UO Blog

From San Francisco

04/19/13 02:58PM

permalink

Happy Birthday James Franco

Just in time for 4/20, we get to wish our favorite stoner a very happy 35th birthday. Here's to you, Mr. Franco (a.k.a. how I envision myself singing HBD to him)! Xoxo. —Ally








From Elsewhere

03/22/13 04:19PM

permalink

Spring Breakers Now in Theaters!

It's March 22. That means it's time for you to grab your girlfriends, go to your local movie theater and get ready to experience the film of the year: Spring Breakers. It's finally time to see what we've been raving over, quoting and full-out obsessing about for the past few weeks. Whether you end up loving it or hating it, just be ready to FEEL something in a movie theater again. We guarantee it's not something you'll be able to fall asleep during—it's about to invoke some spirits up in y'all. 


Before you go, make sure to check out our interviews with director Harmony Korine, his wife and star of the film Rachel Korine, and our newest About A Girl with the film's stylist, Heidi Bivens. Spring break forever bitches!

From Austin

03/14/13 03:49PM

permalink

South By So Single?

Remember how in that post I did like 10 minutes ago I said that the make-out potential was high at SXSW? Was not lying. —Kate

From Elsewhere

03/08/13 09:55AM

permalink

Packing for Spring Break

Okay, so, I just robbed the local Chicken Shack and FINALLY have all the money I need to go to Spring Break!!!! But wait... what the fuck am I gonna bring besides my fat stacks?  Time to pick out my party gear and hop on a bus heading south. Cue the music, it's time to pack bitches! —Ally


First off. Neon. EVERYTHING NEON. And they definitely need to glow under black-light. These hats are perfect and come in four colors for me and my three BFFs who are like, totally going to find ourselves on this trip. (I'm throwing my middle fingers up.)


Sparkle & Fade Cropped Side Vent Mesh Tee & BDG Lou High/Low Denim Short - Dye Tech
Next, I'll need a badass outfit to wear on the bus ride down south.  My neon hat, plus my mesh crop-top and cut off shorts will give me that young, "girls just wanna have fun" look, with just a splash of trash. Now, where can I get these shorts air-brushed? 

For fun in the sun, going to concerts on the beach that take you to a different planet, and hangin' with da dopeboys.

I need a totally skimpy bikini. If not, something neon tie-dye, with side-boob cut outs, and no back will definitely do during the wild booty poppin' party days! Or, it would look super swaggy with a pink unicorn face-mask and DTF sweatpants during sunset. Note to self: keep boobs in bathing suit.

Oh, duh, totally forgot to mention a gun. A gun is a MUST. Real or fake, you never know whose mouth you're gonna have to stick it in. Plus it's hot pink, what now motha' fucker? GIMME ALL UR MONEY!!!!

Because need somewhere to stash them dolla dolla bills, y'all.

Finally, some kicks. Did you think I'd be runnin' this town in flip-flops? Just ask everyone we stomped out. Check that pop of green—that's for Alien. Love you for fucking ever, mane. Spring Break Forever...

From Philadelphia

02/27/13 02:53PM

permalink

Trend: Tie-Dye

Although we were already down for wearing tie-dyed everything 24 hours a day/seven days a week/365 days a year, our beliefs that tie-dye will never go out of style have been confirmed thanks to the Spring 2013 runways. Whether you're doing it yourself or buying it from a store (no shame, we'll never get those god damn spirals perfect!), tie-dye is the perfect print for all your spring break fun in the sun.—Hazel

W118 by Walter Baker


Get the look:
Life and death, yin and yang, tie and dye. It's all here in one shirt.

Navy and bleached white? Or white and tie-dyed navy? IT'S A MYSTERY.

If there is one place tie-dye was born to be, it's at the beach in the sweltering heat. For that, this suit is perfect.

Tie-dyed tunes? Count us in!

