Summersong - The Decemberists

Hey guys! Like any good entertainment endeavor, I took a long summer hiatus, making my followers forget the plot in the first place. But with the new season rapidly approaching, we are now back to our regularly scheduled programming! Yay!  To my 4 followers, please, try to contain your excitement.

To celebrate, or perhaps mourn, the end of summer,  today's post is Summersong, by the Decemberists (hipster alert). The Decemberists are straight out of Portland, Oregon, the hipster mecca (actually I just made that up, but then I looked it up on Wikipedia and it was right. Call it intuition, or an educated guess). Aaaand their music is described as "indie folk rock."

You don't get much more hipster than this, people. Which is okay. I've been coming to terms this summer with my innate hipster side.





When I hear this song, I get this series of snapshots in my head. A love story unfolding along a beach. A girl with messy hair from saltwater and freckled skin from the sunshine. Golden light falling before the sunset. And a boy trying desperately to capture these moments for a memory.

...I love it. I LOVE IT. I should be a filmmaker.

American Apparel one piece bathing suit, $45
BKE vintage style swimwear, $30

I started out with a swimsuit, to reflect the song's beach theme. They both are warm colors, appropriate for a summer day, and both have a light-reflecting gold/bronze quality to them, reminding us how "summer arrives with a length of lights." Mmm, beautiful lyricism. Cue melt.

I'm definitely a fan of one-piece swimsuits like the one on the left, because of their classic, retro quality--plus this one's from American Apparel, one of, like, three "mainstream" stores true hipsters are allowed to shop at--but I really like the gold embellishments on the bikini too. So potato, potato (wow, I forgot how poorly that translates to text). Just pick a suit you like.

Cheap Monday cream shirt, €16
Denim shorts, €76
Miss Me beige shoes, $20
Buckle belt, $8.99

Over that, layering a loose-fitting, sand-colored tank adds a casual feel and elicits memories of "digging deep into the sweep of the sand." Painter's cutoff overalls are a super-cute way to add visual interest to a basic outfit, especially ones like these, which look worn and easy thanks to the light wash of the denim, as well as the bleach stains and holes.

I also love these sandals. The sweeping pattern and bright turquoise have an ocean appeal that fits perfectly with this song's vibe. The belt is cool in a 70's kind of way, with the two-tone braiding and circular gold buckle. You could probably find something similar at a thrift store for total bonus points on the indie-hipster scale.

Marais cross body handbag, $38
Vintage jewelry, $24
Flower earrings, $13
Vintage scarve, $18
ULTA Search Results for coral lipstick, $29

Finally, the right accessories really make this outfit work. The pièce de résistance is a vintage compass necklace, alluding to the bit about "boats bobbing in the blue of the bay/in deep far beneath/all the dead sailors/slowly slipping to sleep," and vintage turquoise earrings match the feel of the necklace and the color of the sandals. The bandana adds to the nautical theme of the lyrics in a cute, pin-up girl way (this one's from Urban, duh), and the bag is totally explorer chic (yeah, I made that up too, sue me). Add some coral lipstick for a modern pop of color, and you are all ready to adventure by the sea.

Bon voyage!

Give Me Your Eyes - Brandon Heath

This post needs a little bit of introduction:

I have two little sisters. Middle Sister is eleven, and Baby Sister is nine. They could not be more different; Baby Sister likes running around and bouncing off walls and collecting things, while Middle Sister likes reading and making bracelets...
 And, above all, fashion.
So when Middle Sister heard I had a fashion blog, she genuinely flipped out. 
 "I wanna see!!" "Where did you get all those clothes?!" "I wish I had clothes like that!" And on. And on. And on.
So, being the rad older sister, I told her that, if she wanted, I would let her pick any song she wanted, I'd make an outfit for her, then we'd see if we couldn't find something like that to buy so I could feature her on the blog.
She about died.
She first wanted Speak Now by Taylor Swift, but I whined and said I just did a Taylor Swift song, so this is what she ultimately chose.

Now back to our regularly scheduled blogging.






This is an absolutely gorgeous song. The whole thing is a plea to God, asking him to let us see people the way he sees us. I think there are only a few songs that I've ever listened to that have really changed the way I view the world, but this is one of them.

Lia Kes scoop neck tee, $34
Pencil skirt, $28

Now, for this post, I decided to include several variations of the same basic piece to show that any song's fashion can be interpreted a little differently to use what's available to you. It doesn't have to be this exact top or jacket or whatever it is (Middle Sister gets super-antsy when she thinks things aren't just right).


