5x5 Clothing: 80s Diva Whitney Houston!

5x5 Clothing
RA RA


5x5 would like to extend a farewell to the great 80s Diva, Whitney Houston. 


We all know her for her big big hair, wide shouldered suits, glittering dresses and full piece jump suits, in all glorious shades of neon.


So let's take a look at some of her best moments:


First, (pictured above) her red dress she wore at the 1985 Grammys.  Off the shoulder balloon sleeves, dropped waist and tiered skirt. Damn. All hallmarks of 80s dress design. 







Then, Whitney in her "I wanna dance with somebody' video from '87: Fabulous permed hair, full eyebrows, and gorgeous multi-coloured eyeshadows ranging from coral to blue. Yes!

Or how about Whitney at the American Music Awards from '86: a giant blue bow offsetting an asymmetric shoulder, with flowing beaded jewels.   Just can't say no to that. 

Ok, how about Whitney as just an average gal: oversized printed pull-over, tight denim jeans and calf-height boots. Dig it! Oh don't forget your bulky headband. 




In homage to Whitney, let's give the divine gal some 5x5 love. 

ps. god damn we need some more 'women of colour' on our blog!!

Romance is in the air, Happy Valentine's day!

Ha Ha!!

5x5clothing

LOLA

Hearts are in the air!

With Valentine's day just around the corner, it's time to consume and buy some over priced candies and flowers!  Me personally, I'm a lil jaded when it comes to Valentine's Day.  I think you should show romance to your lover daily.  Do special things that show you care about them every now and again.  The day can also make you a lil depressed if your lover forgot, or got you something you hate. (like white chocolate when you love dark)  Also if you currently don't have a lover, or you just broke up;  last thing you want is cupid running around with lovey 

How cute is this! 

dovey who the fuck cares bull shit. 


Did I say I was a lil jaded... 5555 yup! 


But my personal views aside, I do love the idea of the cuteness of the day.


With cute lil Valentines you can pass out, leaving a lil note to someone you have your eye on.  The overly dramatic balloons in restaurants, it's like New Years in February, you're guaranteed to get  laid!   Oh yeah, I said it!!

Now for some super cute tips, to help have fun on the day and night!!  


Dress in a super hot simple red dress and make a heart cut out for your love.  How special would that make them feel?!?! It's like a page right outta grade school, and you picked them... awwwww 

 If dresses aren't your thang, Try rocking some super sexy heels for the night!  Pair it with your super skinny dark denim pants and a simple tank top & cardigan will be sure to please.  Try pairing it with ruby red lips! Meow you're on fire now!!  Always remember the romance goes both ways, and your lover shouldn't be forgotten.  Mix it up this year, send him the flowers at work! (make sure the roses are pink).


Going on a date, why not bring him some chocolates or a heart shaped balloon?  Going on a first date, cinnamon hearts are simple and not too suggestive (that your crazy, and scare the guy off)  cause come on, your first date is Valentine's Day!  Have fun and think outside the box!


HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! Won't you be our Valentine?!

xo Lola

5x5 Clothing: Cat Fights and Bitch Slaps

5X5Clothing
Shi

When is it appropriate to "Bitch Slap" a broad or get into a "Cat Fight"?  

It's been going on for a while.

It's a tough question and I don't think fighting is ever the ideal, it is however, sometimes necessary.  It's dangerous to give people too much credit - lets face it not everyone is as awesome as we are. When a girl gets out of line someone's gotta put her in her place so why shouldn't it be you?

Hair pulling is usually unavoidable.

A few simple rules to keep in mind if you find yourself in this situation.

1. Make sure what your fighting about is worth it. Ask yourself "Do I even care about this?"

2. What to wear? Spandex or other clothes that give you full movement are ideal. Also, tie back your hair if possible to avoid hair pulling.

3. Try not to hurt yourself or your opponent too badly; the point us usually to knock some sense into the gal, not start a law suite or incur a dental bill. 

Check out Varla, the ultimate tough girl, in Russ Meyer's 1965 cult classic Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!

Have fun and stay safe!

Shi Shi

5x5: Alexei Perry in 5x5 HOT!

5x5 Clothing
RA RA


Wow!


Alexei Perry. In 5x5's Misfit Dress. In her bedroom. Looking super gothed out. Posted on Handsome Fur's blog. 


RAD!  
xoxox


5x5 Loves you!! 


See our O.G. blog about her here

5x5 Clothing: New Year's Eve!

LOLA
5x5 Clothing


New Year's Eve is just around the corner.  

With so many fun things to do, it's hard to pick what party to ring in the New Year!!  One thing is to ensure you put your right foot forward and look amazing for 2012!  

Here are some Lola tips to help for the night.