A little bit of spattered green to punch up boring denim

From Elsewhere

02/27/13 02:37PM

permalink

Making of Spring Breakers: Behind the Scenes

Meet the cast of Spring Breakers as they give us a behind the scenes look at the making of the film.  Look at all of those extras! They all picked the perfect time to go on spring break, and have a film other than Girls Gone Wild to remember it by. Jealous! —Ally

From Philadelphia

02/22/13 04:38PM

permalink

UO Look of the Week: Brian DeYong

Here's our favorite look of the week:  Our Display Director Brian has traveled everywhere from Walmart to Paris, but our favorite piece of this look is his panda patch! 


Hi Brian! What do you do at UO?
I am the Display Director yo!!! Basically, I get yelled at by every creative person out there who thinks all Urban does is steal their ideas. Frankly there is nothing new under the sun and we have probably been doing it longer than they have. I guess that is just part of working for "The Man." UO is an easy target.

What are you wearing?
Haha, you kind of caught me on a good day. I am going to sound so well travelled!!! I am wearing a black hat from WalMart, a Henrik Vibskov button up, a vintage Oakland Athletics tee I found in San Fran, Black Levis 510s, USA sock from DC, and oxblood MOMA boots from Merci in Paris (I love that store).

We love your panda patch. Do you have a collection? If not, do you collect or wear a lot of any other clothing accessories?
Uhmmm, not typically an accessory kind of guy. I'm usually pretty stripped down and generic. I have to give Jesse Medlin (a Senior Display Coordinator in NYC) a shout out for getting me into the flair game. We went to this giant flea market/thrift store in Maryland and I found a rad old Caboodle so I filled it with cheap pins from the same spot, since then I have been stocking up on quirky patches and the like. I will probably end up giving them all away in a few months—nothing lasts.

Tell us a funny or sentimental story behind a piece of clothing you own.
Lets see, about five years ago Julia Koral (Manager of Display Design) gave me a sweatshirt with a really bonkers techy/African print on it. I was in Berlin a few years back and let a cute friend of a friend borrow it after a long night of hanging (it was chilly in the early morning). I didn't see her again during the trip and thought the sweatshirt was all but lost. Last year I met up with my friend Chris in New York (he was visiting from Berlin) and he had rescued the sweatshirt and returned it to me. I have probably only worn it like three times ever but I really like that I have it.

You travel a lot, which I'm sure leads to shopping in a lot of strange places. In your opinion, where is the best shopping city/town in the USA?
I guess its all about what you are into. Some of the weirdest, smallest cities have the best thrifting and generally rad shit, New York has essentially any designer you are looking for, but I have found the mid-sized cities like Austin, Minneapolis, San Fran, etc. have a lot of personality and great vintage without much pretense.

Where can we find you on the web?
http://www.packers.com

From Los Angeles

02/15/13 01:33PM

permalink

Justin Timberlake "Suit and Tie"

Here is Justin's new video for "Suit and Tie." It's really, really magical that the year is 2013 and he's still doing choreographed dancing. We should cherish this gift.—Katie

From Auckland

02/14/13 10:17AM

permalink

Valentine's Mixtape by Lonely

It's OK to be lonely this Valentine's Day. We like our romance served year-round, anyhow. We do, however, see it as an excuse to gift ourselves a little self-love token from our favorite New Zealand lingerie purveyors, the very aptly named Lonely. And if you're hell-bent on wallowing in solitude, the designers (who just so happen to be a romantic couple, too--awww) have dedicated a mixtape filled with alternative love songs to all you lonely hearts out there. Plus, a sneak peak of their new collection! --Natalie 




The Playlist:
The Vaseline's: Molly's Lips
Daniel Johnston: True Love Will Find You in the End
The Runways: Cherry Bomb
Oasis: Songbird
Old Crow Medicine Shop: Wagon Wheel
Dead Moon: Play With Fire
Neil Young: Harvest Moon
Fleetwood Mac: The Chain
Yeah Yeah Yeah's: Maps
Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here




