“Candy Crowns was born out of Sophie Hart’s passion for originality. A life long lover of delectable sweet treats and colorful objects, she wanted to transform these everyday items into unique, edgy and creative pieces of wearable art. Sophie is thrilled to release this very personal collection and to continue expanding bringing more of her imaginative creations to the fashion world.”

These playful and slightly eccentric accessories are dead ringers for the real objects (well save for the colored pencils which are after all…colored pencils.) You truly believe that you are looking at clever crowns made of gumballs, or sprinkles, or gummie cola bottles.

It’s as if these were designed ideally for the likes of Nikki Minaj and Katy Perry. Born for the hipster trendsetter, bold beautiful designs are so kitschy and clever that they just might work. Who couldn’t use a little more playfulness in their wardrobe? All of the sweet and none of the sticky.

Words by Barbie Brady (@barbie5x5) Images from CandyCrowns.com

Although they may be known for being their own worst enemies, the guys from Lit have teamed up with the notorious Producer/Singer/Songwriter Butch Walker to complete their latest opus, as yet untitled. I dropped in on the boys at Walker’s studio in Santa Monica to have a listen and catch up.

I asked A.Jay Popoff what his inspiration is for the new songs? His reply – “It’s therapeutic if anything. This record is a lot more introspective.” And that’s saying a lot. It’s been 7 years since their last album release and the band has had multiple divorces, a wedding, family trauma, and of course the worst of it was losing beloved drummer, Allen Shellenberger to brain cancer in August of 2009.

The thing about Lit is that they really never stopped being a band. Although it was incredibly difficult to say goodbye to Allen, he passed the torch and his blessing onto current drummer, Nathan Walker. Nathan has been a long time friend to both Allen and the entire band, so when they say its really more of a brotherhood than a band, you honestly feel that. They also added guitarist and songwriter Ryan Gillmor into the mix to help with a big bold sound.

The thing that strikes me about the way they work is unlike anything I have personally experienced. I have always found that in every band there is one member that holds the biggest “NO” in the room. There is one guy who keeps a tight reign on the final say, creatively, musically, someone takes the lead. But with Lit, they all work the songs until each member is 100% happy with it. They all have an equal say. A. Jay told me that although he might be the voice of the band, he feels like he represents all of them. And he takes that seriously.

Bass player Kevin Baldes sits down beside me bounding with energy. He tells me they just signed a deal with MegaForce Records, which is home to such greats as Anthrax, Bad Brains, the Meat Puppets and more. One incredibly positive conference call with label owner, Marsha Zazula and they were sold that it was the right fit for them. Kevin has been entertaining himself these past 5 years with side project Good Man Down, which recently came to an end. He’s back to being fully focused on Lit and freshly inspired by the new sense of life in this band who’s been together 22 years. No small feat.

Adding a bit of spice into the mix is Producer, Butch Walker. He’s been a long time good friend with Jeremy Popoff, lead guitar and big brother to A.Jay. Butch took a turn in the hot seat and let me know what a joy its been working with these guys. You can tell that they have all come up together and that they are certainly comfortable in their own skin by now. Butch tells me their working together has been a long time coming, as they had often wanted to but simply not managed to make their schedules coincide. I asked him how difficult it was to be a songwriter and then to write for other people. Butch says that generally he keeps the more sentimental themes for himself, if something strikes him too close to home, but that there is an ease and joy that comes with working with good friends you have been close to for over a decade.

There is a mix of Bourbon and Wine scattered throughout the control room and you can tell that the boys are more likely to sip than to smash through the alcohol on hand. Just a little something to keep it mellow, or celebrate a job well done. I wouldn’t say, long gone are the days of Jager bombs, but when its time to work, the work comes first.

Lastly I had a chance to really pick the brain of Jeremy Popoff. Super excited about the new label, the new bandmates, and the new songs, Jeremy’s anticipating a big return for Lit. He tells me this record represents the results of a lot of life happening. It wasn’t by choice that they took so long to get back into the studio, but they’ve grown up a lot. Their perspectives have changed so much. “When you are a Dad, being a Dad has to be your No.#1 priority. I would have loved to put an album out 3 years ago, but Al got sick. I know that everyone says this when they are working on something new, but honestly I feel like this is the very best record we’ve done yet.”

