Brandon Williams- @real_bdub
Exclusive UGLY Interview
UGLY is a fresh, new and innovative brand, home-grown right here in "The Milly". Focused on quality rivaling "Crisp NYC" , UGLY shows you "How to Make it in Milwaukee". I had the chance to ask the owner of UGLY a few questions.
What is the meaning behind UGLY?
Ugly by definition is usually something we visualize; something unpleasant to our sight. It's not a term we would associate with beauty or self worth but I ask; when did that change? When I first heard the word ugly it was associated with beautiful pictures and characters that came alive on the pages of a children's book. It promoted self discovery through the travels of our souls. The brand is a celebration of just that... the journey to discover ourselves through the trials of our lives.
What do you feel makes UGLY not just another trendy T-shirt line?
I think what you mean to say is how will the brand find longevity? In this business you can't avoid being trendy; the public decides what is "in" and what is "out" at any given time. The goal is longevity... can you transform with the people. To reach the goal you have to find a way to replenish the human spirit... whether that be emotionally or spiritually. If we cannot connect with the people we will fail. Fortunately for Ugly the goal founded the brand. Ugly was built with longevity being the foundation and the idea that the brand will forever be transforming. As you are molding yourself, so are we. There is no ceiling... it's a constant evolution.
Where would you like to see UGLY five years from now?
I want it to be global! I want the brand to be molding into a movement. A movement inspiring people every where to not fight the words spoken by their hearts. To move and act accordingly.
Who inspires your style?
My style is inspired by a kid my mom said I should dress like when I was 10 while having custard at Gilles. I hope she likes my style today because if she thinks I should dress like the man across the street from her now; we are in trouble. Along with my Gilles rival I find inspiration in Pharrell Williams, Kanye West and the late Alexander McQueen.
What celebrities do you feel exude the UGLY lifestyle?
Ugly is definitely a lifestyle. Being from Milwaukee I often times think about Brandon Jennings and his story. Brandon had an opportunity to play professionally over seas when most people were telling him to do something else. He followed his heart and as we are all becoming witness too; he has taken that experience and become a damn good professional State side! That just happens to be one example. We could talk about Kanye or Lady Gaga... even Steve Jobs, who at one point left the security of his Microsoft job to start a little known company which we all know now as Apple.
What is currently available from UGLY and what can we expect in the near future?
At the moment you can find Henley's and premium T's for men at MODA3 here in Milwaukee or Succezz in Chicago. The ladies will also have a couple pieces of their own dropping very soon. In the future be prepared to find everything you will need to combat any season - t's, thermals, sweatshirts, flannels... you name it!
Can the World be UGLY and beautiful at the same time?
No question; Ugly is beautiful! Most things of beauty have come from circumstances most would call ugly. History books are littered with these moments... look at the life of Martin Luther King Jr. or Ghandi... even Mother Theresa. These people were born when ugly and beauty collided! The World is Ugly.
Visit MODA3's blog for another hot feature on UGLY: Visit MODA3's Blog for another hot feature on UGLY.
Follow UGLY on twitter: @anuglyworld...Add UGLY on Facebook.
Leah Busse -Model/ Aras Promotions/ DJ.
The albums that are currently rocking my world:
The Hearts of Lonely People- Isles & Glaciers
If you have ever imagined what having your birthday, Christmas and New Years Eve all on the same day felt like, then you will understand my excitement for this album. Various members from some of my favorite bands (Chiodos, Pierce the Veil, The Receiving End of Sirens, Emarosa, etc.) coming together to form a boner-worthy super group. Vocals from Craig Owens (Chiodos), Johnny Craig (Dance Gavin Dance, Emarosa) and Vic Fuentes (Pierce the Veil) make this punk/pop rock album amazing for road raging/feeling sorry for yourself to. Bonus: the majority of the band members are hot.
Best Tracks: Empty Sighs and Wine; Cemetery Weather
Habits- Neon Trees
Alternative Rock that gives me an irresistible urge to play my steering wheel drum set and dance around my living room at 5:45am. Not to mention the lead vocalist, Tyler Glenn, is amazingly sexy. Yeah, I said it.
Best Tracks: In the Next Room; Animal
These Hopeful Machines- BT
Providing me with literally hours of electronic enjoyment, These Hopeful Machines has a song to suit every mood. If you think electronic music is “totally freaking lame,” then it is probably in your best interest to not even bother with this one. Not only is this a great album to keep me on the treadmill, but BT is also one good looking dude.
Best Tracks: Emergency; Every Other Way
Ursa Major- Third Eye Blind
I have always had a soft spot for 90’s rock, with Third Eye Blind being at the top of the list. Their latest album is full of the same complex lyrics and melodies that make this alternative rock group one of my all-time favorite bands (even though an aging Stephan Jenkins is lacking in the good looks department these days).
Best Tracks: Bonfire; Sharp Knife; Water Landing
Adam Sarkis -Owner and Mind of THEMILLY.COM.
THEMILLY.COM "BEST IN MILLY"
BEST LOCAL ALBUMS OF 09
House Of M- Alternate Reality of...
Kid Millions- Recssion Proof Rap.