From Los Angeles

02/14/13 10:03AM

permalink

Workaholics Valentines

OMG I am in. fucking. love. with these Workaholics Valentines posted on their Facebook page.  I can't decide which one is the more repulsive (srsly Adam? SRSLY?), so I'm just going to choose Juggalo Jillian's as the card I would accept.  Go to their page more and try not to die/vomit/ROTFL.—Ally



From New York

02/11/13 12:00PM

permalink

LastNightsParty Trailer 2013

An all-access pass to New York City's nightlife is something that everyone wants, a lot of us feel entitled to, but only a few actually manage to achieve (aside from the celebrities, models and socialites of course).  So, it makes sense that the trailer for the LastNightsParty documentary goes behind the scenes to give you a look at what it's like to be VIP in the city where nobody sleeps.  Just watching it makes you want to go out tonight and dance, do something crazy, and surprise yourself at what might happen.  Because really, who knows? Maybe tonight will be the best night of your life. -Ally

From Elsewhere

02/04/13 03:22PM

permalink

Bang with Friends

Back in the college-only golden age of Facebook, there were no illusions about its purpose: getting laid. But the landscape has become harder to navigate with your mom tagging you in baby photos and various other game-killing innovations. The new app Bang with Friends hopes to bring Facebook back to the basics of hooking up.

But don’t worry, they say they can do it while sparing you the embarrassment of telling your friends you want to smang until the app is sure your friend wants to smang, too. In a perfect world we’d all just casually tell our attractive friends that we’d like to get busy, but until everyone stumbles upon enlightenment, we’ve got Bang with Friends.

We haven’t tried it yet (promise) but I doubt it will be long until one of my friends gives it a run. No shame if you’re interested—like I said, isn’t that the entire point of Facebook? Fictionalized Zuckerberg even said as much in The Social Network. Our only advice is to take a sober test run to figure out the mechanics before you drunkenly click around after a night out. Sending an anonymous tip to the office hottie is all good as long as you don’t accidentally click on your cousin.—Angelo

From Elsewhere

01/23/13 02:30PM

permalink

Bodies of Subversion: A Secret History Of Women And Tattoo

The third edition of Bodies of Subversion: A Secret History of Women and Tattoo was released this week, and it promises more than 100 new photographs of women sportin' tattoos throughout history. Way to go, ladies! Crushing the social norm and all that. This New Yorker article on the book also mentions that more women than men were tattooed in 2012 in the U.S. To me, this seems like a victory for women everywhere, but I'm sure my mom would be clutching her pearls. Anyway, suck it, fellas!—Katie

From London


Jeremy Scott Smile

01/23/13 01:54PM

permalink

Linda Farrow Sunglasses

I know it's only January, but with festival season almost upon us, you know what that means: it's time to start stocking up on all of the essential 2013 accessories.  Where better to start than with  Linda Farrow?  Browser-window-shop until your peepers pop out, then order the perfect pair of sunnies to cover up your now-empty eye sockets.  No one will even know they're missing—they'll just think you're this super cool, sunglasses-wearing babe on Molly, swaying along to the music and hanging onto strangers for fun!—Ally



From Philadelphia

12/17/12 06:04PM

permalink

Behind-the-Scenes Beauty: New Year's Eve Edition

Our web hair and makeup artist Russell Oden is back with more behind-the-scenes beauty tips.  This time, he's focusing on the most glamourous night of the holiday season: New Year's Eve!  Russell's suggestions will prepare you for everything except finding someone to kiss at midnight (but he'll have your lips ready to go!).

"New Years Eve is almost here! It’s the greatest party night of the year and your best excuse to just go a bit wild with your hair and makeup. I am going to give you some simple tips to help you get ready for the big night, quickly create your amazing look and I'll even help to get you recovered the next morning (or at least make you look like you are)!

Let's start with your hair.