1. Always plan where you are going, and dress around that!  Nothing sucks more than wet tights from melted snowy floors when you are trying to get your dance on!!  
2. Don't forget your touch up lipstick and press powder.  You wanna look amazing all night.
3. Bring the right purse.  Not too big or you will be the one carrying all the "goods" for your ladies.
4. Dress for the weather.  Don't look silly walking around -25 weather in a slinky dress trying to catch a cab.
5. ALWAYS remember change for the coat check.  Lines are crazy, this will save time.
6. Don't go buck wild on the drinks before going out, you wanna make sure you get into the bar you just overpaid for.
7. Always have a back up plan, if the first one sucks.. no worries you've lined something else up as a fail safe!!
8. Please don't match your mate!  It's not your prom or wedding.  You can each stand out tonight!

Add a lil tailor jacket and some great hoops & bracelet.

 Have fun with your outfit!  Bust out some of the "girls" and paint your lips!  Think long term comfort with your outfits and don't forget some kinda sparkle!   

 If you're covered up top, show some more legs!

Love the surprise sexy.

Be bold and different with accessories and shoes, if your dress is a lil more simple.  I like to go buck with make up and accessories!  It's way more fun taking the time to get your hair and make up just right!

New Years Eve doesn't always mean Dress!  Add some black shear tights and sexy heels M E O W next level!!

No money? No problem, raid your friends closet! You'll have a different idea for their clothes.  Dress it up or down.  Have fun with it!  Don't forget yourself along the way! 

Happy New Year! kiss kiss, Lola

5x5 Clothing: The Sophisticated Boom Boom!

RA RA
5x5 Clothing


Hey 5x5 Girls! Meet the Sophisticated Boom Boom'!

The Sophisticated Boom Boom is a "dames DJing duo"--Deena and Claudia--kickin up flames in Glasgow, Scotland. Damn I wish I could make a scene at one of their vinyl dance party nights! 


In lieu of such debauchery, Deena has made 5x5 our own hot mix! Read our interview with Deena and boogie down to her mix. In your underwear. Why not??!!


RARA: Your bouffants and the highwaisted jeans are hard not to notice, what makes up your style pastiche? 


Part ‘purity of the past’, part ‘punk as fuck’. Since I am a girl who is more likely to hum G.G. Allin’s “No Rules” than any pop song on the radio, I wear what I like and feel good in, regardless of trends and naysayers. 

I was born to bouffant. Really. Growing up in North America, which is saturated in modern history and the documentation of it as it’s still a young country, I saw a lot of photos of highly stylized hairdos, it’s the final touch on a great outfit. But it wasn’t until I later, living in Japan, that I learned how to very easily create the look, while being dressed by some elder Japanese women for a tea ceremony. So with the affection for bouffants and beehives, and the skill set and tools to do it without any backcombing or hairspray, my hair is up more often that not, to great heights.


While my hair is rather reflective of the sixties, my fashion often takes its cues from the fifties. When it comes to fifties cuts, I fill out the curves perfectly. I have an hourglass figure and a long torso, so the high waisted bottom’s waistband hits me at my natural waist, my skinniest point. Dressing is a balancing act. I’d rather be conservative on the bottom and wear a lower cut top. I have the modesty of a nun but the bust of a prostitute, so I just go with it.


RA RA: What female singers/performers are top on yr list of cool? 


What a loaded question for me because I know that I will have a million additions moments after I send off this to you. To name a few in no particular order… 

Mary Weiss of The Shangri Las, Brenda Reid of The Exciters, Patti Smith, Mia Zapata of The Gits, Wanda Jackson, every single female in a 60s garage band, Barbara Lynn, Kate Bush, Irma Thomas, Nina Simone, Sugar Pie Desanto, Jacqui McShee of Pentangle, Bridgette Bardot, Claudia Nova of Aggi Doom (and the other half of The Sophisticated Boom Boom), Nancy Sinatra, Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth, Ann Steel, Little Ann, Dolly Parton, Diana Dors, Kim Deal of The Pixies, Sparkle Moore, Nancy Sit, Sandra Sanger, Billie Holiday for having the balls to do ‘Strange Fruit’ with such agonizing conviction, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson of The B52s, Bunny Labine (cigarette girl turned dj who helped get the whole go go dancing phenomenon on, I’m counting her as a performer in her own right), Reparata, Lulu’s Marble, Banarama, The Glass Torpedoes, all members equally of the aforementioned groups, oh geez, I’ll stop there, but there are a lot of ladies worth looking into on that list. 


RA RA: What new fashion exploits are up n' coming for you? 

I’m getting Goth these days. In a lady like way of course. There are several likely reasons for my return to the gothic in light of the darkness of the winter. 