Jeremy has never stopped writing songs and actually owns a house in Nashville, where he goes to work on his country sound. “A.Jay and Ryan and I write a lot together for other artists as well.” Mixing it up with pop, rock, and even a bit of Disney artists for good measure (after all they are from behind the Orange curtain in Fullerton.) They don’t get all hung up on who writes what, a good song is a good song, and Lit is full of em.

“There is a sense of everyone being successful on their own, humility and calm. We shed enough of the bullshit over the years. It kind of makes you look around the room and realize we’re still standing and we’re still doing it. We’re still laughing. At this point, nobody’s gonna be able to do anything to us that we haven’t be through before.”Jeremy has that rare and awesome quality of a man who knows exactly who he is. To quote a line from one of their new songs, “You can’t break the broken.”

Lit’s new album should roll out in March or April of this year. They are also set to do a national tour of 30 dates this summer. 2012 is going to be a great year for Rock N Roll, I can feel it.

Words by Barbie Brady (@barbie5x5). Photos by Catie Laffoon (@CatieLaffoon).

When Subjekt reached out to me and asked me if I’d be interested in trying out their headphones and earphones I raised an eyebrow for sure. Why not? What I received in the mail was entirely unexpected. They sent a set of “Herphones” Petite Earphones. I reached for these immediately. Like a lot of girls, I have small ear holes. Nothing ever really fits or feels good. You get that stuffed in ache with most brands, but here in front of me were honest to goodness, tiny earphones I had only dreamt about. Hell, I didn’t even have the dream until they told me to dream it.

And they are heaven. I’m not joking. The really are the most comfortable earphones I believe I will ever own. Plus, at $24.99, its a sweet deal. They come with a built in microphone if you are listening to your music on your cell phone as well, which is always nice to have.

Subjekt also sent me a pair of their Brit, TNT low profile headphones ($49.99.) At first blush they remind me a bit of Skullcandy’s, which I’m sure are their main competitors for both style and color ways. A little bright for my taste, but sound great and are so light on your ears you sort of forget they are there. Also a bonus when they are such a daily accessory.

I’m not sure I would have reached for them off the shelf, but I’m super pleased to have been given the opportunity to take em for a test drive. If you pick up a pair let me know your thoughts for sure.

Words by Barbie Brady (@barbie5x5)

This past Friday I spent my morning taking in the Orange County crowd at KROQ’s Kevin and Bean’s Miss Double D-cember 2012 Pageant. Now, I’m not one for beauty competitions and let’s be honest, this wasn’t much of one. I mean the girls are lovely but they are entirely there based on the size of their boobs and not exactly the size of their brains. No no… I’m sure they are very smart. I’m just sayin’… when one aspect of the show is barking like a dog, its like school in the summer…. no class. Congratulations to Joanna the big winner by the way… I’m sure her Mom is very proud.

In addition to the Double D’s, Toys for Tots were there collecting… well toys for the tots. An amazing effort that the Marines undertake each year to give back to the communities in which the toys are donated. Not only does the organization give underprivileged kids something special for Christmas but it builds both hope and a sense of patriotism. Plus, seeing all those fellas in uniform is a real treat for us girls of a certain age… you give hope to us all!

I had an awesome opportunity to chat up the owner of The Slidebar, Jeremy Popoff. Yes, the same Jeremy Popoff who plays for the famed rock band, Lit. Jeremy opened the bar in 2006 with a singular focus in mind, to bring good, live, rock music to Orange County in an honest, legitimate way. There is never a cover, even when the big bands play (and we’re talking some heavy weights like Avenged Sevenfold, Everclear, The Dead Kennedys, and Face to Face.) The food is excellent, the bar is vast, and the vibe is spot on. There are 3 rooms; the live room, and then 2 bars that both open onto an outdoor patio. All in capacity is over 600 people. That’s pretty sick for a small town rock joint.

But lets face it, there is nothing small time about Popoff’s plans. In 2012 he intends to launch the Rock N Roll Kitchen line of mixes, spice rubs, and hot sauces. Inspired by eating out for nearly the past 20 years of his life on the road, he knows a thing or two about flavor. Popoff says the line will not only taste top quality but that its the kind of thing that’s so cool you will want to leave it out on the counter instead of hiding it away.

