Songstress Style: Lisa Marie Presley

Backstage Wardrobe

I have been intrigued with Lisa Marie Presley since the early 1990's and her appearance in Gianni Versace's Rock N Royalty book (1996).

Images from Rock and Royalty Book/Richard Avedon.

I saw her in the audience of Gianni's shows (as seen with Elton John Below) and pictured with the designer. This coincides with the time I fell in love with fashion. I have watched her style evolve from the days of the monochromatic Versace looks in Lime and Cobalt,

to her being habitually converse clad

and now to a more chic and polished look.

It wasn't until I heard the first tracks from her debut album "To Whom This May Concern" that I was taken by her music and her obvious talent as a singer/songwriter. I have had the pleasure of briefly meeting Lisa a few times post-show and she was always incredibly gracious, kind and charming. I gave her a Vintage cocktail ring (pictured) and a Vintage DIOR Blazer from my eBoutique. I can't WAIT to see how she styles the blazer!

I also connect with her no nonsense, no bullshit attitude. From where I sit she has the same view on fashion. She wears what she wants and does not follow "trends" or adhere to the societal style conformist notions that we are all force fed via the media. She has an affinity for CHANEL, statement cocktail rings and is also part of one of the most stylish couples in my PROFashional opinion, a topic of a future blog.  I would describe her style as rock-chic with an air of romantic classic.

On her last tour she was on the maxi dress, blazer and statement belt program and I adored it.

I also loved her in this Gucci Floral frock from Pre-Fall 2012 that she wore in an appearance in Memphis.

This look reminded my of a Vintage frock with a similar floral print.
Available HERE

As a stylist I always consider how I would dress each woman I see, for Lisa I would select the following:

Vintage 1960s Lilli Diamond Cocktail Dress with Lettuce Edge Ruffle Trim (SHOP)

Vintage Stetson Fedora, Vintage Snake Print Shirt Dress & Vintage Stretch Belt.

Vintage 70's BoHo Hat and Vintage Jumpsuit. (SHOP)

 Vintage Sequin 'Animal Print' Top (SHOP)

Vintage Black & White Printed Top (SHOP)

Vintage 60's Floral Cocktail Dress with Rhinestone Detailed Bodice (SHOP)

 Vintage Mr. Blackwell Chiffon and Floral Maxi Dress (SHOP)

Vintage 70's Chiffon Dress with Copper Pleated Skirt Accent and Copper Tone Floral Applique

 Early 60's Black Velvet Wiggle Dress with Chiffon Bodice (SHOP)

Vintage Egyptian Winged Disc Cocktail Ring (SHOP)

What's your FAV LMP look?

BUY HER ALBUM: Storm and Grace

Song Saturday: Storm of Nails

My Glammer AKA Glam Hammer and an Image of Frida Kahlo

It's ALWAYS something. If I had a penny for every time this statement rang true. Everyone's "storms", "shit", "stuff" comes in different forms and to various degrees but make no mistake it comes .. for EVERYONE. This is one of the reasons music, well good music, holds up a mirror to life and at times in universally applicable.  For instance the track "Storm of Nails" written and performed by Singer/Songwriter Lisa Marie Presley. I love this song because it is a witty verbal reflection and clever metaphor to life. What is it now, again if I had a damn penny ....

I wish life came complete with a forecast. I am equipped with an arsenal of "hammers" that I have gathered and earned over the years but it would be nice to know when to expect the nails.

Thanks again Lisa for putting it all out there and lyrically holding up that mirror in your organic, non contrived way.

I'm ready to throw my stylish hammer down at any moment ... got nails? bring 'em on.

It's been a long highway
Where do I get off and drive away
I'm looking for a sign that should say
When you've had enough, exit this way
If only I were a gopher now 
I'd dig a hole and not come out

[Chorus]
And on the forecast for today
A storm of nails headed your way
Man it’s gonna rain, rain, rain
And on my forehead does it say
Unleash all hounds of hell this way
Bite until she’s lame, lame, lame

Too much on my plate
How much will it take before it breaks
I’m looking for a sign that should say
When you get fed up
Throw it this way
If only I were a cat right now meow
I‘d lick a claw 
And go lay back down

[Chorus]

What is it now, oh you don’t say 
Better get the hammer out today
What is it now, oh you don’t say

[Chorus]

BUY the ALBUM

DOWNLOAD the ALBUM

Hear the song (Studio Version)

Lisa LIVE (Grand Ole Opry)

Summer Cleaning: Faux Friends

Lisa Marie Presley Storm & Grace Promo Image

Recent life event's have been an astonishing eye opener. The universe has given me a swift kick in the ass and forced me to open my eyes and take a good look around me, especially at the people in my life and "circle". It is always during these times that the soundtrack of my life somehow gets cranked.  From my FAV album of the summer comes today's most applicable track called "Un-Break" by Lisa Marie Presley.  She is a gifted writer and I adore the metaphors and wit behind her lyrics. I don't necessarily want the "broken" to "un-break" but more of a re-building in my life where people are concerned. A summer cleaning of sorts. I have taken accountability for placing my trust in the untrustworthy, my time into the takers, and my energy into the ungrateful. Essentially being run over by my own parade as LMP so aptly put's it. Life is all about learning, growth and personal evolution. Some lessons come cloaked as "friends" but the key is to recognize the lesson and move forward, letting the faux friends fall away and don't let them slow your journey down.  Listen to the song below and BUY THE ALBUM or download immediately from iTunes 