Begin the New Year HAIR FREE! The Bliss Poetic Microwavable Waxing Kit is a quick way to get smooth. It literally shrink-wraps each hair for a less painful pull. I suggest doing this a few days before the big party.

Ok! It’s New Years Eve. I love fake hair, so what better way to quickly create a new look? We have some pretty great options. Rock some serious long hair with our Clip Scene Hair Extensions. These clip in so fast, stay secure all night, and you can curl or straighten them with your own hair since they are 100% human hair.  Or how about a ponytail? Our Hershesons Invisible Ponytail comes in blonde and brown—it’s a hot look that you can do in just minutes.

Maybe you really want your hair to say "WOW!!!" Our Classic Bob Wig comes in blue, purple and pink, and are super rad.

Or maybe you want your own hair to make a statement.  In that case, try our Hair Wear Makeup (read my how-to tutorial here!). Even on the darkest hair, it creates a dramatic, colorful and bold look that quickly washes out.

Makeup time!

I’m going to assume that your face is now clean and prepped. The NYX Studio Perfect Primer is a perfect primer choice. It makes your skin ultra smooth and picture perfect for the 1,001 photos you'll get tagged in after tonight. The fact that it's super affordable and cruelty-free are a nice extra.

Let's quickly apply your favorite foundation or tinted moisturizer. I like the Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer or the NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation.

When it comes to makeup that is fun and bold, Lime Crime is my go-to choice. Lime Crime Fantasy Eye Shadow Palette is the perfect pick for this party night. The colors are amazing, the tin fits perfectly in your bag and the ultra pigmented colors last all night.

Lime Crime Lipstick is the brightest, low sheen lipstick I have ever seen. The color selection available, from violets and purples to pinks and greys, is so damn amazing. You will make such a statement and get so many compliments when you wear this! The tube is also pretty sweet.

Im a big fan of the NYX Special Effects Theatrical Faux Eyelashes. They are edgy, fun and make a pretty bold statement.

Before you leave the house, I suggest throwing a few “overnight supplies” in your bag: So Fresh So Clean Cleansing Wipes, Stila Glamoureyes Masacara, UO Hair Perfume, one of our Bun Ring or Mini Bun Ring sets, and the Smith’s Rosebud Salve. Trust me on this.

Here's one of the most important tips of all!  Keeping Sprayology Homeopathic Oral Spray in your bag is a must. It RULES! Just before you drink, spray a bit in your mouth. Continue to spray every hour until your party stops. This amazing little potion helps to relieve headaches, nausea ☹ and that sluggish feeling you get the day after.

It's the morning after...

UGHHH! It’s the next day! You woke up on your friend's couch, your makeup is a smeared, your lashes are hanging off and your hair is wrecked! Before you start the coffee, run to the closest bathroom and make sure no one sees you. Gently wipe your face with your So Fresh So Clean Cleansing wipes—these are so gentle yet can even remove waterproof makeup. Then apply a bit of your Stila Glamoureyes Masacara. Mist your hair with UO Hair Perfume, apply a dab of Smith’s Rosebud Salve to you lips and quickly pull your hair through the bun ring and wrap it around and secure with an elastic. Run back to the couch and pretend that you’re sleeping. This way when your friends wake up, they will all be amazed at how natural pretty your really are!

Never forget: beauty is fun! And it shouldn’t make you stressed or take too much of your time. I hope my little tips gave you a few ideas that help to give you more PARTY time and less PREP time! Cheers to you and I hope that your New Year's holiday is a fun and memorable one." -Russell

From Philadelphia

11/09/12 11:11AM

permalink

Sex Life at Bodega

Sex Magazine is a new arts and culture online publication. Check out their blog, Sex Life. And if you happen to like what you see, come on by to Bodega (253 N. 3rd) this Saturday, November 10, for the opening of their exhibition, Sex Life. Sex, Sex, Sex! -Maggie Lee