In addition to the Rock N Roll Kitchen line, Popoff is also looking to launch his own line of Vodka this coming year, with the emphasis that everything will be made in America. That’s a big deal for him. “Its time to manufacture things in America again. I don’t even care if I make any money from it. Worse thing that can happen is I’ll have a garage full of vodka for life.” The man’s an idealist and I applaud him all the more for it.

If all of that wasn’t enough there is also talk of franchising The Slidebar to bring a proper rock club to a town near you. But until then, check out the calendar and pop on in for cocktail and the most amazing mac & cheese you have ever had. Never a cover, always a good time. And if you happen to run into Jeremy, he is a rock star after all, buy him a shot and let him tell you tales of loose women and whiskey from days on the road.

As for Lit, they are currently finishing up their latest in the studio. We plan to pop around next week to see what they are working on with Butch Walker at the helm. Stay tuned…

Words by Barbie Brady (@barbie5x5). Photos by Catie Laffoon (@CatieLaffoon).

Last night I got to meet one of my all time favorite designers, Jonathan Adler. You may recognize him from such television reality series as Top Design (which sadly won’t be coming back). But well before “See You Later Decorator” fame, he was, is and always has been a talented and gifted potter, designer, and entrepreneur.

With 16 actual stores, and an amazing online store you have no excuse to not buy yourself or your loved one something with a bit of whimsy this year. Each year I end up dropping vast amounts of money in his shop on Melrose and I thought I would share with you all my 5 favorite Jonathan Adler finds this year for the holiday season! Trust me, when you give a gift as sharp and fresh as these, no one could possibly be disappointed!

5. The Muse Collection Teapot ($95), Creamer ($28) and Sugar Bowl ($28) – Although any one piece in the Muse collection is a fabulous gift, I think these three together really say “Should I call you for breakfast or just roll over and wake you up.” Isn’t it time for tea?

4. Charade Studded Taper Vase ($88) – This provocative piece says you’re not afraid to be a little naughty and nice. The perfect size at a pretty price. This isn’t exactly for your old Aunt Millie…or is it?

3. Jet Set Ornament Set ($48) – Christmas ornaments given as gifts at Christmas time are so… expected. HOWEVER, things I know to be true include, but are not limited to, the receiver of this gift will a) keep it, b) remember you every year they decorate their tree, and c) cherish it as a real quality gift. You just can’t do that with a bottle of wine.

2. Glitter Vice Candid Canister ($138) – These gorgeous containers actually come in a variety of shapes, sizes, sentiments and prices, I just love that the largest one says “Glitter” on it – cuz that’s an awful lot of the sparkly stuff. They are perfect for stashing your secrets. True story, my husband and I have a jar we put every receipt or piece of ephemera in that commemorates special things we do together. One day we plan to dump out that jar of awesome and rediscover the fun we had together. You should start your secret stash today!

1. The Banana Bud Vase ($68) – The banana has been a long standing symbol of… well… I was going to say Pop Art but yes… now that you mention it.. it is sort of penis like in design. NO seriously… its amazing! It’s this happy, unassuming, phallic fruit… AND it’s a bud vase! It also accents any decor since it comes in silver, gold, black and white. Gift it to your boyfriend, to your girlfriend, to your girlfirend’s boyfriend… whoever receives it will do so with a smile! I guarantee it!

As for meeting the man himself, it was one of the biggest highlights of my year. Thank you  Jonathan Adler for creating truly inspiring objects of design!

As for the rest of you…. you’re welcome! Christmas shopping… DONE!

Words by Barbie Brady (@barbie5x5). Photo of Jonathan Adler by Dustin Downing (@MeTakeAPhoto). Other images by JonathanAdler.com.

If you’d like to see pictures of the show, I didn’t take any. I borrowed the one above from the LA Weekly and you can see a whole gallery of great pics from them here.  Most of the performance was entirely back lit and I can’t say the band was that interested in breaking a sweat (not that there’s anything wrong with that.)

