The Return of the Leading Ladies

Today marks the first official full day of summer. It's been a long time coming but the season is officially here. Growing up I always spent my summers chilling in nature with my best friend Isabelle jamming out to whatever classic summer tunes we were obsessed with. Good music always sets the tone as a soundtrack for a great summer. So many artists are releasing their CDs in hopes to be the summer song everyone has on repeat. However for me there are two ladies I am so happy are back on the scene. Every girl (or at least me and Isabelle) went through a Fiona Apple and Cat Power phase growing up. I remember the first time I heard the song Free by Cat Power. Isabelle introduced it to me and it blew my world. I was instantly obsessed with the honest grit soaked with Blues in her voice. I can't tell you how many times I have listened to Fiona Apples song Sullen Girl, that song definitely got me through puberty haha. Followed by basically every songs she has ever made, I was and still am obsessed with Apple. After both these artists have been on a hiatus from releasing new music for years I am SO delighted both wonderfully talented women have returned with new sounds and amazing sounds at that. Below is Fiona Apple performing on Jimmy Fallon with The Roots. Apple performed the song Anything We Want off her new album The Idler Wheel is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cord Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do. Followed by Cat Powers new song Ruin off her new album Sun. I cannot wait to listen to both these albums I already know they will be the soundtrack to my summer. 

girl crush

I am going pretty bananas over Azealia Banks right now. It all began with 212 which I will be honest didnt instantly love. But After another few listens I was jumping through the air as though I was next to her in the video. But when I heard new song Jumanji which is below I was sold. I love that she credits Aaliyah as one of her influences.

via dancilblog

Also RIP the Disco Queen Donna Summer! A beautiful fly girl that paved the way for future fly girls like Banks! I will be raging to both your tunes at my next Dj Doctor.

Fly girl

I really love graffiti art, so when I finally discovered Lady Pink I couldn't believe I had never heard of her until recently. Lady Pink aka Sandra Fabara is one of the most influential female graffiti artists of all time. Lady Pink is Ecuadorian but was raised in Queens, getting her start after her boyfriend was sent back to Puerto Rico after being arrested. She tagged her boyfriends name across New York City as a way to heal her pain, how romantic and badass is that! At age 15 she did graffiti with crews like The Crew 5 and The Public Animals and became the only well known female graffiti artist who could keep up with the boys. She also spent a significant number of years painting NYC subway cars. She is now internationally known for her work and is highly respected in the art world. Her work can be seen at the Whitney, Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. Lady Pink still does mural workshops with teens and lectures college students. Below are photos of her work. I love learning about female artists who broke ground for future graffiti artists through their talent, personal style and perseverance. If I had my own house I would want her to paint all over it.

via dirtypilot

via Few and Far

       via dirtypilot

via jamesandkarlamurray

via Pure Graffiti

"Influential graffiti writers who attended the High School of Art & Design: TAKI 183, SEEN TC5, LEE, DAZE, LADY PINK, MARE 139, and REAS among others" via Animal New York

via sublife

Also Check out Tomboy Style to see how to get the Lady Pink uniform!