Willy Porter- How To Rob A Bank.
Fable and The World Flat- Ladies and Gentlemen.
BEST SHOWS OF 09
Gza- at Apartment 720/ July 23rd/ Performing Liquid Swords.
Girltalk- at Turner Hall/ November 4th.
BEST DRINKS OF 09
Ironhorse Hotel- Classic cocktails with a new school twist. Recommendation: "Violet Femme".
Bryant's Cocktail Lounge- Known as one of the best cocktail lounges in the Midwest. Recommendation: "Classic Sazerac".
The Foundation- A Tiki Dive bar with orignal Rum and Gin tiki drinks. Recommendation: "Singapore Sling".
BEST NEW SPOT OF 09
Whiskey Bar- Whiskey lounge and night club.
Black Rose- Classic Irish pub.
Fire on Water- Classic Rock lounge.
BEST PIZZA OF 09
Brick3- Located on Old Third World St.
Lisa's Located on Oakland Ave. on the Eastside.
Zaffiro's Located on Farwell Ave. before Brady St.
BEST AFTER BAR MUNCHIES OF 09
Grecian Delight- Gyro Supreme.
Dogg Haus- Chili Dog.
Topper's Pizza- Topper's Stick with your choice of sauce.
BEST BURGER OF 09
AJ Bombers- Bomber Burger.(Amazing)
Elsa's on the Park- Daisy Mae Burger.
BEST SUSHI OF 09
Izumi's- Located on Farwell Ave.
Nana Kusa- Located on East Chicago St.
BEST PLACE TO PICK UP A CHICK OF 09
Whole Foods
Buckheads Saloon
BEST MEAL OF 09
BBC- The Chili Mountain.
BEST DJ'S OF 09
DJ E Rich
DJ Mighty Thor
Steve Marxxx
Diamonds
PLACES YOU HATE ON BUT ALWAYS END UP OF 09
Sullivan's
BEST ATMOSPHERE OF 09
Cuvee Lounge
DeepBar
Cafe Luna
BEST SIN NIGHT OF 09
SUITE- Monday Night.
Jackalope Lounj- Monday Night.
Star Bar- Wednesday Night.
SOMETHING OTHER THAN PBR OF 09
Lousie's Demise
Schlitz
BEST DANCE SPOT OF 09
Mad Planet
Decibel
Suite
Whiskey Bar
BEST SPOT TO BE SEEN OF 09
The Gym- Duh.
Bradford Beach
Jocats- Sunday Nights.
MATC- Cafeteria.
MOST UNDERRATED PLACES OF 09
Red Room
Bad Genie
La Dolce Vita
Casablanca
Cuvee Lounge
SPOT YOU DON'T WANT TO BE FOUND AFTER BAR TIME 09
Gyro Palace- Playing the slots at bar time. Bad news Bears.
MOST ANTICIPATED OF 09
AC/DC- When are they going to perform in Milwaukee after they called off their last show a few months back?????
Brandon Jennings- When is Jenngings going to get rid of those tiny dreads and bring the "eraser head, Kid N Play, high top fade back"? He finally did:)
BEST LOCAL CELEBRITY OF 09
Pepperoni Canoli- He has an effin pair of Air Jordan's! I swear!
BEST "BEST OF" 2009
THEMILLY.COM
NEEDS OF 2010
Taco Bell Downtown.
BEST OF 2009 MOVIES
Avatar. Straight up classic movie. Amazing in 3D and I'm looking forward to the sequals.
A Serious Man. A very slow and dry movie, but very funny and entertaining as well. Cohen Bros delivered with a strong comedy again.
Here are some other movies I enjoyed this year.
-The Men who Stare at Goats.
-Sherlock Holmes.
-The Hangover.
-Terminator: Salvation.
-Where The Wild Things Are.
-Extract.
-Tyson.
I did not like INGLORIOUS BASTERDS. I think dialogue is what makes a lot of QT's movies classic. Some classic quotes and moments were confusing and lost due to the subtitles.
I also did not like DISTRACT 9. I thought the moive had a decent concept but just got too weird and the lead characters on and off again accent was annoying.
BEST ALBUMS OF 2009
Clipse-"Til The Casket Drops" Another classic album from the Clipse. This album has more Radio friendly songs production wise, but isnt selling out by any means.
Raekwon-"Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2" I've waited a long time for this album and it didnt disappoint. Raekwon is one of the most underrated MC's ever in my opinion.
Phoenix-"Wolfgang Amadeus" 1901 is everywhere from radio, commercials, clubs, etc. The rest of the album is very good front to back and isn't necassarily a different sound, it's just simple in a Weezer Blue album kind of way.
Lil Boosie-"Superbad" Guilty Pleasure. Front to back this album bangs and is Boosie-licious. Is his voice annoying? Yes. Are his rhymes so bad they are funny? Yes. But, his beats bang, his hooks are catchy and he's funny. I think of Boosie as a 2009-10 Too Short.
Other classics of 2009.
-Blackrok-"Blackrok".
-Passion Pit-"Manner".
-Lil Wayne-"No Ceiling".
-Kid Cudi-"Man On The Moon: The End of Day".