Unlike my husband, who is a gigantic fan, I give a heartfelt nod to their genius but could have sat this one out. Half of the music was obscure b-sides of which even the die-hard fans had trouble nodding along. I did, however enjoy their stand out opus, Doolittle intensely and it was one of the main reasons that I, myself owe a debt of gratitude to the charming Kim Deal, as all female bass players must. But as far at the overall show went, well it could’ve gone better. Maybe it was my hurty shoes, or perhaps the way they almost laugh at the crowd from the stage. It’s like Kim smiles the entire time in disbelief… that they still get paid for doing this after all these years.

Words by Barbie Brady

But you can relive the experience through the photos. With a little photo shop magic and some creative lies you could always insert yourself…or you could just come out to our next night Friday, January 13th.

ChinaShop would like to thank from the bottom of our whiskey soaked hearts the following in no particular order;  Digital Daggers, 8mm, I Will Never Be The Same, Former Future, The Lonely Drunks Club, Molly Crabapple for the incredible design, Dirtee Hollywood for the production of the nicest give-a-way tees I’ve ever seen, and of course the Viper Room for allowing us to take it over in our own special way.

See you next time Hollywood!

Words by Barbie Brady (@barbie5x5). Photos by Catie Laffoon (@CatieLaffoon)

I spent the day hanging out with bassist Bryan Kienlen and he filled me in on the challenges of this adventure. For example, on night number 4 they play the Gold Record, my personal favorite by the way (“The Pizza Song” has horns on it). They don’t normally travel with a horn player, let alone bringing one out for just one song on one night. So they reached out to their fans in each city and asked if anyone wanted to come up and play this one song with them. How incredible for the guys who responded. You never thought that trumpet you learned in high school would get you on stage at the Troubadour playing with a punk band did you?

And that’s just one of the super cool things that the Souls do for their fans. They are ultra personable, accessible and generous of both time and spirit. I’ve never seen them turn down a fan request, or hustle out the door after a gig. In fact there is a photo gallery on their website entirely devoted to fans who have a Bouncing Souls tattoo, and there are plenty of them.

Bryan spent the afternoon tattooing a few more fans at the opening of Perri Ink Cartel on Melrose. Followed by an intimate in-store performance at Soundcheck Hollywood on Sunset Blvd. Even though they were in town for 4 nights in a row, most of the crowd was there for all 4, each with a different opening band. I was fortunate enough to get to see Kevin Seconds (of 7 Seconds) play his acoustic set at the Saturday show. It was like a love letter to my teenage self.

This coming January the Bouncing Souls will head back into the studio to record their next punk rock opus of epic proportions. You can count on ChinaShop being there. Next time they come to town… we’ve got dibs.

Words by Barbie Brady

This charming short is either a letter of scorn for the critically slain M. Night Shyamalan, or an open plea for him to get back to the essentials that made him. Writers, Steven Haas and Ross Raventos have captured the essence of what it might be like to be regular people sharing a home with an eccentric like M. Night.

Fall Of Night Trailer from Ross Raventos on Vimeo.

While of course the roommates, played by Will Bowles, Kelly Keaton and Matt Newell, could always just move out. They, like the rest of us, are trying to stick around for the second coming of the genius that was The Sixth Sense. Patience and humor have to see the house through the weirdness that occurs.

The short is well acted and directed. On a shoe string budget this little gem has a lot of promise, as do both the writers. If you have a chance to catch it at a film festival next year, you should.

As for M. Night Shyamalan, if the world would just stop supporting the mediocre films he’s put into it, maybe he could get back to good. I’d love to hear his thoughts on this clever short? If you know someone who knows someone, pass it along.

Words by Barbie Brady

I remember the first time I saw Filter. My friend Peanut and I drove from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia in a total white out blizzard. It took something like 10 hours to get there and I thought we were going to die no less than 7 times. But the show was awesome… and the memories of that night will last a lifetime.

You may think of Filter as a post grunge/industrial rock band from the 90s but they are currently touring their fifth critically acclaimed record. They still have their edge and you can’t tell me that this won’t be the best Filter show you have ever seen… come on… the world famous Viper Room? Are you kidding? Only like 200 people fit in there. It’s like having them play in your living room!

You WANT to go to this show. I promise. So post a comment NOW!

Words by Barbie Brady