2 Live Looks

2007-09-05T01:33:00.001-04:00

The lone ranger has increadible style. Dig his vinatge creepers.
- Sarah

2007-09-04T12:16:00.001-04:00

The cool thing about this dress is that I really can't figure out whether it's vintage or not. The whole ironically hip gold chain thing is offeset by the bizarro flowers interwoven with them. And she's surround by music gear which equals plus 4 cool points.

This dress is probably the kind of thing that, if you were to find in a thrift shop, you'd treasure for the rest of your life like those mix CDs that girl gave you.

2007-09-03T00:12:00.001-04:00

For a while I've thought there to be a distinctly Miami look which I've always described as the "Miami streetkid" look. It's a little hood, a little punk, and a lot of attitude. To me, it's a lot of the arts school kids from DASH and New World rocking jeans or pants or even shorts, looser tops, and dreadlocks.

Hip-hop has become such an integral part of Miami culture (props to Trick Daddy, we remember "Nann") that even indie kids don't dare not bring that don't-fuck-with-me attitude. And this certainly comes through in their choice of clothing, no doubt.

Above is a very loose example of the "Miami streetkid" look as I see it. The bandanna is an ill Little Addition and the skull tat lets people know he's not playing. I think he looks great.

PS. 2LL will likely become a Monday-Friday thang to allow us time to go to school and become smarter.
- Matthew

Anyone notice the sweet double-layerd vest action??
- Sarah

2007-08-31T20:23:00.000-04:00

I have nothing.

2007-08-30T16:59:00.000-04:00

Grunge is making a huge comeback, just ask London.
- Sarah

2007-08-28T23:09:00.001-04:00

Her sweet blonde bob and elegant head scarf are reminiscent of Mia Farrow in the late 60's. Gorgeous!
- Sarah

2007-08-27T17:35:00.000-04:00

Her subtle but well-composed outfit exudes class. Check out the neckerchief!
- Sarah

I just wanted to point out how crucial the aforementioned neckerchief is. It's Little Additions like these that elevate an outfit from a reliable get-up to something else a bit more visionary.

These details enourage others to wonder what era or style icon you're referencing, thus highlighting your unique take on these inspirations. In this particular case, I'm loving the demure tying of the neckerchief to further the sexy subtlety of the outfit.
- Matthew

2007-08-23T15:33:00.000-04:00

Hello all,
I just wanted to apologize for the recent lack of updates. Last week, I got into a minor car accident and my car's been in the shop for a week. As such, we've been struggling to gather new material. Give us another day or so and we should be back up and running.
Thanks so much,
Matthew

2007-08-20T17:12:00.001-04:00

It's kinda no surprise this guy fronts a rock band. While the combination of a tie and a short-sleeve button-down can come off a bit Avril Lavigne faux-punk, one perhaps only needs the pedigree to back it up. (As for myself, I'd steer way clear of that particular combination.)

As far as the mismatching of shoes and belt debate going on, I have to agree that mismatching is often "plain tacky," indie folks being quite prone to it. However, shoes and a belt that contrast as much as these do aren't a particularly egregious example of mismatching, and it doesn't bother me in this case. Colors shouldn't be simplified down to just "brown" or "black." You feel me?

Question: Does not putting my two cents in immediately, or less commentary, encourage discussion?

2007-08-19T15:42:00.001-04:00

Notice the man's face is also a naked woman!
- Sarah

2007-08-17T17:52:00.001-04:00

Irridescent gold cardigan and black rain boots. What's more Miami than being prepared for the club AND hurricane season?

Ostensibly he's s a scholar, too. Ay, papi!

2007-08-16T18:29:00.000-04:00

This couple actually refused to let us take their picture. But we did it anyway. They looked that good.

The guy looks like an extra from Underworld, in a good way, with his slicked-back hair doing a lot of the work. His pointy leather shoes and slim-cut jeans recall a dressed-down take take on the look pioneered by London rock band The Horrors.