From Philadelphia



10/05/12 11:31AM

permalink

You Should Totally Be This For Halloween: Penny Lane

If you've never seen Almost Famous, drop whatever you're doing and go watch it immediately.  Seriously, I'll wait right here.  Oh hey, welcome back! Now that you've just viewed one of my favorite films, you know that Penny Lane is one of the most tragically beautiful characters of all time.  She's the mysterious teen queen of the "Band-Aids" who you can't help but fall in love with just as quickly as William Miller does.  Here's how to get the '70s groupie chick look that will make everyone think you're just stopping by a party on your way to the next Stillwater show. -Ally

First off, you need a badass fur coat to show you're not too sweet for rock 'n' roll and can totally hang with all of the musicians you'll be meeting on the road.  You'd hang with normal people too, but famous people are just more interesting.

Dolcetta by Dolce Vita Harness Heel Boot
Although Penny dancing barefoot on the flower-filled stage is one of the greatest scenes of the entire movie, you're going to need some killer boots to get through the long driving days, the late night parties and the back door of a venue.

Stone Cold Fox Oui Crop Top
Cooperative Suede Snap Front Mini Skirt
One of the most important things about being a Band-Aid is dressing the part.  A cropped top, suede skirt and a alluring smile will have the hottest guy in the band watching you the whole time as you stand side-stage during his gig.

Lux Revival for Urban Renewal Vintage Carnival Knife Necklace
Penny likes to keep her jewelry simple: a ring, a backstage pass, and a flower or two.  A charm-inspired necklace like this will be a perfect addition to your already perfect outfit.

It's no secret that Penny has a past with Stillwater's Russell Hammond.  You should hear the things he tells her private. A golden R ring for the golden rock god is a just a little way you can show your devotion to him—a love that can only be just as much as it can be.

Not Your Mother's Kinky Moves Curl Defining Hair Cream
A Band-Aid's goal is not to sleep to famous people, but to inspire the musicians who write the music that they love.  Miss Lane's curly blonde locks are one of the most inspiring things about her. Get yourself a head full of curls and you'll be having songs written about you by the end of the night.

Spitfire Lola Sunglasses
A life on the road means the road is your home.  Sometimes though, something will shake up your tour family (like Russell's wife showing up after he sold you for fifty bucks and a case of beer) and you'll need to get away.  Not only will these blue shades hide any tears, but they'll look great on you when you finally decide to live your own dream and move to Morocco (or just go home to sleep after the Halloween party ends).

From Los Angeles

09/25/12 09:38AM

permalink

David Gonzalez: Possessed to Skate

I don't know if it's my inner need to rebel against my Catholic upbringing, or the fact that this dude can just shred like a motherfucker, but I have a major crush on Flip skater David Gonzalez.  That long hair, sneaky smirk and badass attitude? Sounds like a recipe for a guy you can never bring home to your parents (but that you'd totally sneak out of your bedroom window in the middle of the night to go see).  Watch his Possessed to Skate video on Thrasher to see what I'm talking about.  Swoon. -Ally

From London

08/15/12 01:55PM

permalink

Agyness Deyn X Dr. Martens

No matter what she does—whether it's rocking a furry hat with horns or dyeing that beautiful head of hers—Agyness Deyn always comes off as one badass chick.  So it should come as no surprise that the coolest of the cool shoe companies, Dr. Martens, has collaborated with the also-British model and singer on a new collection, which is now available online! Aggy is slowly taking over the world, one pair of shoes at a time. -Ally

From Sydney




04/17/12 10:00AM

permalink

Therese Rawsthorne AW12 "Welcome To The Overlook Hotel"

Beyond obsessed with the AW12 "Welcome To The Overlook Hotel" collection from Therese Rawsthorne. Just one look at this beautiful lurex dress and hot-as-hell leather blouse and I was sold, but it just gets better with every piece. I am hooked on Rawsthorne! X - Jen