Album of the week: week 9

Hello music enthusiasts.  This week's album is one of my favorites and has been for years.  The album is ...Is A Real Boy by Say Anything.  This album is the perfect combination of serious and snarky.  Some of the songs could be a little shocking if you take them seriously.  I decided to pick two songs for this week since this album has two very different sounds.  The first song is soft and sweet.  Song number one is I Want To Know Your Plans.  The second song is serious and snarky.  It's actually a song I think a lot of people really need to listen to.  Song number two is Admit It.  This is another album that sounds great on vinyl and was one I was so excited to get.

Click here to listen to this week's album.
Click here to song number 1 for this week.
Click here to listen to song number 2 for this week.

If you haven't done it yet, you should make a rdio account.  It's the easiest way to keep up.  I have a playlist that's strictly devoted to my songs of the week.  For that playlist, click here.  I actually add the songs before I publish my blog, so you can use it to get a sneak peak of what I'm going to recommend.  I'm constantly making new playlists and updating them, so if you want to see what I'm listening to and enjoy what I've put together, you can follow me by clicking here.

Happy New Year (almost)!

Here's an amazing cover of a classic song to get you ready for the new year!

Album of the week: week 8

Happy holidays, music lovers!  I have a fun little treat for you.  This week's album is something a little harder than what I usually recommend.  I honestly can't remember who recommended this band to me, but I remember someone telling me I'd love them, and that person was right.  The album of the week if Exister by Hot Water Music.  This is hands down their best album.  It sounds great on vinyl and was actually one of my first records.  I hope you love it as much as I do!

This week's song was really hard to choose because I have four favorites from this album.  After lots of time and consideration, I finally decided on Drag My Body.  Listen to it; you won't regret it.

To listen to this week's album, click here!
To listen to this week's song, click here!
If you haven't done it yet, you should make a rdio account.  It's the easiest way to keep up.  I have a playlist that's strictly devoted to my songs of the week.  For that playlist, click here.  I actually add the songs before I publish my blog, so you can use it to get a sneak peak of what I'm going to recommend.  I'm constantly making new playlists and updating them, so if you want to see what I'm listening to and enjoy what I've put together, you can follow me by clicking here.

Album of the week: week 7.5

Merry Christmas!  So, now that I'm home with my family and my dog and sleeping in my own bed, I'm no longer a Grinch!  Since my earlier album for the week was only an EP, I'm going to give you a second album.  This week's album is one of my Christmas favorites; it's Home For Christmas by *NSYNC.  This is album is full of Christmas tradition for me.  Every year when my mom, sister, my sister's best friend, my best friend, and I all decorate the Christmas tree together, we listen to this and drink hot chocolate (or hot tea).  Though the tree, friends, and house have changed, this tradition stays the same. 

The song of the week is one that will get you in the Christmas Spirit without fail.  This song is Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.  If it fails to get you in the Christmas spirit, I honestly don't know what will. 

Click here to listen to this week's album.

Click here to listen to this week's song.

Beauty is not about size

Every girl has struggled with self esteem based on body image.  "I'm too short.  I'm too fat.  My arms are too big.  I wish my legs were longer.  I wish my thighs didn't touch.  I wish my neck was thinner."  Do any of these things sound familiar?  I know they hit home for me.  As a teen I struggled with eating disorders to try to achieve that perfect body.  The thing is, that perfect body is unhealthy.  I'm not naturally built to be a size 00.  It took me all of my teenage years to learn to accept my body for what it is.  The important thing is being healthy.  Beauty isn't based on size.  I think Robyn Lawley is one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen, and she's considered plus size.

Album of the week: week 7

Merry Christmas!  This Grinch is only days away from being home, so here are those Christmas songs you've been waiting for... But I still have a few finals left, so they're a little snarky and sarcastic.  There are a few Christmas classics, though, so don't be too sad.  This week's album of the week is actually an EP.  The album of the week is Have Faith With Kate Nash This Christmas by Kate Nash.

Since I have no love life right now (things didn't go the way I was hoping back during week 5), my song of the week isn't going to be very cheery.  The song of the week is I Hate You This Christmas.  Enjoy!

Click here to listen to the album of the week.
Click here to listen to song of the week.

music blog update

Hey music lovers.  If you have a rdio account, you should definitely follow me.  To view my rdio page, click here!  You can see my top albums, what's new to my collection, and listen to playlists I've created.  I also have a playlist that's solely my songs of the week.  If you want to check out that playlist, click here.  I'm adding the songs of the week to that playlist before I publish my album of the weeks post, so you can preview what I'll be writing about a little early.  Before you can access my rdio page, you'll need to set up your own account.  You can click here to do that.  Well, I hope you follow me and I hope you enjoy what I have for you.

P.S.  For all of you college students, happy finals week!

The Perfect Holiday Party Outfit

Tis the season... for holiday parties!  We all know that Christmas parties are different than all the other parties of the year.  Your wardrobe has to compete with the tinsel on the tree.  Holiday parties are my favorite parties to dress for because this is when it's acceptable to wear a sequin top or really bold jewelry.  Here are a few easy tips for the perfect party outfit.

