Category Archives: Musically Inclined

In Sympathy: Remembering Andrew Fletcher of Depeche Mode

***Andrew “Fletch” Fletcher: July 8, 1961 – May 26, 2022***

It has taken me four months to finally write a blog post about the passing of Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode. And I still can’t believe I’m even typing this, like right now. This is just going to be off the cuff, with little editing because I am truly sad about this. Anyone who knows even just a little bit about me knows that Depeche Mode is my all time favorite band. So when Richard Blade of 1st Wave on Sirius XM made an announcement between songs on the afternoon of May 26, 2022 with a very uncharacteristic somber voice, bearing sad and urgent news, I wasn’t sure what to expect. When he said something to the effect of “…announce the untimely passing of Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode…” I felt the wind get knocked out of me and I sat down in my desk chair, and let out an audible “NO!”, which caused my son to come running into my home office to find out what happened. My husband was already there, and I just burst into tears.

They didn’t say much, because they knew. As I said in my Instagram post, this hit different. I even went on a worldwide Zoom meeting that week with the Depeche Mode Global fan group, just to be with other fans and celebrate the life of Fletch (it was co-hosted by musician, YouTuber and Depeche Mode enthusiast, Vaughn George). My friends reached out to me in sympathy, to find out how I was, because they knew as well.

I think part of the disbelief came from the fact that they just got into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, class of 2020. Fletch had just gone on vacation in Spain the month prior to his death, and was even seen at a soccer match. I feel like he was alive and well one moment, and gone the next.

I still can’t find words to convey the emotions I feel. I know I was sad when Alan Wilder left, but at the time, he was still putting out his own music and had a tour. But Fletch is just gone, and didn’t just leave Depeche Mode. This is a band that has carried me from junior high, comforting me with their music, creating a major part of the soundtrack of my life. I have only missed one major tour since 1985, and have even taken my husband and son to see them in concert with me, just so I could share the music of my band, live with them. I’ve gone to see Strangelove, my favorite Depeche Mode tribute band, many many times, because I just love their music so much. Classmates from junior high and high school have said to me, that when they hear Depeche Mode songs, they think of me. One of my friends even tagged me in a video while she was shopping, because a Depeche Mode song came over the loud speaker. I got tagged easily 10+ times when DMK videos hit the internet (the Depeche Mode family tribute band), because friends from all walks of life thought of me. My blog name is the name of a song from their first album. They permeate all parts of my life, all the time.

People who know Depeche Mode, understand and realize that Fletch was the heart of the band. Not only was he a founding member, he was the foundation and the one who brought them all back together, no matter how long they had been apart, to get them together and make another go at new music. The official Depeche Mode Instagram page recently had a picture of Martin Gore and Dave Gahan, in a music studio with the caption “Finding stability in what we know and love, and focusing on what give life meaning and purpose.” I think they’re providing hope that they would still produce new music, but there’s still uncertainty.

I think I just needed to say something…anything, on my blog, about Fletch, because I had to. Rest in peace, and my deep condolences go out to his family, friends, bandmates and my fellow Devotees. Fletch, you will be missed…

People Are People

It’s always great when friends can turn you onto a new brand, because it opens up your wardrobe to more choices and creates versatility. Jenna from Lucky Little Mustardseed is one of my favorite local bloggers, who I’m so proud to also call my friend. She has been wearing Cabi for sometime now, and recently turned me onto them after their recent Cabi Clothing Scoop introducing their Spring 2018 collection at the San Diego Convention Center.

What I love about this jacket is that it is SO retro, and completely lends to my style. I wore the jacket with all black, including this now sold-out People are People t-shirt. The shirt is by Christian Siriano in collaboration with Leggo Your Ego. I first saw it on the runway from his Autumn/Winter 2017 collection, where he ended the show with the outfit below. Christian was also featured on Depeche Mode’s Facebook “Fan Takeover”:

I incorporated Depeche Mode’s “People Are People” into our Fall 2017 show at NYFW as a symbol of what I stand for as a brand and designer. We placed the song during the finale walk and I think that got the message across rather strongly because it was placed at the end. The message that is: people are people, we should all be celebrated in our own way no matter what age, size or skin color. It wasn’t a political statement that I was trying to make, but rather a statement on human rights. It’s about supporting everyone, which is why I casted a diverse range of women to walk in the show. Everyone deserves to be represented.