1) I like the challenge of creating different looks in such a dark palette and it’s more so of one in the winter, when many layers are required.

2) Come hibernation I think of an ex who left me, a long time ago, feeling like a 60s Italian widow, darkness slyly slinking around in the summer sun. Thus in the time after him, I mourned without feeling, while looking like a technicoloured Fellini film; My version of Goth. It’s a look which I can easily execute.

3) It’s so grey in Glasgow that if I dress in all black, I can pretend I am in a black and white movie.

Lastly, because.. 4) As a Canadian living in Glasgow, I feel extra badass come wintertime. Love them as I might, they are ill prepared and unable to deal with winter well.


RA RA: If 5x5 was gonna make a Deena Line, what would it be?? 

Hmmm...Right now it would be: High waisted black slim fit jeans. A cropped leather t-shirt, ideally using vintage leather. A black velvet hooded cape. A navy wiggle dress with ¾ length sleeves and Queen Anne neckline. A red pinafore dress. 

And as a bonus... A 1950s style black one-piece bathing suit to make me want to book a vacation somewhere hot.

Thanks Deena!! 5x5 will be dancin' in Glasgow some day yet! 

If you are lucky enough to be in Glasgow, enjoy a night out with them, the first Thursday of every month at Nice’n’Sleazy, the third Saturday of the month at The Common Rooms, the last Friday at Mono, and all around town in the in between. They are available for international bookings.



LISTEN TO THE MIX HERE  

5x5 Clothing: Slouchy Winter Hats!

 Lola
5x5 Clothing 

Yup, it's that time of year again, for us Canadians and others who have to brave the cold weather.  We have layers and layers too look forward too! Endless slushy streets and frost bitten noses!... Can't wait!!  How to look hot during what will soon be a winter wonderland!

 The Slouchy winter hat!  Look for mustard colours, deep greens, and the oh so sexy standard black.

Or try something a lil different

Sexy, sexy sexy!  1930s' inspired hats will be sure to turn heads, when you step outta the crowd! 

Still wanting something a little different?  Get into the ever so popular pilot hat! 

Oh Baby!

Although winter is long and full of layers, you can still look sexy with all the fun accessories! Don't forget about scarves, gloves, earmuffs and the oh so fun winter boots!!

Don't turn into a "track pant lady"  just cuz it's cold, it doesn't mean you gotta give up! 

Embrace the next 6 months with the warmth of your BFF Fashion! 

5x5 Clothing: Sleeves & Leaves

5x5 Clothing

'Tis the week of launches for 5x5: we are so excited to announce the launch of our F/W collection, happening in Toronto at Not My Dog on Tuesday, October 25th, with a saucy lineup of DJs and what's sure to be a stompin' appearance by Toronto band Little Foot Long Foot. 

Oh and there's more. We're also launching the new incarnation of 5x5clothing.com!

And because we love you, we want to peep you a little sneaky look at what's coming.

Candy Crop Top and Hepburn Culottes.  

The Berlin jumper. To conquer the world in. 

Two sweethearts in the Sugar Dress.

We want to thank our amazing photographer, the Marquis de Haze, for such a wicked job on the shoot, and the daaaaahling JYD, for her amazing feats with our hair.


Look out for our new site and please join us for one heck of a dance party tomorrow night!


Love,


5x5

5x5 Clothing: No Exploitation, All Party

RARA
5x5 Clothing


5x5 Clothing does not steal babies, pillage and/or pilfer, or exploit garment workers. 


We employ seamstresses working out of their own homes for fair wages.


Not to down on anyone's party or be a neg-vibe naysayer, but the modern garment industry, especially in Asia, is a hellish choice for mostly poor women trying to survive and support their families. 


Here is a picture of skulls from the killing fields in Cambodia, a genocide instituted by the maniacal Pol Pot in the 1970s.  Afterwards, Cambodia went through decades of strife and reform, eventually stabilizing and becoming one of the centres of the modern garment manufacturing industry.  


Even though the International Labour Organization has said that its routine checks of Cambodian garment factories ensure the rights of these workers, recent mass sickness at H&M factories in the country have left many skeptical.  

Road in Cambodia leading to the garment factories

Here in Thailand, hundreds of thousands of people from Burma flood into Thailand looking for work opportunities that simply don't exist in their country that has been fucked up by successive generations of military junta, including economic mismanagement and a war waged against the ethnic minority peoples.  
Where do they end up? In the garment factories on the border, working 11 hour days for 2$, locked up, with their ID confiscated by factory owners, modern-day slavery.  


Big name fashion labels, such as Tommy Hilfiger, have been caught using these factories under false company names, only to shut down operations and open up at other nearby plants.


