playlist 8.9.2011 (hip hop edition)

1. under the sheets (chiddy bang remix) by ellie goulding

2. flashing lights by kanye west

3. save me by nicki minaj

4. superstar by lupe fiasco

5. little bit by drake & lykke li

teenage dream

Between the many awards and star-studded guest list at last night's Teen Choice Awards, I was simply amazed. While the many surfboards were being handed out to the deserving recipients, I couldn't help but drool over some of the amazing dresses I saw. I decided to narrow down the beautiful ensembles to the very best here instead of ramble on all day about the great wardrobe choices- and trust me I would.

Opening Number: Kourtney Kardashian wowed on stage with her sisters at the beginning of the event in a cobalt blue Blaque Label gown- best color choice of the night!



Sugar & Spice: Rachel Bilson in a beautiful & very sweet Chloe dress. She managed to add a kick to the look with studded Brian Atwood booties. The look was a close second for me.



image via Hollywoodlife.com
Baby Got Back: While most were infatuated with her daring Giuseppe Zanotti heels, Lucy Hale's black, white & nude sequined cut-out dress was the knock-out of the night. The big surprise was the fact that the dress was backless; it was definitely a risk worth taking.  The ensemble was without a doubt the winning look in my eyes.



Oh boy!: Tom Felton (yes, good old Mr. Draco Malfoy) was the best dressed on the other end- a saving grace after seeing Ashton Kutcher's "relaxed" look. I had to credit him for exhibiting the perfect casually put together look ... I just can't believe our little boy from Harry Potter's all grown up!

I do not own any of these pictures; all images (with the exception of Lucy Hale) via Justjared.buzznet.com

sweet little nothings 8.7.11

image via Weareinevitable.tumblr.com

I've been watching old episodes of The Hills on a loop.  This is the best quote I've heard on the show thus far. 

via Artanykind.blogspot.com

A website I recently ran into that you MUST take a look at.  Thousands of amazing outfits from all over the world all in one spot... simply heaven.  Click here to be amazed.

stuck on replay: david roch

Skin & Bones by David Roch

In love with this song ever since it was featured in a contemporary dance routine on So You Think You Can Dance.   Both soothing and incredibly dramatic.

free people: venetian gold

For their august catalog shoot, free people headed to Italy. The pieces were great for summer to fall transition & were absolutely to die for! Here are a few favorite looks:

(from top: vivaldi voile & lace slip, colorblock cardigan, linear lace cami, serenissima dress)

all images via Freepeople.com

battle of the remixes: lights

Maybe you guys aren't aware, but along with the much-hyped Bassnectar remix of Ellie Goulding's song "Lights", there are 2 other EP's full of different takes on the hit. The most recent one came out almost two weeks ago and has been getting rave reviews.  Yes, the techno/club remixes are fun and great for a fun night out (especially Fernando Garibay's).  But of the remixes, which one can be crowned the best?  I'm a huge fan of dubstep, but I honestly feel like Bassnectar just injected a little more, well, bass into the original work- it sounds good, but just not as amazing as I thought it would.  So the answer to my question is probably one you haven't heard of: the Eyes Dubstep remix.  It will blow your mind, I promise.

playlist 8.2.2011

1. boy vs. girl pt. 1 by lexicondon

2. go outside by the cult

3. we found each other in the dark by city & colour
4. everybody but me by lykke li
5. wait up (boots of danger) (RAC remix) by tokyo police club

sweet little nothings 7.31.11

by soraya

image via Kissyouonelasttime.tumblr.com

A picture of the ocean reminding me of 2 things: A) I'll soon be leaving town for Los Angeles, giving me an opportunity to relax in Malibu & B) Ladies & Gentlemen, Shark Week has arrived.

image via Middaydreamer.tumblr.com

After seeing both Ke$ha and Khloe Kardashian rocking one of these snazzy Native American head-dresses, it's safe to say that I'm in need of one.

itsy bitsy teenie weenie (insert description here) bikini

by soraya

(Top row from left)
1. Vitamin A Twisted Bikini $69
2. Ralph Lauren Lace Optic Triangle Bikini $139
3. Zimmerman Posy Ruffled Floral-Print Bandeau Bikini $250
4. D&G Lemon Print String Bikini $105
(Bottom row from left)
5. Mara Hoffman COBALT MULTI Bikini $360
6. Matthew Williamson Butterfly Print Triangle Bikini $275
7. Anika Brazil Shell Bikini $59
8. Mara Hoffman PINK Bikini $335


There's less than a month before the summer ends girls, so now is the time to put on your cutest swimsuit and flaunt that tan.  Your last chance to throw or attend that killer beach/pool party is quickly approaching and you'll want the perfect bikini.  The 8 above are some of my favorites.  Since most of them are quite pricey, I hope you get inspired by the vibrant colors and playful silhouettes! 