As a brand, it’s important to be inclusive because anyone can be a customer. Clothing should be fun and make women feel beautiful in their own skin.

– Christian Siriano

(Photo from Christian Siriano’s official website)

Believe it or not, Christian Siriano also collaborated with Impress Manicure for matching People are People press on nails! I bought two sets (one to keep and one to wear), and they lasted a little over two weeks. I love the matte finish and easy application. Of course, my retro-outfit was rounded off with some 80’s inspired accessories: a robot cross-body purse, a Duran Duran album cover lip palette (I’m wearing the color “Rock-On”), and a cassette tape cell phone case. Yup, you can take a girl out of the 80’s, but you can’t take the 80’s out of this girl!

Outfit: Windopane Jacket by Cabi (no longer available); “People are People” t-shirt by Christian Siriano x Leggo Your Ego (sold-out); Unknown brand pants; Savannah Animal Print frames c/o Select Specs; Hat from Topshop; Leather ankle boots by Zara; Ring by Wendy Brandes; London Underground cuff c/o designhype; Karl Lagerfeld watch; Cross-body purse from ASOS; Nagel x Urban Decay “Rio” lip palette; Cassette Tape phone cover c/o Banggood

Included this fun outtake, where I’m wearing my sister’s “new wave” sunglasses!

All photos by Rholnna Jiao unless otherwise noted

Record Store Day Black Friday & Small Business Saturday

The Thanksgiving weekend is always bustling with family, good friends and even better food, but it also means some kind of sale is going on. Typically, we’re in Las Vegas and my mother-in-law and I head out in the extreme early morning to take advantage of doorbusters at places like Target or Walmart. This year, we’re here in San Diego, and last night, my husband and I actually went out after dinner and braved our local mall. He wanted to take advantage of some Funko Pop exclusives at Game Stop and it was just as busy as if it were a regular weekend. It was a bit much, and we headed home after just a round at the mall.

Although I won’t be giving into the craziness that is Black Friday, something we definitely have taken advantage of is Record Store Day’s version of this shopping holiday and participating in Small Business Saturday.

RECORD STORE DAY BLACK FRIDAY 2017

Just like the Record Store Day listing that is put out annually in April, here is this year’s listing for RSD Black Friday 2017:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/recordstoreday/2017/2017_BLACK_FRIDAY_PUBLIC.pdf

Here’s a list of some of my favorite record stores in San Diego. Share some of your finds in the comments below!

Record City

M-Theory Music

Lou’s Records

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY 2017

I am such an advocate of shopping locally and showing the businesses in my local community love and support. You can do the same by shopping small on Saturday and giving back to the community we live in by participating in Small Business Saturday.

https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/

Here are links to a few of my favorite local businesses in San Diego, which have been featured frequently here on my blog. Show them some love on Small Business Saturday!

Vocabulary Boutique

Wysh Boutique

Carlsbad Village Faire

Liberty Public Market

Seaport Village

“Cover Me” in Depeche Mode Tonight!

The day is finally here: DEPECHE MODE’S “GLOBAL SPIRIT TOUR” AT MATTRESS FIRM AMPHITHEATRE!

I believe the show is sold out, but there are verified tickets still available on Live Nation. I have the Live Nation app and I’m taking advantage of the “Fast Lane” Upgrade, since I have lawn tickets. This will allow me, my sister and our kids to get some prime real estate at the front of the lawn area next to the railing.

Keep up with me on my Instagram for all of my concert coverage and I’ve created a separate section here on my blog of all of my Depeche Mode posts!

Cheers!

Record Store Day 2017: Happy 10th Anniversary!

Today is Record Store Day! This is the first year since 2011 that I haven’t gotten up at the crack of dawn to queue up for my favorite picks. With my new schedule, I work Saturdays and I actually took today off to be in line for RSD’s 10th anniversary to check out the exclusives. However, I also made an appointment for my hair. Since the last appointment of the day at the salon was at noon, I don’t think I could wait in line, get what I want and make it for my hair appointment.

I am going to Record City right after I get my hair done to check out the aftermath, and to see if they will still have copies of the Just Say 50: Sire Records 50th Anniversary Box Set that I want. Then I have to get ready for the Pixies for a date night with the hubby tonight!