The girl's dress is demure and sophisticated with well-placed pockets and poofy sleeves that give it a bit of shape. And her bag! So refreshing from the tired Louis Vuitton status quo. And it complements her man's outfit. Win/win.

P.S. Thanks to Stuck on the Palmetto, Critical Miami, and Miami Nights for giving us nods for the Herald article. And special thanks to Alesh for contributing to it. All three blogs are linked on the right. Check them out.

The Future of 2LL

2007-08-15T16:35:00.000-04:00

Hello! First off, we would like to thank Jaweed Kaleem and The Miami Herald for running a story on our humble blog. We appreciate all of the positive feedback... as well as the haters. Both fuel our determination to document this city's unique cultural style. And don't forget to check out the slide-show on the Herald's website to hear Thompson's articulation talents.

We have a lot in store for the next few weeks. We're working with a graphic designer to remodel the site as well as developing various t-shirt designs. That being said, we're looking for potential advertisers to feature on 2LL. If interested, please shoot us an e-mail.

Also, to clarify a point from today's article, Sarah Attias is not only a contributor to 2LL but also a founding member. As she was in Panama during the writing of the article and photo shoot, we'd like to post her picture so readers can get an idea of the creativity she brings daily to her clothing and 2LL.

And as ever, let us know if you're interesting in working on the blog.

305 love,
The 2LL Crew

2007-08-14T14:30:00.001-04:00

A classic fedora is always a win!
- Sarah

I love his use of color. From across the dance floor he probably looks like another monochromatic play-it-safe hipster but the black, obsidian, and shiny grey make this ensemble a true spectral delight.

Matthew pointed out that this gentleman takes style cues from across the decades; I couldn't agree with him more. The fedora is a very 30's piece, the cardigan is pure 70's, and the cut-offs are 00's. The icing is a totally rad tat.
- Thompson

2LL’s Guide to the East Village, NYC

2007-08-13T16:35:00.000-04:00

For as long as I’ve been regularly visiting my brother in New York City, he has lived near the East Village. Offering a welcomed alternative to the tourist-choked streets of Soho and the student-choked streets of Greenwich Village, the East Village feels legit. Here you can find cooks, hipsters, artists, junkies, punks, designers, skaters, curators, musicians, and thugs, many of them falling into more than one category. There also happens to be a superb selection of unique shopping opportunities and enough restaurants (Dumpling Man, Murray’s Falafel and Grill) and diversions (Giant Robot, Tompkins Square Park) to make it an experience. I threw this together to highlight the best of the best the East Village has to offer. Enjoy.

Famous Friends/FF The Showroom:

Famous Friends is owned and operated by an extremely warm, enthusiastic and helpful individual named Richard. His cutting-edge inventory features designers such as Mjörn and Snooz as well as a plethora of other promising design talent.

Two storefronts down from Famous Friends is FF The Showroom (watched over by a friendly Japanese fellow) which exhibits full collections of both casualwear and dressier items while their main location offers a similar experience. From time to time, Famous Friends also holds sales, which take place in The Showroom, where you can find items significantly marked-down.

I expressed to Richard that I was interested in opening a boutique in Miami to bring a lot of the more fashion forward labels to the 305. He suggested I start with A.P.C. Fair enough. Be sure to check Richard's ill shop out.

Famous Friends is located at 616 East 9th Street

Odin/Den:

Finding Den randomly was probably the most pleasant surprise of my trip as I it happened on a day I was feeling particularly homesick. Odin has two locations, one in the East Village and one in Soho, and stocks everything from designer denim to Oliver Spencer shoes to Comme de Garçons fragrances to Lomography cameras.

Den, an expansion of Odin located right next door, seemed to be in flux but altogether I liked the vibe more (props to Mike). Originally meant to showcase one brand at a time (a really awesome idea), their first featured brand was Cheap Monday. This is unfortunate as Cheap Monday jeans can now be picked up at your local Urban Outfitters. When I went back to the store a day or so later, it had become a clearance room.