I started with a basic tee with a heart graphic on the front. I wanted a little more than just a plain old heart, though, so these ones all have an interesting visual effect going on. To me, it conveys the idea that no matter what we try to do with them - scribble them out, erase them, lock them up - our hearts still show through to their maker.

A high-waisted pencil skirt works nicely for a couple of reasons. One, it's a subtle reference to the professional "black suit" Brandon talks about in the verse, and two, it works with tees in any fit (flowy, tight, whatever). I like black and gray, but any dark neutral would work here.

Lace vest, $35
Qupid shoes, $19

Next, I chose a sheer black vest to go over the tee. Lace works really well because it adds some understated visual interest, too. But mostly I'm just kind of obsessed with lace. This represents all of the dark things we use to cover up our true selves and honest brokenness, but really we're just as transparent as before.

I knew I wanted a pop of red as an allusion to the "bright red tie," so here it is in the shoes. Red shoes are just fabulous anyway. Pumps like the one on the left are really cohesive with the overall look of the outfit, but I think TOMS, with their phenomenal "One for One" campaign, better fit the message of the song. Looking at others the way God sees them means that you heart should break for the less fortunate, and if it's as simple as buying a pair of shoes to provide some for someone else, then so be it.

Peacock feather jewelry, $10

Finally, peacock feather earrings add a boho, earthy feel. You can go as subtle or flashy as you want with this. This is a reference to the distractions we add to make ourselves more attractive to others, and more obviously, these peacock "eyes" are a literal reference to the title of the song.


Now, for the special guest! Here is Middle Sister's take on this outfit.

 

Before I talk about this outfit, can I please note how completely unfair it is that an eleven-year-old is as gorgeous as her? Great skin, perfect tan, cute smile... I was in the throes of my, ahem, rather prolonged awkward phase at her age. Ugh.

We found both the tie-dye heart tee and the black lace bolero that she's wearing at Ross. The red clutch (her idea) was something she already had, and the skirt was a hand-me-down from me that I got in London. We had trouble finding peacock earrings, so I suggested she use red heart studs that she already had. The shoes were/are mine (yes, we wear the same size shoes, I have small feet okay?!) that I got as a hand-me-down from one of my best friends a couple of years back. I also let her borrow my red lipstick for the picture.

Middle Sister wasn't sure how well the shoes matched with the overall outfit (I thought they were cute, personally), and she was concerned how well they translated to the middle school environment (fair enough), so we tried it with her black TOMS and it worked equally well.

She rocks.

Mine - Taylor Swift

Chances are, if you've listened to the radio at all in the last three months or so, you've heard this song. Now, I am not much of a country girl  (waaay too much "twang" for my taste), but I adore Taylor Swift's pop take on it. I'm sure that's due in large part to the fact that I'm a total ball of mush when it comes to romance. Taylor's songs are just so sweet!

Having said that, however, I must warn you... this music video is pure cheese. Even I have my limits. It has its sweet moments but... cooooome oooonnnn. A bit eyeroll-inducing. I'll curb my comments on it for now (but I will say that I think my chihuahua does the same head thing T-Swift does at 0:29).



Yeah, I prefer to hear it on the radio.

But, the song IS adorable and gets me all giddy :) And Taylor has an awesome sense of style that matches her part-country, part-pop music. Sweet and stylish. Love.

Forever21 pleated dress, $20
Cropped jacket, $50

A cute, loose dress with a small floral print is a perfect main piece for this song, as it kind of evokes a down-home feeling. You've got to think girly! I'll admit that I'm not a fan of super-cutesy style though, which is why I picked a dress with a blue and red color palette, rather than a pink/purple one.

Also, instead of, say, a tan leather jacket, I decided to go with an army green, slightly military-style one to go along with the chorus of the song, an homage to making a "rebel of a careless man's careful daughter", which shows strength and determination in addition to sweetness. The cropped shape also provides a nice, structured contrast to the floaty dress. Rebellious fashion! Oooh!

Sandal heels, $35
Under One Sky hobo shoulder bag, $32
Double-Braided Leather Belt, $16

But... we can go a little bit country too. Dark brown leather accessories have a Southern feel with an edge of sophistication. I really like the little details, like the braided belt and the tied accent on the bag.