If you're too timid to wear something shimmery and bold, you can get that little bit of sparkle from your jewelry.  This is the time to pull out that big crystal snowflake pendant, those giant drop earrings hidden in the back of your jewelry box, or that vibrant choker that's just too bold for your normal wardrobe.  Pair any of these with a red sweater dress, or a skirt and sweater with knee-high boots and then you're ready to rock around any Christmas tree.

You can never go wrong with silk or satin.  The natural gleam of these fabrics adds a special touch to your Christmas wardrobe.  You'll shine and shimmer by the glow from the fireplace and make the statement that, like your dress, you're smooth and flirty.  A knee-length silk dress is a holiday must-have.

Rock a cropped sweater or cardigan with a bold textured skirt.  Velvet is great for this season.  So are tweed and corduroy.  Pair this with your favorite pumps, and you're ready to go.

Album of the week: week 6

This week's album of the week is An Awesome Wave by alt-J.   I'm still being a Grinch because I'm stuck at school, so no Christmas music yet. Sorry.  But I do think you'll enjoy this album.  This album is the music playing in the back of my head when I'm hanging out with my crush.  It's playful and sweet, but has some really interesting undertones. 
The song of the week is Breezeblocks.  This has nothing to do with my crush; it's just an amazing song.

To listen to this week's album, click here.
Click here to listen to the song of the week.

Album of the week: week 5

I know it's finally December and December means Christmas, but I'm stuck at school, so I'm going to be a Grinch and not make this week's album a holiday album.  Instead, I'm choosing an album that I hope will keep everyone upbeat during the dreaded upcoming finals week.  This week's album is A Guide To Love, Loss & Desperation by The Wombats.  With finals coming up and (for some of us) our love lives holding on by a thread, I'm pretty sure we all need a guide to love, loss, and desperation.

The song of the week is one I'm choosing because I have a sense of humor when it comes to my own awkward attempt at having a love-life.  The song is Kill The Director.  Listen to it.  You'll enjoy it and maybe it'll make you feel better about your own love-life. 

Click here to listen to the album of the week.

Click here to listen to the song of the week.

Album of the week: week 4

Hello music lovers.  I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.  This week I have something for you that's one of my newer obsessions.  This week's album is Sunsets & Car Crashes by The Spill Canvas.  This album is a great album for road trips or, in my case, driving an hour and a half to and from college for Thanksgiving break. 

It's really hard to pick one song because this is just such a solid album. That being said, I'm hoping that one person in particular will read this, so I'm going to choose a song from the album that, if he reads this and listens to this song, will hopefully get a message to him.  The song is The Night Will Go As Follows.  I hope you all like this song and this album... and please, wish me luck!

Click here to listen to this week's album!

Click here to listen to the song of the week!


P.S. My fingers are crossed that soon the guy who I'm hoping will check out this post this week will be singing 3685, which is another truly amazing song from this album.  Listen to the whole song and you'll understand.

Click here to listen to 3685.

Winter Skin and Winter Hair

Snow has finally hit the ground and we all know what that means: dry air and dry hair.  Here are some tips for adjusting your beauty routine.

Let's start with the face.  First, you'll want to scrub away that dead skin, so I'd suggest exfoliating every two to three days.  My secret to great skin is the Clarisonic.  This baby works magic.  Say hello to smoother, softer, younger looking skin.  I like to pair it with Philosophy microdelivery exfoliating wash.  Also, you'll want a really good moisturizer or night cream.  I personally like Philosophy Hope in a Jar.  I have sensitive skin and this works really well for me.  For your makeup routine, you should add a tinted moisturizer with a built in sunscreen (the earth is closer to the sun at this time of year and you'll also have sunlight reflecting off the snow and that can do a lot of damage to the skin).  Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer is great.
Next, let's move to hair.  You should condition your hair after every wash, but you should probably deep condition once a week or once every other week.  I don't have any suggestions here, because all hair types are so different.
Of course, you should use a good lotion after you shower (that's when your skin needs it most) and a second time during the day if you can make time.  I love Philosophy body lotion.  It's also nice to add a body butter or body cream for when your skin is really dry.  Again, I turn to Philosophy whipped body crème.  It's also a good idea to carry around a hand cream.  For this I turn to L'Occitane.
The last essential is something that'll keep you ready for mistletoe and that New Year's Eve midnight kiss.  I turn to Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment.

Album of the week: week 3

Hey music lovers.  This week's pick is a little tougher than usual.  There's nothing hotter than a girl who can rock, and if you ask me, the best of the best is Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless.  This week's album is Light Me Up by The Pretty Reckless. 

My last two years of high school were spent at a very small private school with very catty cliques who tried to change people and either make them as mean as they were or make them be mean to the kids who wouldn't sell out.  This album was my courage to hold my head up and stand up to them when I needed to. 
My song of the week from this album is Goin' Down.  It's the song that made me fall in love with The Pretty Reckless.  I hope it has the same effect on you.

Click here to listen.

Album of the week: week 2

Hello music fans.  Do I have a treat for you!  This week I have an album to introduce to you that has some serious sentimental value to me.  This week's album is Bring Me Your Love by City And Colour. 