Still, of all the shops I visited, Den offered clothes which most appealed to me.

Den is located at 330 East 11th Street

Argosy/Bobby 2000:

These two stores are so similar that I find it hard to believe they are not affiliated. You’ll often hear a lot of vintage storeowners complaining about how the Japanese are buying all the best pieces, as they are willing to pay higher prices and pay students to find them. Well no doubt some of the pieces end up here.

Both shops feature the best collection of pre-loved tees I’ve ever seen as well as vintage jeans, western shirts, collared shirts, jackets, sweaters, and kicks. Prices are reasonable and just straddle the line between high-end boutique and Flamingo Plaza.

Also, across the street from Argosy is a thrift shop more like the latter, if that’s your thing. Bobby 2000 also stocks some solid-color Alternative Apparel tees that are so soft, they might as well be vintage. Bypass St. Mark’s and head for these shops.

Argosy is located at 428 East 9th Street
Bobby 2000 is located at 104 East 7th Street

Also be sure to check out Seven New York, located in Soho and one of the only shops to carry Pleasure Principle, the illest underground label on the scene and a 2LL favorite:

2007-08-08T17:20:00.001-04:00

Leave it to a New Yorker to upstage us Miamians on our own turf. Mr. I's (that's really his name) outfit (no, really, it is) references both contemporary skater culture and the birth of hip-hop in his home town. He's also sporting a dope ass fade that looked so fresh, so clean, it's hard to put into words. Also completely refreshing was Mr. I's enthusiasm to have his picture taken. He was confident and proud, something more Miami peoples need to incorporate into their style.

Seeing this dude was a perfect send-off for me as I'm taking a rather untimely trip to New York City over the weekend. Still, I'll get to sit in Tompkins Square Park with a cup of coffee and watch the skaters get ill, probably one of my favorite things in the world. Look out for some possible reports from outside Dade County.

2007-08-07T22:54:00.001-04:00

Mary Poppins is lookin' pretty fly these days.
- Sarah

We were convinced that this woman was wearing a summer dress but, upon closer inspection, we realize that she was actually wearing a top and skirt. The angular lines of the neck line and collar contrast nicely with the flowing, rounded skirt. The thin material of the shirt and the more opaque long skirt strike a great balance between mature sexiness and summer comfort. She has chosen a great pair of shoes and a wild pair of glasses to break up the solid colors. A radiant beauty.
- Thompson

2007-08-06T23:01:00.001-04:00

Do we like this?
- Matthew

Yes, we do like this. It strikes me as girlish and care-free; two things one doesn't encounter often on the summer streets of Miami. Her blouse and sandals are built for comfort while the headband is just plain cute. Every once in a while it's nice to get a break from the booty shorts and bikini tops.
- Thompson

2007-08-05T17:56:00.000-04:00

As always, I respect any Miamian that sweats for his or her look. And this dude must be sweating. The combination of a long sleeve button-down and sleeveless sweater vest makes for a dapper [the best word - Ed.] look which, guys, is often the way to go. Extra points for the sharp rolling up of the sleeves. My only minor quibble is the wash of his jeans but I'm a bit biased.

On another note, there's a lot in store for 2LL in the near future. The team and our affiliates are working on a variety of things including a redesigning of the website as well as some 2LL t-shirt designs we've been kicking about. We're also going to be featured in some local publications very soon. More on that to come! As always, thanks for reading and supporting Miami street style.

2007-08-04T17:45:00.001-04:00

Me thinks we should put her right under our logo. :{)
- Matthew

This little lady is clearly the definition of our website.
- Sarah

2007-08-02T22:27:00.001-04:00

Stay gold, ponyboy.
- Thompson

Her shirt is hand-painted as well, taking a bare-knuckled five hours to complete.
- Matthew

2007-08-01T18:29:00.001-04:00

The importance of wearing well-cut clothing can not be overstated. This man's outfit isn't especially stylish but it looks good because it's been tailored to fit him. The tan shirt and gold-rimmed aviators remind me of a military man in North Africa circa 1942.