As for the boots, I know some of my more country-loving friends will probably murder me for saying so, but to me, cowboy boots are more of a costume-type piece than like an everyday thing. Hey, everyone's entitled to their own opinion! I like these tall boots a lot, though. The heel and lack of obvious stitching have a really chic feel that alludes to country without being so in-your-face about it. Nice.

Beaded earring, $20
Dorothy Perkins beaded ring, 3.25 GBP
Heart chain necklace, $28

Here we have a few girly accessories that will sweeten everything up to Taylor-esque standards! I chose the earrings for two reasons: one, they match the leather accessories, and two, they have a kind of flighty, earthy quality that I think matches the tone of the song well. The clock locket is a great, somewhat less cheesy reference to the passage of time in the happily-ever-after montage toward the end of the music video.

 Last but not least, the delicate flower ring goes perfectly with this piece. I love the way the opalescent stone reflects the light. Also, I think the daintiness of the band paired with the big stone has an engagement feel, doesn't it?

Sigh... :) Oh Taylor. You make me a romantic fool.

Twentysomething - Jamie Cullum

My guess is that you haven't heard of Jamie Cullum (hipster alert). But unlike a hipster, I find it really tragic that you haven't.

I love guys who can sing. And man, can Jamie Cullum sing! He a jazz singer, mostly, but with a contemporary edge, sort of Michael Bublé-esque. I basically turn into slush when Jamie uses his voice to melt my cold, cold heart.



This song is great because it's such a funny look at the frustration of being a 20-something these days.


...but also, it's Jamie Cullum's voice.

Sateen blouse, $29
Old Navy blazer, $35
American Eagle Outfitters slim jeans, $35

First, this pretty top is perfect because the bright magenta is swirled with and contrasted by the dark gray, which represents the yin-yang mentality of being 20-something: it's terribly confusing and cloudy to have to carve out a place in the world, but it's also a ton of fun being young. The sweetheart neckline and side rosette give it a subtly youthful edge (while still being polished).

Jeans and a blazer can be dressed up or down. These particular jeans are dark wash and boot cut, which is a more classic style and could be appropriate for a laid-back work event. But, they're still jeans... and I live in mine, so it's a great piece to have. The blazer dresses up the strapless top, but this blazer is jersey knit (!) which means it's probably comfortable enough to wear when you "lie in." Or maybe just nap.

Also, I thought these pieces should have really body-flattering silhouettes: "Maybe I'll go to the gym, so I don't get fat... Aren't things more easy with a tight six pack?" I don't know how true that is, but it's never bad to hide the, ahem, extra curves if you know what I'm saying! ...not that you do.

But! If you DID... wrap tops are great! Especially a structured one like this, and the neckline draws the eyes upward. The dark blazer takes focus off of less-than-toned arms, and boot cut jeans are slimming through the legs and thighs. Basically, you will feel hot - cuz you ARE hot! (motivational moment - sorry)

Pointed toe flat shoes, $28
5 Preview printed bag, $42

These shoes are great. I love how beautifully the dark turquoise contrasts with the bright magenta in the top. The wavy stripe pattern matches the top's wrap silhouette too. And, young working people, these too give you the best of adult and youth style; the pointed toes are classy and sophisticated, but they're not heels, so no achy feet after work!

The text print of the bag is fashion-forward, and the French words combined with the gray colors gives the bag a cool, smoky vibe; perfect for a jazz song. What I really love about this, however, is the size - you could hide a small child in that bag, so you know it will hold all your crap stuff.

(Random fact: I rate bags on their baby-stealing ability. Don't judge me.)

River Island crystal jewelry, 9.99 GBP
Hive and Honey mesh jewelry, $16
Pendant, $24

Finally, some glam accessories to denote your inner diva while you "work for the poor, though [you're] hungry for fame." Bangles are pretty, and they're also distracting, which sounds like a bad thing... but if you're "working 9 to 5 answering phones" like poor Jamie here, distraction could save your sanity.

Mesh earrings are my favorite. They're pretty and sparkly like the bangles, but they also have that great, sultry jazz lounge feel.

For the necklace, a typewriter key pendant is great homage to all that education you've acquired. Let's hope it's doing you some good, eh? [insert cynicism]


Overall, this outfit is great for day-to-night wear... pair with smoky eyes and soft hair, and you're ready to go out! But if you end up drinking 8 pints and getting in fights, just know that I have no sympathy for you...

