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Wardrobe: Start a War

Amy — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:25:08 +0000

The National – Fake Empire

I wore this to see The National play at the Carnegie Library Music Hall on Saturday night. It was fun walking down to the bus stop in this outfit – as much as I love the flesh-but-no-navel-baring trend, your average Pittsburgher is not used to seeing it – especially with four parts leather, studs and spikes, a dash of fringe, and a black crucifix (speaking of which, I couldn’t be more happy with this necklace – it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for). Naturally, I earned myself a lot of stares.

The National – Secret Meeting

I debated on purchasing this vest a long time before I did, since I’m not usually a huge fan of fringe. Then it went on sale and I couldn’t resist. I love leather (duh), so that makes the fringe a lot more bearable for me, and I like that it’s a vest so I can fringe up any outfit anytime I want, as opposed to just having a random fringed top or something (which I’d wear a lot more rarely). I forgot to take a picture of the back, but it’s actually cut at an angle so that it’s cropped in the back, with the sides longer in the front. Plus, the fringe is so long it swishes while I walk, and looks great in the wind. I love it.

The National – Start a War

Anyway. The concert did not disappoint. For those of you who aren’t familiar with The National, they’re a refreshingly unique rock band out of Ohio who stole my little fringed heart years ago when my boyfriend (who may be their biggest fan ever) introduced me to them. I can’t stress enough the intensity of my love for them (which, given the rather liberal sprinkling of – what are only a few of my favorite – songs in this post, is probably obvious). As an added bonus, they’re excellent live – complete with a ridiculously long set and encore, crowd-surfing (while singing flawlessly, no less – microphone and all) and vanishing acts.

I LOVE layering bike shorts underneath short denims or leathers lately. It gives a little more length (let’s face it – it’s difficult to find stylish shorts that aren’t cut like hot pants) – and in this case, adds a high waist where I wouldn’t otherwise have one.

The National – Mr. November

I’d been wanting a nice pair of black field boots for months before I bought this pair (they’re the Wanted ‘Prague’ boots), and I’m very happy with my choice. They’re still a little stiff, but I think they’ll break in nicely – and for those of you who don’t like black, they come in various colors, some with suede finishes. I got mine at Lulu’s for the best price, but last I checked they were also being sold at Delia’s (more variety there), Nasty Gal, and Amazon. Beware, though: they run large. I listened to the Amazon reviews and ordered a full size down, and they fit perfectly.

All in all, it was a great night and a great concert. Even though I had a stomach ache, and Matt had to get me medication. Even though the temperature dropped like crazy from the mid-seventies and I had to stop at Target to pick up a long-sleeved tee to wear on the rest of the walk over (and during the actual concert, since I figured stripping down to a skimpy tube top before throwing the vest back on might be deemed somewhat inappropriate in a large crowd). Even though I fell asleep on the bus ride home, and spent most of Sunday sleeping. Because it was The National, and it was so, so, SO worth it.

The National – England

♥ Leather fringe vest & black spike earrings – ASOS
♥ Black tube top & bike shorts – Pink Ice
♥ Leather short shorts – Forever 21
♥ Black wooden cross necklace – Anatego
♥ Stud wrap bracelet & rose ring – Threadsence
♥ Studded wallet/clutch – Rue 21
♥ Wanted ‘Prague’ lace-up boots

Wardrobe: Metric Tonne

Amy — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:28:11 +0000

See what I did there? Har har! I miss Canadian spelling. And measurements. It feels all too appropriate for this entry, as I’m wearing a tank from one of my favorite (Canadian) bands, not to mention getting ready for my trip to Canada! Hence the reason for my slow posting as of late.

I’ll be gone from July 27 to August 6, so I’ve been rushing around trying to tie up my loose ends. One of my best friends from high school just had a baby (as did another good friend 9 months ago, which I totally missed!), not to mention it’s my brother’s birthday on the 29th, and I missed my parents’ birthdays and anniversary – so I’ve been spending a lot of time searching for gifts for everyone :) I’m also still unpacking and decorating the new place (shameful, I know – trying to get more of that done before I take off).

I got this (hugely oversize) tank at the Metric concert @ Mr. Smalls Theatre in Pittsburgh last November (during their Fantasies tour), which I attended with the boyfriend and another great friend (and I think we’d all attest that it was AWESOME).

I’ve been a huge Metric fan for years now, long before they were this popular, from Old World Underground to Grow Up and Blow Away, and everything in between. I’m also a massive fan of Emily Haines’s solo career – especially her work with her solo band, The Soft Skeleton (I had Knives Don’t Have Your Back on repeat for over a year, and the follow-up EP was just as brilliant), and just Emily Haines in general. I have a ridiculous girl crush on her. I mean, look at her!

Sorry, I know that video’s creepy. ANYWAY :) I got this tank in a unisex LARGE because it was the only size they had left, but I’m so glad I did because it’s long enough to be a dress and looks great over leggings (and is comfy to bed!). I love it even more now. So much it hurts; I’ve worn it many times already. It isn’t even my first Metric tee (you might remember I debuted my spray paint tee – which I still love to death! – last summer).

Wind is awesome!

Two pairs of shorts (because why not?).

Love these shoes so much. Got them at Forever 21 for $10 and I wear them constantly.

♥ Metric tank top – concert
♥ Rings – various & Forever 21
♥ Black distressed denim shorts – Forever 21
♥ Spandex bike shorts – Pink Ice
♥ Black opaque knee highs – We Love Colors
♥ Hi-top sneakers – Forever 21

Anyway. Hope you all have a great weekend. I highly suggest you listen to all these songs; they’re just a select few of my favorites. The next time we see each other I’ll probably be in Canada – I’ll try to make at least a couple posts while I’m away :) Until then.