For those already in line for Record Store Day in the US: May your digging be fruitful and here’s to hoping you get everything you want!

(Vinyl record related pins from my collection by Move In Silence & PSDesgnCo on Etsy)

Like They Do It In The Factory

As a blogger, we are dared to try new things and new experiences because of the nature of what we do. I have discovered new restaurants, new shops and boutiques, we well as new hair salons through this blogging experience. I discovered Kelly Cardenas Salon because they contacted me to try out their new location in Hillcrest. After they consolidated locations and when my main stylist, Salvador, moved to Las Vegas, I decided to try out a new place through a recent contact in the blogging world. Aaron Lacy is a stylist at theFactory, located in Downtown San Diego. I swear it was Kismet when I walked in and Music For the Masses was playing in its entirety!

Immediately, I loved the industrial-style space of theFactory. It’s very clean, modern and stylish. Once I got settled into the chair, Aaron explained what he had planned for my haircut that day: a simple and sleek bob cut, my favorite hairstyle. Aaron suggested we take my hair back to basics, and took great care to even out any odd layers. Without a doubt, this cut was one of the most precise bobs I’ve ever had. It’s been about a month since I’ve gotten my hair cut, and it’s growing out beautifully!

Thank you Aaron for the amazing cut and the fantastic pictures!

theFactory is located at 1025 F Street, San Diego, CA 92101. Contact them at (619) 255-6338 to schedule an appointment and please be sure to ask for Aaron!

Outfit: Unknown brand jacket from Wysh Boutique; Mossimo sweater from Target; Free People jeans; Jeffrey Campbell shoes; “Mason” necklace c/o Kendra Scott; rings by Wendy Brandes and Suki Bijoux; Leather jacket pin by Bananna Bones (from Gypsy Warrior), “Space Punk” pin by Major Crimes Division & “It Wasn’t Just A Phase” pin by Punky Moms UK; “Ceremony” Matte Lip Veil by Cryptic Cosmetics

(FTC Disclosure: I was offered a service free of charge as a courtesy, but not necessarily for the purposes of a review. Although I did receive a service free of charge, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.)

(All photos of me were taken by Aaron Lacy. Post title: Lyrics from “Lie To Me” by Depeche Mode.)

Smells Like Global Spirit!

It has finally happened: Depeche Mode announced the American leg of their Global Spirit Tour!

I got my tickets yesterday through a special fan pre-sale where we were given a link on Facebook. It was then up to us increase our chances of getting tickets earlier in the day by purchasing the album or sharing our referral link, where those who clicked on the link allowed the referrer to better their place in the queue. I felt it was successful because it allowed those of us who are truly die-hard fans to get their tickets before the mad rush of the general sale this Friday. I also didn’t have high expectations for my seats because I’ve seen them so many times that I just need to be in the building (if you’re wondering, this tour will make it the 11th time I’ve seen them live). Lawn tickets are an affordable $35, and I will be seeing my Basildon Boys on October 6 with my husband and son!

Depeche Mode Global Spirit Tour – Fall 2017 North American Tour

August 23   Salt Lake City, UT   USANA Amphitheatre
August 25   Denver, CO           Pepsi Center
August 27   Detroit, MI           DTE Energy Music Theatre
August 30   Chicago, IL           Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

September 1       Uncasville, CT       Mohegan Sun Arena
September 3       Toronto, ON           Air Canada Centre
September 5       Montreal, QC       Centre Bell
September 7       Washington, DC       Verizon Center
September 9      New York, NY       Madison Square Garden
September 11   New York, NY       Madison Square Garden
September 13   Tampa, FL           MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
September 15    Miami, FL           AmericanAirlines Arena
September 18    Nashville, TN       Ascend Amphitheater
September 20   Austin, TX           Austin360 Amphitheatre
September 22   Dallas, TX           Starplex Pavilion
September 24   Houston, TX           Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented
by Huntsman
September 27   Phoenix, AZ           AK-Chin Pavilion
September 30   Las Vegas, NV       T-Mobile Arena

October 2       Santa Barbara, CA   Santa Barbara County Bowl
October 6       San Diego, CA       Mattress Firm Amphitheatre
October 8       San Jose, CA       SAP Center
October 10       Oakland, CA           Oracle Arena
October 12       Los Angeles, CA       Hollywood Bowl
October 14       Los Angeles, CA       Hollywood Bowl
October 21       Seattle, WA           KeyArena
October 23       Portland, OR       Moda Center
October 25       Vancouver, BC       Rogers Arena
October 27       Edmonton, AB       Rogers Place