See the original set on Polyvore HERE. 

must-see music video: ellie goulding

by soraya

Starry Eyed by Ellie Goulding

Ellie's recently released US version of her hit single, Starry Eyed.  I'm devastated that her NYLON Magazine tour didn't have any stops in Austin, but this video has made up for it (if only a little).

ocean eyes

by soraya
Best way to bring out your fresh summer tan without piling on the bronzer? Shades of blue, bronze & gold.  The ocean-inspired hues will have your complexion glowing; almost as if you came straight from beach.  Here are a few of our favorite picks:

1. Bare Escentuals "Bronzed" High Shine Eyecolor $16
2. NARS "Cap Ferrat" Eyeshadow Trio $45
3. Stila "Wonderful in Waikiki" Collectible Beach Palette $62 $14
4. Sephora Collection Gold Glitter Eyeliner $12
5. Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick $39
6. Makeup Forever "Iridescent Navy Blue" Aqua Liner $23


All images & products can be found online at Sephora.com

stuck on replay: patrick stump

by soraya

Spotlight (Oh Nostalgia) by Patrick Stump

The former Fall Out Boy front man proves that his solo project has turned into an amazing success.  This song is an impeccable combination of soul, pop, and rock.

new heights

by soraya

Standing at 5'1", you'd see why I embrace any occasion to wear heels and make up for my height deficiency.  Don't get me wrong, I love being petite.  It's cute and all, but sometimes I get tired of being towered over.
Early this summer, I fell in love with a pair of Stuart Weitzman espadrilles that I saw in a Nordstrom catalog.  The thing is, they were $365 and far above my budget (a girl needs to buy other clothes too, you know?!).  I had a mini heart attack when I saw the price... but it was a pair of Weitzmans after all.  Over the weeks, I gave up on the search for the perfect pair until I stumbled across a more price-conscious pair (pictured left).  They heel was four inches high with a generous platform, they were nude and easy to wear, surprisingly comfortable, and only $110.  So I now have my sights set on these glorious Charles by Charles David espadrilles... and you better believe they will soon be on my feet.

playlist 7.26.2011

1. tell me (clock opera remix) by au revoir simone

2. giving up the gun by vampire weekend

3. life magazine by cold cave

4. soft shock by yeah yeah yeahs

5. blue cassette by friendly fires

sweet little nothings 7.24.11

by julia

        

     image via springfashionshow.blogspot.com

       Kiehl's Pear Tree Corner Candle. I've almost burned mine out and it's my favorite candle.

image via weheartit.com
The colors and vintage vibe make me want to jump into this picture.

phantogram: marching to the beat of their own drum

by soraya
This "electro-rock duo" from New York has become my favorite artist discovery of the summer.  Their album, Eyelid Movies was released earlier this year and has been played on a loop on my iPod.  The songs are filled with heavy beats, intoxicating guitar and keyboard driven melodies, and haunting airy vocals- a perfect combination of elements.  Songs like "Mouthful of Diamonds" and "When I'm Small" have been featured on episodes of Skins and Teen Wolf.  If you haven't already been tempted to, give one of the two songs a listen and I'm sure you'll immediately be hooked.  Phantogram has plenty of potential to become a front-runner in the indie music world.


album cover image via bbemusic.com

stuck on replay: florence + the machine

by soraya

Cosmic Love (Acoustic Version)

The live version performed in SoHo (available on iTunes) is even better than the original; who says all of today's recording artists don't have talent? :)

pops of color

by soraya

                    

Make eye-catching nail colors your signature accessory for the remainder of this summer:

OPI's Hot & Spicy

Deborah Lippman's Yellow Brick Road

Deborah Lippman's Between The Sheets

Essie's Mesmerized

images via lippmancollection.stores.yahoo.net, opinailpolishstore.com, essie.com

playlist 7.18.2011

1. o0O0o0O0o by oberhofer
2. norgaard by the vaccines
3. heart in your heartbreak by the pains of being pure at heart
4. not in love (feat. robert smith) by crystal castles
5. no way by the naked & famous

fall fashion: fit for a queen

by soraya
LC, the teenager from Laguna we all knew and loved is all grown up.  After years in the reality television spotlight, Lauren Conrad has made a name for herself in both the fashion industry and as an author.  Recently, looks from her fall 2011 collection of Paper Crown have been released.


The pieces beautifully combine feminine elements with others inspired by menswear.  Conrad used a neutral color palette that can work on anyone.  The pieces are very versatile and can be dressed up or down in seconds.  Conrad also incorporated classic silhouettes; anything you buy from the collection will survive many seasons- giving you more than your money's worth (even though it is a pricey line).  Looking at many of the pieces, I would say that the line embodies "casual luxury".  It's a no-fuss collection and includes many well-made closet staples and basics. 


On the other hand, Conrad hasn't failed to include a few gorgeous floor-sweeping dresses that take your breath way.  They're flowy & sweet, and sure to make you feel like a princess- the way the brand's name implies.
See the rest of the collection at wikifashion.