UN-BREAK LYRICS

I have to wonder what the hell I ever did
to deserve this

Is it just me or most people a drag
and dishonest

I own up, I try
What am I not doing right
But shit it keeps on coming

I’ve got run over by my own parade
I’ve suffocated in the beds I’ve made
I’ve cut my feet on all the glass that I break
Still trying to find a way
To get what’s broken
To un-break

Somewhere along the line I must have been
a backstabbing liar

Maybe in another life I was a snake or vampire

I own up, I try
What am I not doing right

But shit it keeps on coming
Maybe I should change my plumbing

I’ve got run over by my own parade
I’ve suffocated in the beds I’ve made
I’ve cut my feet on all the glass that I break
Still trying to find a way
To get what’s broken
To un-break

I own up, I try
What am I not doing right

But shit it keeps on coming
Maybe I'm just missing something

I’ve got run over by my own parade
I’ve suffocated in the beds I’ve made
I’ve cut my feet on all the glass that I break
Still trying to find a way
To get what’s broken
To un-break

Sample the Song:

Thanks LMP for another universally applicable track!

Could your life use a good Summer Clean? 


Bid farewell to the Trash and embrace the Treasures!

Lisa Marie Bring's Her Storm To SF

Image: Alex Washburn, San Fransisco Chronicle

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the musical storm that singer/songwriter Lisa Marie Presley brought to the intimate club setting of Slim's in San Francisco while on her promotional mini-tour for her new album "Storm & Grace". My first observation was the mixed crowd that Lisa draws. It was an eclectic mix of people there to hear good music, some to gawk, some LMP fans decked out in “pirate" gear and other randoms who are always drawn by the Presley name with their preconceived notions and personal expectations.

I have been enjoying Lisa's music since her debut album but I have to say the most attractive quality about this album is its authenticity.  I feel like Lisa's music has undergone a recent evolution where she has been able to shed the shroud of production and step forward in a vulnerable and authentic way. She has found her voice, one she should truly be proud of.  That came through to me last night from my approximate 6th row position in the crowd, cocktail in hand after my near 4 hour  pilgrimage from California's Central Coast to hear her perform. The nerves are visibly still there but subsequently begin to melt away one she feels the energy of the room/ She has this instinctual way to decipher the genuine from the junk. 

The set was sadly a short one but she assured the crowd that she and her talented band would be back in the fall with a full tour, including selections from albums past and of course the new material which is a musical fusion tribute to her past and her present.

Image: Alex Washburn, San Fransisco Chronicle

I was moved by the shows intro of what seemed like a southern, rustic, blues chanting which translated into a sensory foreshadowing that set the tone for the show.

Many faces in the crowd were singing along to the new songs, including one of my FAV's from the album - "Un Break".  I loved when she took her turn on the double floor toms and following my sheer delight at this unexpected treat, some guy behind me screeched in my ear "I didn't see that coming". I laughed  quietly to myself and thought "you ain't seen nothing yet" .The toms and tambourine added another layer to her performance for sure.

The styling of the band is very cohesive yet each player brings something unique to the table. Lisa was in head to toe black, with a tailored blazer and statement necklace. Her husband, the always fashionable Michael Lockwood presented as a stylish mix of English gent meets military steam punk. The rest of the band each had their own look, with cohesive elements like top hats, feathers and suits. From my PROFashional opinion I LOVED it. Never before has her band had a "look" or "vibe" about them in this way.

I look forward to the long version of what I saw last night. Her grace post show was personally appreciated as she took the time to meet with fans, sign autographs and take photos. I enjoyed my warm reception and look forward to seeing her again on the road in the fall. I'll bring the champagne ;)

Lisa musically seem's on her natural path. A path that can not be compared to anyone else. I am excited to see where this one will lead her.

Lisa G & LMP

Storm & Grace: LMP is back!

Lisa Marie Presley is BACK with her highly anticipated album: "Storm & Grace", set to be released May 15th. I have been listening to Lisa since her debut album "To Whom It May Concern" (April 2003) and have to say I have always loved her voice, vibe and lyrics. Every artist exposes themselves in some way when they participate in writing their own music/lyrics. Ignore the tabloid junk journalism and listen to the lyrics to get a glimpse into who Lisa really is/was. Albums are a benchmark in time and are reflective of what is going on in an artist life and mind at the time, like a musical time capsule. I know Lisa has evolved since then in her various roles as a wife, mother of 4 and singer/songwriter. Sadly, due to her famous heritage Lisa (in my opinion) was NEVER given fair treatment as an artist from the beginning. The expectations were not realistic and the comparisons totally unproductive. She is a unique individual and it is my hope with the new album it is listened to from that perspective and an objective ear. I for one am excited to listen to her musical/vocal evolution and hear the new tracks!

Track Listing – Storm and Grace

1. Over Me

2. You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet

3. Weary

4. Close To The Edge

5. So Long

6. Un-Break

7. Soften The Blows

8. Storm Of Nails

9. How Do You Fly This Plane?

10. Sticks And Stones

11. Storm and Grace

Regardless of your preconceived notions about Lisa her music is worth a listen!! Download her albums on iTunes

Lisa and Husband Michael Lockwood (Anna Sui Show: NY Fashion Week 2011)