Love The Way You Lie - Eminem (Feat. Rihanna)

I admit... I'm a fan of Eminem.

Hear me out, okay? I used to hate rap. But The Boy loves it, so I end up hearing it a lot (as he tries to explain to me how exactly rap counts as music). And I still hate most of it.

But I've gotta say - Eminem is a lyrical GENIUS.

He's super-violent and crass at times, but even on that note, usually it ends up enhancing the realism of his songs. For me, at least.

And I looove this song. It's about an abusive relationship, which is totally raw because it's featuring Rihanna. Listen to it with that in mind.



Today's blog features a celeb guest... Rihanna herself.

I chose this song because Eminem and Rihanna performed this song at the Grammys this year, and Rihanna's outfit in this song was just perfect.

Black is an obvious choice for both the formal event and the dark tone of the song, and the bold yellows and reds are a great reference to the fire (including her ruby-red hair... best accessory ever). I also love the tattered hemline of the dress, as if the front was torn off. Even the slight purple and pinks could be taken as a subtle allusion to bruising. Perfect, perfect, perfect.

Now, since we don't all have the money to be purchasing Dior dresses (provided we even have an occasion to wear one), I modified the look slightly to be a bit more accessible. This outfit's pretty simple.

Shredded linen-blend sweater, 93 GBP
Acne Lifetime Racer-Back Tank, 25 GBP
Angle printed silk skirt, 320 GBP

Since I associate Rihanna with being pretty glam, this would be something that would be more appropriate for a night out.

I started out with a black shredded top. I like it because it gives the overall effect of being torn, like the hemline of Rihanna's dress. Underneath that, a red tank - which is, of course, an allusion to the fiery song. Tuck it in for a sleeker look.

I also wanted a piece that was a little messy, but not sloppy. This disheveled-looking skirt is perfect because it works with the tank color-wise, while still keeping an interesting shape. The purple, pink and green in the skirt, like in Rihanna's dress, reflect the bruising in this abusive relationship.

Promise Jane Black Net Belt Buckle Peep Toe Double Platform High Heel..., $36
Rope Pearl Bead Coil Bracelet, $28
Sourpuss Switchblade Earrings at Broken Cherry Boutique Jewelry at..., $9

With bold pieces, you only need a few accessories. The jewelry uses some literal references to the lyrics. The earrings are blades - "steel knife in my windpipe". I also chose a rope-like coil bracelet to symbolize being tied down (literally and figuratively).

Finally, on a less dark and morbid note, the SHOES! Where have these shoes been all my life?! I love that the pattern works so well with the shredded top, but if I had these I'd probably wear them to bed if I could. That's how amazing they are.

Oh, and if you want to dye your hair red, by all means...

The Cave - Mumford and Sons

I adore folk music. So it's kind of surprising to me that I'm just getting into Mumford and Sons. They speak to my inner romantic (which is a little bit of a hipster... don't tell though).

This post comes at the suggestion of The Boy.

Crinkle Plaid Premium Shirt - Dressy Tops - tops & basics - Vanity, $30

BKE Long Lace Trim Tank Top, $8.25

Unionbay Belle Cargo Skinny Pants, $40

Since caves evoke images of darkness and shadow, I decided to start with gray as the base color for the staple pieces. It's dark without being... well, black. Which reflects the initial tone of the piece: darkness without hopelessness. I wouldn't say this is a bleak song, because the whole point of it is to describe the hope the singer has for his life and the life of the person to whom he's singing. The ombré coloring in the top mimics how things get progressively brighter as you walk away from fear and doubt.

I also wanted some bright color to show the passion and determination it takes to walk away from fear and doubt. My first thought was red, but when I listened to the song again, the lyric "the sun, it rises slowly as you walk" caught my attention, so I picked the bright peach of the tank top because it reminds me of the sunrise.

H&M gladiator sandals

Welikefashion.com - Belt Black by American Vintage, 30 EUR

JOY :: Multi Floral Print Scarf, 15 GBP

The Met Store - Vera Brushed Blossoms Shopping Tote

Next, you need a few accessories. The belt looks a bit worn to reflect the mood I took from the piece, and to keep the outfit pretty casual. The bag has cherry blossoms on it, which are symbolic of new life (and they match the tank top). The scarf keeps the upbeat floral theme without being too "matchy."