For me, this album is a boy who cares for me unconditionally.  It's a memory of a friend picking me up after a rough day.  It's, of course, also just some beautiful music. 
The song I'm going to recommend is the song I was recommended to introduce me to City And Colour: The Girl.  It's a beautiful song, and, even though it's like sixth minutes long, it's worth listening to every second.  For me, this song will always be a smile and love from a friend.  I hope it can be something just as special for you.

click here to listen to the album

10 Wardrobe Essentials

There are a few pieces that every wardrobe should have.  You can do a lot with just a few key pieces.  Many of these pieces are pricier, but when you think about how much use you'd get out of them compared to other pieces in your closet, it's really worth the expense. 

1. The classic jean
The first and most necessary piece is a dark wash jean.  I recommend the J.Crew matchstick jean in classic rinse wash.  It's a really flattering fit on all figures and adds a little extra elegance to your casual look. 

2. A timeless blazer
Second on my list is a blazer.  I'd recommend getting a neutral color like navy, charcoal, black, or tan, so that it can go with a lot more and truly be a staple.  My favorite blazer is the J.Crew schoolboy. 

3. Dress Pants
Third on my list is a pair of versatile dress pants.  It's good to have something professional in your closet, no matter your occupation.  My favorite is the J.Crew Minnie pant.  With a cute pair of heals and a blazer, this is perfect for a business meeting or an interview, but with loafers and a sweater, this is perfect for any day out.

4. A little black dress
Fourth on my list is a little black dress.  The little black dress is something simple, timeless, and chic.  If you're grabbing drinks with the girls, going to the office Christmas party, or going on a date, this is the perfect piece.  With the right jewelry, shoes, and bag, this piece can be dressed up or down to meet the occasion and look like an entirely different piece altogether.  A few examples of a great little black dress: the Free People cross my heart bodycon, the Free People ode to tea shimmer dress, the Free People crazy for love dress, and the J.Crew misha dress.  It's best to go with a very simple little black dress and use your accessories to give it your style.

5. A great bag
Fifth is a great bag.  You want something that will hold up and age well.  Some bags even look better after they've been used a lot.  You can never go wrong with a well-tailored leather bag.  I personally love the Madewell essex messenger. 

6. A V-neck tee
Sixth is a V-neck tee.  My favorite is the J.Crew vintage cotton V-neck tee.  I have this tee in dozens of colors and use them all the time, but you only really need maybe two.  A white tee and then a bold color.  A bold colored tee can be the perfect way to add just a little spice to a casual look.

7. A flat
Seventh is a great flat.  I injured my knee, so I'm staying away from heels right now.  Something like this is actually why it's important to have a good flat in your closet.  I love the Madewell sidewalk skimmer.  These are honestly the most comfortable flats I've ever had on. 

8. Heels
Eighth is a heel.  It's good to have a nice heel for dressier occasions.  Something simple like the Madewell frankie pump would be a great addition to any wardrobe. 

9. A silk blouse
Ninth is a silk blouse.  A great silk blouse to have is the J.Crew Blythe blouse.  A silk blouse is the perfect piece to make a feminine business look.

10. A cardigan
Tenth is a timeless cardigan.  What could possibly be more timeless than a Jackie? My final recommendation for a wardrobe staple is the J.Crew Jackie Cardigan.

If you're equipped with these ten pieces, you'll be able to dress for any occasion.  All you need to make these outfits your own are the right accessories.

Album of the week: week 1

For all of the music lovers out there, every week I'm going to post an album of the week and a song from that album that I can't get enough of.  This week's album is Bomb in a Birdcage, by A Fine Frenzy. 

This is one of my favorite records.  There is no comparison to how it sounds on vinyl.  When I listen to this album, I picture playing in the park with a love interest -- playing on the swings, jumping in piles of leaves, and that magical first kiss that is just so perfect that you don't feel the autumn chill until it ends. My song of the week from this album is Electric Twist.  click here to listen to the album

Sweaters, sweaters, sweaters galore!

One of my favorite things about fall is that I finally get to wear my favorite sweaters!  And when I say sweater, I mean all sweaters -- from cardigans to sweater skirts.  Here is one of my favorite outfits to give you an idea of how much I love sweaters. 


This outfit is flattering on all figures. 

If you're lusting after these pieces, here are the links to the stores where I got them: by item.  Some of these pieces are no longer available, but you might find something similar so you can put your own twist on this look.

 hat     earrings     cardigan     top     necklace     skirt     shoes

Meet the blogger

Hey everyone.  I'm Ali.  I'm a college student as well as a music and fashion enthusiast.  With my future posts, you'll hear lots about music, travel, tea, food, and beauty tips, but right now I want to focus on fashion. 

I love clothes.  I always have.  My friends and classmates see that and constantly comment on how much they love my clothes and would never feel confident enough to wear something daring because they don't want to draw attention to their bodies or they don't think they could pull off a certain look.

I'm not a toothpick.  I'm not built like a model... but I still dress like one.  I'm here to tell you that you can too.