TrendThrift is a weekly column, brought to you by our resident fashionista, Kate McChesney, as a review of boutiques and fashion events in and around the Los Angeles area.
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few weeks, you're probably aware that wholesome hip hop star and SAG veteran, Common, dropped his highly anticipated album "Finding Forever" yesterday, Tuesday July 31. "L.A.'s Finest Street Boutique", El Mercado (www.elmercadoonline.com) celebrated early last Thursday with a Universal/Geffen sponsored listening party. The boutique was bumping Common's "Finding Forever" all night, offering 15% off everything in the store, plus free pizza and beer!
More on Common and El Mercado after the jump...
Last year, the rapper Common became a Gap ad. Over a beat from the Black Eyed Peas' Will.I.Am, Common peddled the Gap's holiday line of RED sweatshirts by twisting off a double-entendre about "rockin' the 'hood." Yet Common's ground has always been more boutique than barbershop; more wholesome than fearsome, his style mirrors that of El Mercado Boutique. Featured on TT today is the hot Crooks and Castles line, this tee featured in El Mercado for only $35. Five Four denim jeans, also available at El Mercaodo, although a little pricier at $110, they are guaranteed to last a full life. Be sure to check out El Mercado's extensive online shop, www.elmercadoonline.com, for the freshest in men and women's street gear.
After humming Common tunes in my head all weekend, I ran into Common's free show at the 3rd Street Promenade in beautiful sunny Santa Monica. The ladies who braved the heat (and it was hot!) wore sundresses and sandals while the guys were sweating in colorful graphic hoodies, fancy sneaks, and bling bling tees. The live show was great; Common shines on "So Far to Go" and drops lyrical jewels on his duet with stylish British songstress Lily Allen (not present) on "Drivin' Me Wild." Go to www.common-music.com for more info.
ELM: RATING$
PRICE: $$$
HOOKUP$: $$$$*
VIBE: $$$$
*free food, awesome music, and 15% off. $weet!
kate mcchesney
myspace.com/kate7682
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