myself and my dashing  friend Ernie

With the lovely Mary! We just met that night, and boy doesn't she looked fabulous! Her outfit and that matching fascinator and corsage were to die for!! All us gals were soo envious we wanted one! Her entire ensemble was made by her brother Mr. Tiny of Wacky Tacky . Amazing, what isn't to love?

Lauren and Ashley dancing away

My brother Angel, looking quite spiffy

(All photos by. Angel Rivera)

Here is an amazing video shot of a previous LA Air Raid a few years back. It's so fun! And I promise next time I'll be sure to let you know.

• Los Angeles Air Raid of 1942 from Boulos Studios on Vimeo.
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• For More info:
• http://www.ftmac.org/AirRaid2011.htm

-Victoria

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