Also notable is the reflection in the glass giving us a glimpse at a 2LL correspondent. Coincidentally, the mystery correspondent's outfit references our protagonist's outfit not only in terms of color scheme but also in style. Good fashion sense can be possessed by anyone at any age.
- Thompson

2007-07-31T18:10:00.001-04:00

This woman could be wearing her grandfather's guayabera and a pair of clam diggers and still inspire and intimidate everyone around her. She has the utmost confidence in her Harajuku/New Wave inspired ensemble and works it till' the wheels fall off. The whole thing is very rock n' roll.
- Thompson

And she's sweating at the club which means she's been dancing. And there's nothing more dope than a girl that dances at the club instead of standing off to the side.
- Matthew

P.S. BBQ - Summer's Hottest Miami Accessory? Weigh in.

2007-07-30T15:34:00.001-04:00

This gentleman deserves a 2LL honorable mention. On the day this photograph was taken it was a smoldering, sun-in-your-face, vulture baiting, 97 degrees outside. However, even with a lined hoodie and constricting skinny jeans he was completely in his element. Not one bead of sweat. Looking comfortable and put together is always more important than specific pieces, and in this regard, our man has succeeded brilliantly.

P.S. His look reminds me of this front man in more than one way.

- Thompson

2007-07-29T17:48:00.001-04:00

This guy takes a lot of uncool elements and puts a slight twist on them, thus circumventing a style catastrophe. As JD Kaleem of the Miami Herald pointed out, the short shorts are stylish due to their upturned hem which makes for a sharper look. I find shorts of this length much preferable to the knee-length cargo status quo. However, shorts like these are by no means recommended for all body types. Meanwhile, this dude's Gladiator-eque leather sandals aren't Crocs.
- Matthew

Adorable, clean cut outfit with sweet mandels (and I don't say that often). Good find.
- Sarah

2007-07-28T15:42:00.000-04:00

She probably could've actually been in Electroma and not stood out. You know the scene where Daft Punk get human in the laboratory and everything's in black and white.

You know, just saying.

2007-07-27T19:04:00.000-04:00

Take one jazzy gold pinstripe blazer, a pair of Cheap Monday skinnies, add some casual Era Vans, then top it off with a gold chain or two. Voilà, you have chic streetwear.
- Sarah

Reminds me of this.
- Matthew

2007-07-26T23:36:00.001-04:00

Although the functionality of those pockets is questionable, they are a charming addition to a conservative, yet sexy, outfit. The two different patterns on her dress may clash a lil', but it all works because of her choice of very simple accessories and hair-do. It reminds me of an heirloom quilt among solid color sheets and blinds. Selling the whole ensemble is an understated cross, adding a bit of Catholic schoolgirl innocence/freakiness.
- Thompson

2007-07-25T19:33:00.001-04:00

This one is for the haters. Cute hair, cute shoes; this Charlie's Angels-inspired ensemble is a wonderful outfit for DAYTIME wear.

2007-07-24T18:36:00.000-04:00

Another example of the fast-becoming-ubiquitous high-waisted jean, this pair being notable for its wide leg opening. In other news, Dublab Dotcom and its delinquient advertising employees owe us mad dollars.

2007-07-23T14:59:00.001-04:00

This Psychobilly/Hi-Liter inspired ensemble has all the trashy appeal of a John Waters trailer park. I don't want to know what he's trying to do with the chair or where that mustache has been, but I can't stop staring. It's the kind of over-the-top mind fuck of an outfit that just works on conviction alone. Call me.
- Thompson

2007-07-21T15:40:00.000-04:00

Something of a Sartorialist-meets-Miami look. It's important to be picky with hat sizes and styles to get the right fit, as most people will put just about anything on their heads. While hats this big can often look plain silly, the Panama hat undoubtedly works in this instance.