These sandals are my favorite piece. In addition to being totally cute (you may want to cuff the pants to show them off better) in the same rosy-peach color as the other elements, their gladiator style is a reference to the difficult battle of fighting yourself.

Humanity Single Buckle Bracelet, $11

Brown Adjustable Leather Surf Necklace/Choker, $3.95

Cief Note Music hair clip : BabysBakery - ArtFire Children's, $4

Blue Planet Boutique: blueplanet gifts: Zazzle.com Store

You don't really need a lot of other accessories, so these ones are more direct lyrical references. The choker is reminiscent of the line"I won't let you choke/on the noose around your neck." When you wear the Earth pendant, you will literally "see the world hanging upside down," and, a bit more obscurely, it's a reference to the call in the lines "I can see widows and orphans through my tears/I know my call despite my faults." The hair clip will remind you to "sing all you want," and the buckle bracelet speaks for itself...

Lead the way.

High of 75 - Relient K

Oh man... middle school status right here. If this isn't a blast to the past for you, I'm seriously sorry. Listen to it now, anyway.

This song is pretty much guaranteed to put you in a good mood. It's the kind of song you dance to in your underwear when nobody's home... not that I do that... ANYway.

Eley Kishimoto Yellow Flash Print Vest, 35 GBP

Old Navy Womens Cuffed Adjustable Shorts (3 1/2), $20

I started out with a bright yellow printed tank so nobody mistakes you for being in a bad mood. Note the way the pattern radiates from the left side, just like sunshine! YAY :) I balanced it out with some Old Navy shorts in a warm, neutral beige. On a side note, I have these shorts in khaki and they are awesome. Go get some.

Unisex Flex Fleece Zip Hoody, $46

CONVERSE Chuck Taylor All Star Double Tongue Womens Shoes, $45

To complete the throwback effect here, we gotta have a hoodie and sneakers. In purple! It's a cool color (as in color palette), which is a nice complement to the yellow. Because when you're happy, you need extra color in your life. It's a fact. And how rad are those purple double-tongued Chuck Taylors? Yes please.

plaited shoulder bag, $30

Corporal Charm Necklace, $9.95

Juicy Couture - Festival Chic Daisy Studs (Silver) - Jewelry, $42

ring, $4.80

Top everything off with some simple accessories like these. They're neutral, but they've also got a little bit of extra detail. I love the rhinestones on the earrings, and the braid detailing on the bag. It just adds some feminine flair to make you feel pretty. And when you feel pretty, you look pretty.

Throw your hair into a messy braid and you're good to go! I'm fairly certain it's impossible to have a bad day when it starts out with Relient K (and an awesome outfit like this).

Details In The Fabric - Jason Mraz

My first outfit inspiration post is based on this song. If you haven't heard this song, shame on you. Listen to it. Right now. Even if you HAVE already heard it, you should listen to it.

I adore this song, seriously. This is the kind of song you listen to when you feel like crying but are so overwhelmed that you don't know exactly how to start.

Staples: Comfort is a huge factor in this song, as are notes of sadness. I chose a blue/neutral color palette to reflect the melancholic overall tone. A comfy, dark blue-striped boyfriend top is perfect. The dark heather gray also alludes to the static on the answering machine at the start and end of the song.

A soft belted cardigan is great for wrapping up yourself in a hug (while still giving you a bit of a waist). The side braiding adds some detail (in the fabric?.. ha) and keeps your outfit visually appealing.

Cropped jeans add polish to a wardrobe staple, while the slight distressing makes them look washed and loved. "Are your thoughts results of static cling...?"

Accessories: Ballet flats combine the class of heels with the comfort of sneakers. These ones are even made of jelly material... so comfortable. The flats tie together the gray of the top and the beige of the cardigan as well as being interesting and feminine.

I love this bag because I think the newspaper print (in a foreign language, no less) says so much about the constant overwhelming noise of life... "Everything will be fine." Plus, this particular bag is fairtrade and made of recycled plastic! Mr. A-Z and his girl Tristan Prettyman would surely approve.

"If it's a broken heart, then face it..."

These are my absolute favorite. For me, they speak of the beauty and strength in tears. Perfect.
Of course, what would a Jason Mraz song be without a fedora? :)

Shoes: urbanog.com; Bag: allthingsgreen.net; Cardigan, top, and hat: Forever 21; Jeans: Charlotte Russe; Necklace: amazon.com; Earrings: overstock.com