I Said Don’t Stop, to Punk Rock

Happy New Year to you, and I’m starting off the new year with an outfit post! I can’t recall exactly where, but I know I’ve mention that my style seems to lie somewhere between classic, chic and punk rock. It’s kind of like those Reese’s commercials from the eighties when they would argue “Hey, you got your peanut butter in my chocolate/No, you got your chocolate in my peanut butter”; I always have to add a little punk to my classic outfit, or add a little chic to my rocker one. I love this article from Complex called “Know Your Rights: A Complex Guide to Punk Rock Style“. I think I own every piece in that guide and wear them anywhere and everywhere, from the office to the concert hall. Truth be told, I did not read the article prior to putting together my outfit for this post, and wore two of the mentioned pieces together: a bomber jacket and leopard print. Now that I think about it, I want to take each of the pieces mentioned in the Complex article and create outfits around them, since I have them all!

I believe I own ten bomber jackets (and counting), and this one from Shimmer is one that I intend to do a DIY patch job on very soon, where I’ll be adding patches from my favorite bands to every inch the fabric real estate of the jacket will allow. As an FYI, I bought that jacket because of the fact that two of the patches are indirectly tied to Depeche Mode: the Union Jack patch because they are British and the Route 66 one because they did a cover version of that song. Before the additional adornments, I wore my jacket to a few concerts and this photo shoot with my sister at The Observatory North Park.

Although I know many bands have performed there, I’ve only seen Blondie at The Observatory (so far). I’ll have to check out their concert calendar to see who else is playing. Another FYI: I saw George Clinton and Parliament in Los Angeles a few years ago, but I did not see them when the pictures were taken. But I did include a couple of pictures when I ate at the West Coast Tavern (which is connected to The Observatory), prior to seeing Blondie live with my friend Angi. Debbie Harry is definitely a style icon, and I featured an image of her in a post about my love for vintage rock t-shirts (here). I mean, check her out in the picture I captured below, rocking fishnet stockings at age 71. I only hope to be that cool in 30 years!

Outfit: Distressed t-shirt by G Mini, Eunina Jeans and choker c/o Shimmer; C’Est Toi jacket purchased from Shimmer; CHARLES by Charles David over the knee boots (old); Kate Spade purse (old); “Keiko” Rx sunglasses in Roxy Noir by BonLook

(All outfit photos by Rholnna Jiao. West Coast Tavern and concert photos by moi. Post title from the song “Rapture” by Blondie.)

Last Christmas: Farewell George Michael

I absolutely cannot believe it. I have to say goodbye to yet another favorite artist in 2016: George Michael passed away on Christmas Day. I truly thought we could escape another passing in 2016, but alas, it was not to be. I was looking at pictures of the record collections of some people who I follow on Instagram, when one of them mentioned that he was sad that George Michael had passed away. In disbelief, I exclaimed what I just heard to my husband and rushed to the computer. Instantly, my fears were realized and George Michael was gone. At that time, information was scarce, but it soon came to light that he passed in his sleep due to heart failure.

I came to know about George Michael when he was in what I first heard about Wham! UK. I remember going to The Warehouse at Plaza Bonita (a former chain record store), asking for the newest Wham! UK song. The person behind the counter answered, “We don’t have Wham! UK, but we have Wham! Is that the same?” He handed me the seven-inch single, which was Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (pictured above). I was 14 at the time, so I just smiled and paid for the single. My mom bought me and my sister the Make It Big album, and soon Wham! was everywhere. I never saw Wham! in concert because I don’t recall them ever touring in San Diego. I also don’t recall the exact moment when I heard that Wham! dissolved, but I did purchase their last musical effort in the US called Music From the Edge of Heaven. I’m Your Man is one of my all-time favorite songs, and the album itself is quite wonderful. I still listen to it to this day over both Fantastic or Make It Big. In my senior year in high school, I distinctly remember missing out on seeing George Michael live because the concert sold out very quickly. One of my classmates said that he had concert tickets and went to retrieve them from his jean jacket pocket, only to see that his mom washed his jacket and with that, his tickets. I’m happy to report, that has never happened to me.