-Felt 3-"A Tribute To Rosie Perez".
-Maxwell-"Black Summers Night".
-Animal Collective-"Merriweather Post Pavillion".
Sean "The Situation" Williamson -Musician.
The "Real" Situation (Please Stand Up) So some imposter is going around calling himself....or better yet...his abdomen "The Situation." The Milly.com has been nice enough to help me clear the air about the matter, and hopefully, with enough outcry to repair the damage done I can have my 5 minutes on Conan O'Brien as well....but I will definitely do a better job than this "Mike" fellow from Jersey Shore. The "Real" Situation was born 3 years ago in a bar called The Jazz Estate on Milwaukee's East Side. After intense debate over a stage name for an 80's tribute/novelty music act, 2:30am came around and reared it's bountiful creative juices.....and The Situation happened.
I feel a bit short changed here, as the person claiming this "brilliant nickname," as Conan O' Brien spoke of it, is a rather lame individual. A bit of douche, a splash of made for reality TV good looks, a sprinkle of college fratboy splendor. I feel that this "Mike" guy does not do the nickname a lick of justice. "The Situation" ain't no college fratboy. "The Situation" ain't no muscle toting pretty boy. "The Situation" is supposed to ROCK! "The Situation" demands results. "The Situation" is not going to take it. Get out of "The Situation's" way. Now.
There you have it Milwaukee.....stand up for YOUR SITUATION!!!!!! The Situation's Homepage
Brandon Williams @real_bdub
The Milly Market “Produce Aisle, Everything is always fresh” The inspiration for today’s blog hit me as soon as I opened my door this morning. Ah, Winter! Now let’s set the record straight. I do not like winter and I would love to be on a beach right now. But since we live in it, here in Milwaukee, we mind as well look good doing it. The only benefit in my eyes about winter is it gives you a chance to accessorize. Winter wardrobe is actually pretty fun, so I have put together some hot items that will definitely keep the snow melting around you:
Sean John Basic Bubble; $149.99 SeanJean.com
This coat is exactly what it’s named: a basic bubble. Form fitting, warm and great materials are a few of the reasons I chose this coat. It’s very simple and great for everyday.
Billionaire Boys Club Balaclavas Hood; $120.00 BBCicecream.com
We all have to shovel snow at some point, look fly doing it with this hood from Pharrell’s BBC line.
Rocawear RocClimber Boot; $119.99 Rocawear.com
These are Rocawear’s introduction into premium footwear. These boots provide a great look and won’t break the bank. They are pretty tall, lined with fur and water proofed. A comfortable boot for your everyday commute. (Didn’t rhyme that on purpose!)
Gucci Tall Fur Lined Boot; $795.00 Gucci.com
These boots are just dope, that’s it!!
SNS Herning Spark Jumper Sweater; 230 Euros SNS-Herning.com
Seriously one of the illest sweaters I’ve ever seen! This sweater is made of sturdy wool spun in Italy. I guarantee where ever you wear this all eyes will be on you. I need one in every color.
Super: Flat Top Black Leather Sunglasses; sold out RetroSuperFuture.com
I know we don’t get much sun in the winter, but on the days we do rock these!! They’re sold out though so there might be a problem.
EDITORS NOTE: Brandon put together a hot variety, here are additional Milly winter picks that can be purchased local (Moda 3/ Detour/ Urban Outfitters).
Leah Busse -Model/ Aras Promotions/ DJ.
Much like the majority of Friday nights, I find myself getting dolled-up with my girlfriends for a night out downtown. After a few drinks at a bar on Water Street (which everyone claims to hate, but we end up there at least twice a week anyways), we head out to North Avenue to drink and dance the night away.
After a few shots of 44 North and a couple spins on the dance floor, I head over to another part of the club. While passing through the double-doors, I am stopped dead in my tracks and mesmerized by the most beautiful thing; a lovely design accented by gold foiling and crystals. I pause for a few moments to look over what I find to be the most-mind boggling clothing trend; Men’s bedazzled t-shirts. After a few moments of ogling all of the glitter, I look up to realize that the man wearing this shiny piece of artwork is staring directly at me, and heading in my direction. Unfortunately, the prolonged glance I gave his outfit tricked this poor dude into thinking I was checking him out. I slowly turn around to head back the way I came, when I am caught off-guard by yet another spangly, over-priced men’s tee. I then realize that these aren’t just t-shirts, but traps used to confuse and stun girls while the rest of the pack moves in like a velociraptor from the side. Before I know it, I am herded towards the bar for a bro-jaegerbomb-gangbang. The smell of Aqua di Gio is overwhelming, but lucky for me I have the best defense for this situation; a good sense of humor… and pepper spray.
After reflecting on this encounter, and others similar to it, I have decided that guys who wear these fancy tops don’t actually like wearing them; they just do it to attract unsuspecting women. Speaking from my own experience, I like interesting art and, yes, shiny objects. I find Affliction-esque clothing to be interesting, but normally not the people wearing it. Gentlemen, next time consider stepping out in some “plain” clothes to give me a chance to notice your face before I’m blinded by your shirt.
But hey, good luck with those peahens!
Coming Soon!