A Summer in Song
August 19, 2009
With a season drawing to a close, the crisp bite of autumn on the air, I find myself looking to seize the last few moments of summer. In my opinion, the best way to do that is through the songs that have gotten you through the past few months. For me, this summer has been mellow though far from mundane, and believe the soundtrack reflects it.
The season started early this year, with the release of “Her Diamonds”, off Rob Thomas’ new album, Cradlesong. A bittersweet musing with touches of anguish and sanguinity, and backed by simple electronic rhythm, the song brings to life the meditative nuances of what is mostly a carefree season.
Balancing Thomas’ melancholy tone is Michael Franti and Spearhead, with “Say Hey (I Love You).” Admittedly, this is a bit of a cheat for this summer’s soundtrack, but I figure that the 2008 release began charting these past few months, so it still applies. Franti’s mix of reggae beats and smooth rock come together in this billboard dynamo, immediately filling the mind with scenes of simple romance and walks on warmer beaches. Simply, this song is a uniquely and distinctly happy song.
Not to be ignored or outdone, the Black Eyed Peas came up with not just a song, but a record of summery goodness. However, featured song “I Gotta Feeling” off the band’s newest album, The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies), sums up the spirit of the season’s energy. The wildly creative synth-hop and energetic lyrics capture a night anyone would be dream of.
Book-ending this summer’s score is “Bonfire” from Third Eye Blind. The soft acoustic sounds in this song of change and all that comes with it serves to compliment the changing of the guard as fall approaches. It holds all the hope of the stars and the defeat of the passing of time.
Mellow, yes; but far from boring. This summer in song has had a full range of sound and emotion, representing a soundtrack greater than the sum of its parts. If autumn is holding anything half this good, maybe the shorter days can’t come too soon.
What’s Your Eccentric Glamour? Urban Style, Part IV
June 4, 2009
{Photo Courtesy of www.jacindathomas.blogspot.com}
Urban and hip-hop inspired style is influenced by life in the city. As with many other niches in the fashion industry, urban flavor is influenced heavily by the music industry—specifically hip-hop music. Urban chicks love to get dressed up for a night on the town and dressed-down for a day in the city. They are not scared of making a statement. They love glamour, bling, and everything that goes along with it. When it comes to formal events, urban ladies love fitted, sexy, and bold dresses paired with ultra-high stiletto heels. They favor neutral hues and flashy accessories. Urban style has roots in other cultures including Africa, Jamaica, the Caribbean, and Latin America. From Hammer Pants to the House of Dereon, urban style has (and continues to) evolved a lot over time.
{Photo Courtesy of www.pursepage.com}
Get the Look: Chunky Gold Jewelry, Hoodies, Skinny Jeans, Knee-high High-heeled Boots, Beanies, Faux-fur-lined Coats, Fitted T-shirts, Designer Tennis Shoes,
Celeb Inspiration: Kim Kardashian, Tyra Banks, Kimora Lee-Simmons, Beyonce, Rihanna, Vanessa and Angela Simmons
Where to Shop: Urban Outfitters, Baby Phat, Sean John, Adidas, Puma, Lacoste, Ecko, Pastry, Bebe, Dereon, French Connection
As always, no matter what your style is, in the words of Mr. Doonan himself, “SAY NO TO HO! … and yes to ECCENTRIC GLAMOUR.”
{Photo Courtesy of www.mystyle.com}
American Idol Style
May 21, 2009
Listen up — Fashionista MEN — Kris Allen just proved to the world why sometimes, it’s good to be on the bottom. (wink, wink) We have our new reigning American Idol and he will bring a new laid back, eclectic artist style that he may pull off even better than Keith Urban and Jason Mraz. It’s true, Kris Allen knows how to make today’s trends work for him and looks so comfortable on stage. And ladies, we will be seeing a lot more of him very soon! These trends come straight from the Idol insider that has been following Allen on his entire journey — and maybe you should just make your man read this post to bring out the idol in him.
First lets notice the hair.
#1: A Touch of Funk
I think because Kris was a bit overwhelmed by the hometown response this particular weekend, he had a bit of a hard time figuring what to wear. I told him not to over think things. Although I’d wanted to change his image in the beginning, his ‘boy next door’ image had not done him any harm at all, and if that made him comfortable on stage, embrace it! We found the jacket and tee at Diesel, and after that it was plain sailing. The black top for the second song actually had metal thread in it, which caught the light just enough to give it a stage presence. Kris wanted to wear a clean dark jean with both outfits, but I managed to persuade him to wear the distressed Joes Jeans, to dirty up the whole look and make him a bit more rock ‘n’ roll. Boy next door goes a little bad, anyone?
annnnd …
#3 : (via tvwatch.people.com) The Johnny Depp Analogy:
Look, Johnny Depp is a huge, glamorous, risk-taking star, but off camera doesn’t he look like someone you could scare with a sock puppet? Something like this comes into play with Kris. Simon has faulted him for not having star swagger, something Adam exudes with every flash of his smile and swivel of his hips. But what may seem like modesty on a live stage can project to the viewing audience as a different kind of charisma — cool, even. Just because Adam rules the stage doesn’t mean he rules the camera.