I finally saw George Michael in 2008 with my sister, Rholnna, and best friend, Janice. It was a fun night filled with hits from his days in Wham! to his own amazing music. I remember thinking, “I just want to hear I’m Your Man, Father Figure, Hard Day, A Different Corner and Careless Whisper and my life will be complete…” My wish was granted and I got to hear all those songs live, including so much more. Prior to the show, a band of friends dressed in 80’s gear roamed around the arena and asked random people to “Pose With George”. Silly me obliged and here is my only picture with George Michael from his concert (and the set list below).

Edit this setlist | More George Michael setlists

It was also memorable because not only because of Mr. Michael himself, but because it was a day after the announcement of same-sex marriage being legal in the state of California. During the show, he said something to the effect of “I heard a lot of you ladies were able to get married yesterday!” My mind instantly traveled back in time, and I recalled my friends and I having discussions about George’s sexual preference due to the Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go video because although we all had his pictures up on our walls, there was always a question about his sexuality in the back of our minds. It got even more confusing when the I Want Your Sex video came out, hearing that he was dating the girl who was staring in the video with him (Kathy Jeung). No matter what the circumstances are or what swirls around the gossip columns, I always want my idols to be happy because in the end, they will continue to do what they love, which means I get to enjoy a wealth of their artistry. I mean, David Bowie released an album right before his untimely death at the beginning of this year. I worry about my idols and I think that’s why this year has been difficult. I care about the music so much, but I never forget that there are people behind the hits with emotions and lives to live.

I have read a couple of things that give me such mixed emotions about George Michael: how he was recently afraid to face the public due to his weight gain and then news about his quiet generosity. I’m saddened by the fact that George became recluse in his last days because he was nervous about how he would be perceived by the public. I know we all have an image of him, but it was his voice and musical talents that have endured over the years, and that’s what I will remember about him most. I also find it heart achingly lovely that he gave so much to so many charities and people over the years. I read recently about how he gave a large tip to a waitress who was upset about her debt and that he donated a generous sum of money to a charity at the same time annually. One charity even stated that they would not have been able to stay afloat had it not been for George Michael’s financial backing. These are the instances that make the images in those posters on my walls when I was a teen come to life. This is what makes me ache and cry over their passing. Last Christmas will be a bittersweet testament to the sadness of lost love during an otherwise joyful holiday season, as well the loss of a beloved artist.

Farewell George…

(Top image is the “Cowboys & Angels” 12-inch single. All pictured items are from my personal collection.)

Classic Breton Stripes

I have recently become obsessed with Breton stripes. I completely understand that there are more well-known images of stars in this classic look, like Audrey Hepburn, Bridget Bardot, Jean Seberg, Edie Sedgewick and Marilyn Monroe. But my favorite images of celebrities wearing what I consider a wardrobe “must have” come more from my era, like Meg Ryan in French Kiss and Madonna in Papa Don’t Preach. The look is so simple and fresh, and so French. The history of the Breton stripe shirt dates back to the French navy’s official uniform, but has been in fashion most notably through Coco Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier. In fact, I really do have a history of this type of shirt through one of Gaultier’s own designs with Target in an outfit post (here). I guess my love for this look runs deeper than I thought!

I had been hunting for an affordable version of the marinière, and found it at J Crew, complete with a slightly different detail: a fringed hem. Already a steal at $39.50, I bought it at the Fashion Valley location for an additional 25% off! I purchased it in a large to get that loose-look as worn by Meg Ryan, but styled it with a leather jacket like Madonna. I was going to wear my trusty Stan Smiths with them (which I already have because this shirt has rotated twice through my wardrobe in the last week), but opted to give my outfit more of an edge with a pair of rocker shoes by Miista.

Outfit: Striped boatneck t-shirt with fringe by J Crew; “Collin” shoes by Miista (no longer available); “Trigger” satchel by Botkier; BCBGeneration leather moto jacket; Old Navy mid-rise cropped flare jeans; “Simone” glasses by Warby Parker in Blue Coral; Topshop hat & belt (no longer available); Leather Depeche Mode wrap bracelet by Little Treasures by Mir; WendyB Rings by Wendy Brandes

(All outfit photos by Rholnna Jiao; movie images searched on Google)

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