The light brown patent leather shoes (check his lacing) and rusted belt buckle add to the down home, southern look but I'm still not keen on the Deep V for boys. He plays drums, though.

P.S. Panama Hat - Summer's Hottest Miami Accessory? Weigh in.

2007-07-20T19:08:00.001-04:00

What exactly was I thinking when I put together this outfit? Oh yeah... Chonga Chonga Chonga!!! (and Miami, just a little bit)
- Sarah

2007-07-19T14:34:00.000-04:00

A lot of good stuff going on here. The jean shorts take me back to the 90s while the fitted cap still looks fresh sitting on top of this dude's longish hair. The black polo is made interesting because it's buttoned all the way up, contrasting the relaxed look of the jean shorts and fitted cap.

2007-07-18T12:47:00.000-04:00

This post is solely for the Miami peoples, as they will likely be the only ones that understand. We caught the girls at their PS14 appearance where they performed Chongalicious...twice.

To be honest, I was hoping for a more trashy look as we all know the depths of Chongalicious-ness: Chinese slippers, glued hair, Sharpie lip liner, Brazilian jeans, and gold hoop earrings with your name (ending in -sleysis) written in them.

Still, here at 2LL we have to give props to any original Miami phenomenon. Props to the girls, too, for so intelligently satirizing a local trend. Other cities, take note.

And kudos to those who took the night's theme to heart, as well.

2007-07-16T19:34:00.000-04:00

What I love, love, love about this outfit is the rounded contour of the dress. It's rare that girls in Miami opt for attire that's not form fitting and instead have fun/be creative with the shape of their clothing.

There is so much potential in dresses, especially, to reference all sorts of styles, past and present. In short, an exciting dress on a wonderful girl.

2007-07-15T12:42:00.001-04:00

The frontwoman of Dandi Wind wearing her "relaxed" outfit. Can we dare call her the better half? This retro print mini is stylish and adorable, thus complementing her sweet braids. She keeps it high fashion on and off stage!
- Sarah

2007-07-14T18:42:00.000-04:00

One half of Canadian electro-punk group Dandi Wind, this guy puts an arty twist on his already punk style. His tee, probably my favorite part of the outfit, reminds me of Jeremy Scott with a dash of the imagery from Röyksopp's Remind Me video. Check it.

2007-07-13T19:31:00.001-04:00

A great example of the steadfast versatility of the little black dress. A beautiful gold hem, a pair of demure black boots, et voilà.

2007-07-12T17:13:00.001-04:00

This is why I love foreigners that move down here: they make a simple anything into a chic something. Dig that guy.
- Sarah

The more I look at this, the more I love this guy's choice of colors. Especially the pale blue pants.
- Matthew

2007-07-11T16:33:00.000-04:00

Just right for Miami Beach, this girl's beautifully embroidered, sunshine yellow dress contrasts her brilliant, ocean blue bag while also accentuating her figure. It's like she's a walking embodiment of our sandy shores.

2007-07-10T17:29:00.000-04:00

Even the Eiffel Tower can't get this high. High waist anything is so in, I'm pulling my knickers over my neck!
- Sarah

2007-07-09T23:59:00.000-04:00

It's a dot com, snitches.

2007-07-09T19:02:00.000-04:00

A suave Panama hat, beatnik sunglasses, linen clothing, and a gold watch he's been wearing since the 80s to pull the whole ensemble together. Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we have found this week's most fashionable!
- Sarah

2007-07-08T17:22:00.001-04:00

Do you have a hat like that? No, you don't.

2007-07-07T14:06:00.000-04:00

We like this Guns N' Roses look, complete with a tattooed cross on his left forearm. If he kinked his hair a lil' bit, maybe some Ray-Bans, he might be a second Slash.

