Email to a Friend

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

words by Jacquelyn Pyun and Shauna Alexander

photos by Priscilla Ledesma, Dakota Fine and Shauna Alexander

…

Take me on a date (to the very last) Fort Reno (show of 2009).

Thursday’s sticky sunshine cooled down just enough to create a stellar evening for Fort Reno’s last show of the summer. With a mixed audience of suburban families, angst-awkward teens, attempted romantic dates, and row house roommates, it made for a diverse crowd—all of whom will undoubtedly be back next summer to enjoy more local music. Grendel Babies, Casper Bangs and Title Tracks did not disappoint—leaving my heart aching for a few more weeks of music at Fort Reno.

Everyone needs to get some strange here and there, and Grendel Babies, you were my little bit of strange for the night. Delicate white dresses with kick-you-in-the-face gladiator sandals type strange. I need and adore.

Marilena Zackheos (vocals/keyboard) and Jennifer Cho (violin) artfully twist their talents together to create a story and experience that is all things evocative, animated, mysterious, and poetic.

Earmuff your kid moment: Zackheos’ haunting “I’m your slave” vocals alongside Cho’s throaty violin notes—forget Britney, you two got it. Plus you could kick her ass with those sandals.

Catch me Casper Bangs, I’m swooning. The adorable Rob Pierangelli—dressed all in white—serenaded the audience overtop catchy keyboard and xylophone melodies. Perfect timing for the sun to creep down over the park, and a head bob from left (one, two) to right (three, four).

So much to love moment: Pierangelli’s sudden two-footed hop in the air while crashing into a chorus—hop on over to me Casper.

Take me for a ride Title Tracks. Toss me in the air and then spin me. Gotta love the energy—and the hair-tossing, smile-engaging, oops-did-I-just-catch-myself-doing-the-shimmy, dance mania that started as soon as John Davis got going.

Whatever your pleasure, you can’t deny that Davis has spunk, and that his catchy beats and lyrics had you jumping.

Heart-happy moment: The four bouncing boys that started the dance mayhem—can’t start a fire without a spark.

Scare me, soothe me, shake me—thank you Fort Reno—you gave me everything I needed.

a short photo interlude by Dakota:

and then some awesome streetstyle photos and words from Shauna (a combo effort from both July 23rd and 30th):

In a city where shapeless black suits and power ties dominate the fashion realm, it’s no surprise when in the District, being told that DC doesn’t have style.  In fact, if I had a buck for every time I heard that, I’d quit my day job (or at the very least buy those gold Dior Homme boots I’ve been lusting over for months).  But those that can pull themselves away from the mundane look found on the Hill or K-Street aren’t too hard to spot.  Just check out Fort Reno, a longstanding tradition for the District’s summer social calendar.  Where music and design collide, Fort Reno is just the place where you can find the kind of looks that make this wannabe fashionista smirk smugly at the blanket idea of stale style in DC.

Michele (22)
“Being a theater kid, I’ve always found myself inspired by the costume department.  I’d describe my style as retro pin-up girl or a dolled up sailor.  The outfit I’m wearing is all vintage, and the dress happens to be my favorite piece.  If I could dress anyone famous, supposing they were still alive it would be T. S. Eliot or Hunter S. Thompson.”

Heather (15)
“I’m inspired most by the style of Chanel Iman or Agyness Deyn.  My scarf I’m wearing is my favorite piece and it’s actually my Mother’s.  If I could dress anyone famous I’d pick Lady Gaga.  That would give me a blank canvas, but someone who was fierceless about her fashion choices.”

Geraldine (17)
“My bracelet is vintage and is my favorite piece I’m wearing. The shirt and skirt are both from Urban and the shoes are Lord and Taylor.  I’m usually inspired by the things I see or come across in every day life, more so than any individual person.”

Joe (23)
“I love these pants because they are tailored perfectly.  I got them from H&M and the shirt is vintage.  The socks add a fun touch too. As for style inspirations…. I’m a guy, I don’t think too hard about these things.  Though if I could dress anyone famous I’d pick Jarvis Cocker.”

Victoria (18)
“I’m wearing boots and a tunic from Urban, Guess leggings, vintage sunglasses, and my belt is from Value Village.  I love the style Mary-Kate Olsen has, sort of hippie chic.  I’m inspired by Zooey Deschanel too, but isn’t every girl?  I’d dress Winona Ryder if I had the chance, though she might steal the clothes… no?”

Kelley (17)
“All the piece I’m wearing right now are second hand or vintage. I’m mostly really inspired by life or my move to Brooklyn soon.  Though my boss, Morgan (of Pandahead fame) also is a huge style inspiration to me.  Given the chance I’d totally dress up Pee Wee Herman.”

Ian (32)
“I’m wearing Penguin, Vans, Target and Bass Pro Shop right now.  I try to aim for a Redneck look, or what a lawyer dresses like before they actually become a lawyer.  Whatever’s comfortable.  I’m inspired by Rubberworms and I’d dress up Liberace if I could.”

Stephen (29)
“I’m originally from Lafayette, LA so I’m secretly inspired by the whole agrarian, proletariat look. I like worker pants that are probably too hot for the summer and button downs. I like things that once you have them, you have them so I’ll patch the hell out of everything. Or like my shoes, which I found in the basement of my friend Clark Sabine’s house five years ago. They’re nothing fancy but they’re sentimental and durable.  On the runway I like a more leather focused look but not in a fetish sort of way. Not that he needs help but I’d dress Prince if I could.  I’d love to put him in some sort of drapey outfit that swallows his little body…. And you should check out my bands at www.thecassettes.com and myspace.com/wearethetorches.”

Email to a Friend

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•