P.S. I still have stuff for sale in the Boutique (though I won’t be able to ship until I return). I’ll let you know if/when I add more!

Mates of State: Fun x 2

Amy — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 03:04:00 +0000

So I told you I’d let you know how the concert went. Ah-mazing. They are just as fun in person.

For those who don’t know, Mates of State is an indie pop rock duo comprised of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel, a super-cute married couple (with two kids who come along on tour, I might add) who originally met and formed their unstoppable team of two in Lawrence, Kansas, and released their first of five full-length albums in 2000.

I love Mates of State for their energy, originality, their use of keyboards and Casio synthesizers, and their unparalleled vocal harmonies. For all the information you can handle, visit their Wikipedia page and website.

Here are some songs to pick up your spirits (click if you want to watch the videos).

“Ha Ha”

Get Better

Goods (All In Your Head)

Fraud in the 80s

My Only Offer

And one of my favorites: Running Out (click)

Speaks for itself, right? Click to purchase their music, or follow their blog, Band on the Diaper Run.

This too shall pass…

Amy — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:31:08 +0000

…or so I tell myself. On the other hand, a team of engineers + indie rock = this. Enjoy.

Blast From the Past

Amy — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:04:53 +0000

Hawksley Workman–for those of you who don’t know, a little Canadian gem of a musician–has had me enamored watching old music videos all night. I remember well (Last Night We Were) The Delicious Wolves in 2001, when “Striptease” came out. Those were good times. Here are a few of my faves.

Hawksley Workman – Piano Blink

Well done man, well done. I salute thee.

Toybox (September 27, 2009)

Amy — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:10:39 +0000

Toybox is back after a two-week hiatus (courtesy of grad school and other issues). This past week was especially overwhelming and bittersweet, so I’m keeping this brief and including a few of my favorite Smashing Pumpkins videos for old-school, angsty atmosphere. Here’s to sharing our sorrow and wonder.

Kron by KronKron photoshoot by Saga Sig. Great shoes, great photography.

The 50 States Project: 50 photographers, 50 states, 1 year. Very cool! (thanks Teresa)

There’s a really cool Recycled Houses slideshow at the New York Times website. (thanks Emily)

These amazing recycled wallets from Dinomighty are earth-friendly and practical. (thanks Gala)

“At the Grave of My Guardian Angel: St. Louis Cemetery, New Orleans” by Larry Levis
(thanks Lindsay)

At sixteen I was so vulnerable to every influence
That the overcast light, making the trash of addicts & sunbathers suddenly clearer
On the paths of the city park, seemed death itself spreading its shade
Over the leaves, the swan boats, the gum wrappers, and the quarreling ducks.
It took nothing more than a few clouds straying over the sun,
And I would begin falling through myself like an anvil or a girl’s comb or a feather
Dropped, tossed, or spiraling by pure chance down the silent air shaft of a warehouse,
The spiderweb in one fourth-floor window catching, in that moment, the sunset…
(read the entire poem here)

And that’s it. Thanks for bearing with me, and please do watch those videos. They are the breath of me right now.

Sundry Sunday – Animation Station

Amy — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:42:05 +0000

Today’s a lazy day, so I’ve got some really cool animated music videos to delight your eyes and ears. Enjoy!

That last one’s my favorite. I’m starting another week of my field seminar tomorrow, but will do all I can to keep up the posting. I hope your fireworks were plentiful.

Toybox Tuesday (June 30, 2009)

Amy — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:54:20 +0000

So I was going to do a normal mix today, with a little tribute at the end–but then I found too many cool Michael Jackson links. Tuesdays are, after all, about love and whimsy–and he is the epitome of both.

What? Did you really think I wasn’t going to mention it? :) As always, there’s a risk of flak if I say it, but as human beings go, MJ is pretty much my hero, and I’m sad to see him go. So here are some of the best things I’ve found this week.

A Tribute to My Friend, Michael Jackson

Deepak Chopra gives a pretty cool first-hand account of Michael in his final days (and at some of his best and worst moments).

Writing Songs With My Friend, Mike

Gotham Chopra, who met Michael at fifteen, details a very different (but memorable) experience.

The End of an Era

Nubby Twiglet gives a sweet and stylish tribute to her hero, the King of Pop.

And now, the videos…
(Remember to watch in hi-def.)

I love the crowd going wild in this. And yes–he can still dance like that. I know, right? Word is Jackson had been rehearsing eight hours per day for his summer comeback tour.

This segment is particularly fun. It kind of speaks for itself.

Because I know you guys want to see the whole thing.

Edit: Just adding this now–for those who love him and those who doubt him. Please watch this–it sheds a lot of light. (Make sure you give it a minute and let it load–it’s well worth it.) If you want more detail on a lot of the things mentioned here, see the video below.

This interview is even more revealing–taken from “Living With Michael Jackson,” a documentary by Martin Bashir in 2003. This is Part 1 of 5–make sure you watch the other parts. Please note that the documentary itself was later discerned to be somewhat biased against Jackson, and this should not be bought into. However, it is full of details about Jackson’s life, which give perspective on not only who he was, but why and how he progressed the way he did.

We lost a fashion icon, pop sensation, and inspiration, guys. Shun the non-believers! This one is pure magic, and I hope you’ll remember that.