2007-07-06T13:06:00.000-04:00

This is Sarah, 2LL's newest and hottest (sorry, Thompson) correspondent. Her outfit and haircut remind me so much of the styles of Brazilian electro-pop group Cansei de Ser Sexy. That's a great, great thing.

Also, there's something undeniably 'Miami' about the ease of the outfit; she could as well be on the Beach. Look for Sarah's posts in the near future!

2007-07-05T15:36:00.000-04:00

Though it's hard to tell, this guy's actually wearing a biker shirt, complete with pockets on the back. How cool is that?

The shirt, coupled with a black Members Only jacket and brick red slim-cut pants make for a classy look that breaks the hipster mold.

2007-07-04T16:48:00.001-04:00

Bravo! Take a bow! I love the anachronistic elements of this girl's outfit. Her dapper hat and flowing skit contrast each other nicely, while the little touches of color in her shoes and belt brighten the affair.

2007-07-03T22:54:00.000-04:00

Matthew and I have been at odds over this one for a while. While I won't divulge where we each stand, I will say that it evoked strong reactions from both of us.

What's clear, however, is that the outfit is a whole lot of fun. This girl works her style with an in-your-face attitude and flare.

2007-07-02T21:19:00.000-04:00

I've been delighted to get to know this young man lately and I must say, I find his fashion sense inspiring. Though a bit disheveled at the time of the photo, he has a cosmopolitan awareness balanced with a taste for conservative colors.

His impossibly cool pants, from hip Swedish label Cheap Monday (picked up in Paris nonetheless!), pull one's eyes to their unique shape and fit. No doubt he will be featured on 2LL many times over.

2007-07-01T15:15:00.000-04:00

Overmatching is a mistake that's easy to make and can lead to an outfit looking overcalculated. The blue bag adds a degree of spontaneity and spunk that ensures this ensemble avoids that pitfall. Red lipstick and platinum blonde hair is a classic bombshell combination that never grows old.

2007-06-30T14:44:00.000-04:00

This young man has a great sense of what colors work with his hair and skin tone. The neutrality of his shirt makes the combination of tucked baggy pants and leather boots jump out.

2007-06-29T11:09:00.001-04:00

Nu-Rave in Miami!?!

2007-06-28T11:10:00.000-04:00

Here's a national trend, the high-waisted jean, that designers have been pushing very hard on the runway. It's refreshing to see some awareness of that down here. Looking good!

2007-06-26T23:17:00.001-04:00

Everytime I see this girl, she's always so kind and dressed so smart. Pay special attention to the little buttons on her shoulders!

2007-06-25T17:09:00.001-04:00

2007-06-24T14:53:00.001-04:00

A brilliant choice in the head-to-toe gold, thus accentuating the more muted colors of her dress.

2007-06-23T13:30:00.000-04:00

The diamond pendant no doubt makes the outfit. A subtly ironic piece.

2007-06-22T13:00:00.000-04:00

A classic, all-American looks with dry Nudies at 7 and a 1/2 months.

2007-06-21T12:30:00.000-04:00

Black suspenders, a red beret, and she's ready for Paris. We're feeling the shorts, too.

2007-06-20T17:18:00.001-04:00

A ridiculously cute vintage Lacoste dress picked up at Recycled Blues on South Beach.

2 Live Looks

2007-06-19T15:21:00.000-04:00

Welcome to 2 Live Looks, Miami’s premier source for street fashion! Here at 2LL, we aim to document the emerging trends and distinctive styles of Miami’s most fashion forward denizens. Websites similar to this one have long existed for other cities (linked on the right), with Miami conspicuously missing. That is, until now! While Miami is a hub of cosmopolitan influence and creativity, there is sometimes a glaring lack of ingenuity in dress and for this reason, such inspiration is all the more vital. If you have any questions, comments, criticisms, areas to scope out, or just want to help the cause (!), please do send us an e-mail.

305 love,
Matthew