My friend has been involved in investigating these factories; factories are locked up from public view, looking more like jails than factories, security guards keeping people out, and often, also keeping workers in.  


Grooooooooan, right? Ok Ok, you've heard it before, so have I.


So let's talk about something nice: 


5x5 Clothing is big on limited runs that enable us to use home-based seamstresses and give them fair wages that are exponentially more than they'd earn in a factory, and even more than they'd earn as a typical home-based seamstress.  All clothes are cut and sewed by hand, using end of the roll and vintage fabrics.  


Now that is something good!  Party in your 5x5!


p.s for more info on the modern garment industry read this 

5x5 Clothing: Shoes, Shoes & more Shoes!!

5x5 Clothing

Lola


Shoes, a girl's best friend or worst enemy?


Fall is here, and so it goes NEW SHOES!! ('cause you just have to!!)  I, like most females, LOVE SHOES!! The higher the heel, the better for me, even though I'm 5'10 and most times feel like an amazon woman rockin my 4" heels.  Who cares I say, that doesn't stop me and my continued conquest for the perfect pair!

MEOW!!

This fall is all about mixed prints, textures and platforms!!

It's time to put away those old dirty and tired flip flops and start giving your calves a good old work out again!  

OH NO!!  Looks like the duckie/penny shoe had sex and made a baby!

Always a good idea to buy a great shape and colour to wear more than one season! 

So what ya waiting for?  Get out there comb the city and find a great deal and adopt a new pair!  I always try to stay away from the 

"ultra trend", like fur shaggy boots ... 'cause let's not kid, they are never in style.  Just saying!!

um, Harry and the Henderson... Anyone?!?!!

5x5 Clothing: Anita Pallenberg "Sexy Fucking Bitch"

5x5 Clothing 
RA RA


If Keith Richards calls you a "sexy fucking bitch," I pretty much think that means you get to rule the world, at least for a couple decades.


And it appears that is just what sexy bitch Anita Pallenberg did..and depending who you talk to...still does.


So I hope I don't have to introduce who Keith Richards is but honestly, I had to "remind" someone who that was recently--I almost screamed 'the guitarist of the Rolling Stones, you fiend'.  


Ms Pallenberg was the girlfriend of said Keith Richards, and eventually gave birth to two of his children, but only after she was the long-time girlfriend of the other Stones guitarist, Brian Jones.  She later had some sexy relations with Mick Jagger as well. Holy!


So I've been reading Keith Richard's autobiography Life, and while most of it is about music and touring, there are glimpses of all his fab ladies over the years, including Anita--her style and position as Queen of Kool back in the early 60s and on.  

Richard's notes that Anita had a "huge influence on the style of the times" and that he usually just wore her clothes, anything that was "lying around".  Full lace berry-juice coloured blouse, with grape mini skirt and low slung belt, and matching rock boyfriend.....shit.  

Not just a rock girlfriend, she had roles in a bunch of movies at the time and knew all the avant-garde directors and performers throughout Europe and especially in Rome, where she was born.  Her roles included The Great Tyrant, in Barbarella [pictured above].  

 T-shirt jumper! Camel-toe!  

And according to Marianne Faithfull:  "She gave this incredible smile, which was quite frightening too, all those teeth. Like a wolf, like a cat that got the cream. . . She was gorgeous because she was so beautifully dressed, always in the perfect costume".


Glorious sixties hip chick, we salute you! 

5x5: Beading and Beadwork

5x5 Clothing

Shi Shi


I guess somethings never go out of style! Beads have been used to adorn and beautify for centuries, traced  as far back as 5 000 years ago. 

Beads and pendants from neolithic era.

I love how beading looks and feels. It takes something simple and can transform it into something extraordinary.  

http://bluebutterflyart.blogspot.com/

These are some fab beaded vintage purses; cute and stylish since the 1800s.

Flapper dress

The flapper style of the 1920s featured straighter silhouettes embellished with fantastic beadwork.  If you dig this style you might want to go see the Woody Allen movie “Midnight In Paris.”  It’s worth it for the costuming alone. 

Marion Cotillard from "Midnight in Paris"

I've made some beaded pieces myself. Here is a piece of felt that I beaded with a variety of natural stone, shell and glass beads and attached it to a belt with a wolf pin. Ya! 

Beaded felt piece

 This deer hide and felt purse was a birthday present, bought at the Six Nations in Brantford, Ontario.  

Deer hide and felt purse with beading

If you’re in Toronto and love native north amarican bead work check out the Bata Shoe Museum exhibit on Native foot wear.

Cherokee Mocassin c. 1840

There are also some wild beaded and embroidered pieces at the Textile Museum of Canada.  You might get inspired yourself!  Get out those seed beads or look through gramma's drawers for that little beaded purse, why not!