MUSIC BREAKDOWN // SAM SPARRO - BLACK & GOLD

 Sam Sparro for German fashion magazine TUSH

SAM SPARRO - BLACK & GOLD {Spotify}

I think of autumn and beer pong at the neighbor's house. I think of Asheville, North Carolina and the chill of mountain air.  It brings me the kind of joy and warmth you get when you're surrounded by Christmas lights or handed a package of fresh, home baked cookies. 

I'm talking of course, about the flood of feeling that emerges when you're listening to an old, nostalgia inducing song. A song is like an old friend that you revisit time and time again - to get caught up, to learn something new, to just smile back at one another. 

Those strange, childish, heart feeling... things.

When I was first introduced to this song about four years ago, I was spellbound. I couldn't stop listening, and I haven't since. 

What songs make you feel? How do you tie them into your life? If you had to pick 12 songs to be the permanent soundtrack to your life, what would they be? 

BLACK

Calvin Klein bra / Wedge trainers / Zara leather shoes / Canvas handbag / Jas MB backpack bag / Foley + Corinna black handbag / Catarzi straw fedora hat, $48 / Stila waterproof mascara / Butter London , $27 / Diptyque Baies Noir Candle

GOLD

Bandolera metallic leather jacket / Dorothy Perkins sequin blazer / Christian Louboutin platform booties / Esquivel low heels / Lanvin metallic clutch, $1,460 / Gold handbag / Alex and Chloe yellow gold ring / Warehouse metallic belt, $23 / Burberry

MUSIC ON A TUESDAY: FRANK OCEAN ON SNL

I'm so in love with this. I hope you will be too.

I happened to catch this episode of SNL, and I'm just going to confess my love of Frank Ocean. What a voice! And check out that style. Kid's got it. So even though this isn't directly fashion related, Music is stylish! 

Image via iamboigenius.

FRANK OCEAN - THINKING ABOUT YOU *VIA NBC'S SNL


FRANK OCEAN: PYRAMIDS *VIA NBC'S SNL

SONGSTRESS STYLE: AN INTERVIEW WITH ODESSA ROSE

 

 

As sweet as local honey and with a voice to match, Odessa Rose will leave a taste in your mouth you won't soon forget.

 

Odessa's folk inspired sound has oh so easily won over the Nashville natives she's performed for; most recently performing for local jean artisans, Imogene + Willie at their August edition of SUPPER & SONG, a monthly event filled with talented musicians, stylish people, good shopping and delicious eats.

 

Oh and it's BYOB too. Because, you know, that's how we roll in Nashville.

 

You can get a taste of Odessa's sultry sound in Imogene + Willie's F/W VIDEO  where she performs "Hummed Low". If you're a Nashville local you can find Odessa's EP at Imogene + Willie - all of which have hand drawn covers! Don't miss out.

 

If you're not within reach of I+W -- you can find more of Odessa's musical stylings HERE and her Facebook HERE.

 

INTERVIEW WITH ODESSA ROSE

LM: What inspires you when choosing pieces to add to your wardrobe? 

ODESSA: the color yellow. sleep deprivation. marijuana. 

LM: How do you choose your daily ensemble? Are you a planner or do you just throw something together in a hurry?  
ODESSA: i really wish that i could be naked all of the time...so i change my clothes until the outcome feels the most comfortable on my body. i never plan anything.

 

LM: What pieces in your closet can you not live without?

ODESSA: right now... my long yellow polyester sundress, my high waisted white jeans, and my blue suede heels. 

  

LM: What is your all time most despised fashion trend?

ODESSA: The 80ies. 

 

LM:Favorite Fashion trend?

ODESSA: Colorblock

LM:Do your music choices influence the way that you dress?

ODESSA: Maybe sometimes subliminally.

LM: Name five items you never leave the house without:

ODESSA: My small red notebook (that holds my id and money inside) a mason jar full of water. My two turquoise rings. A fine point pen. Coconut oil.

 

LM: Favorite designers / labels / why?

ODESSA: D&G. They make pieces that make women look stunning. Besides that, I don't have any specific favorite designers really. I love vintage clothes. Clothes from the 70ies are my digs. Long slender dresses in light pastels, high waists and leather fringe. yum. 

{All Images via ODESSA ROSE}

VIDEO STYLE BREAKDOWN: GRIMES // GENESIS

You may remember my previously noted obsession with GRIMES who's ethereal voice and creative style won me over without hesitation. Well, she's captured my attention again - and this time with her latest video for "Genesis" (Off of her new album Visions) in which she shares her love of far out fashion influences combined with medieval weapons. What? Yeah. Exactly.  

Techno-pocalypse?

"Genesis" has a slightly apocalyptic/gothic feel that fools you into thinking you're watching some far out flick set in some distant, quirky future. It's like, "Oh! Snakes! Oh! Flaming swords and maces! Oh man, what a great spandex body suit with metal armor! I wish I had metal armor!" Okay, but really -- my inner monologue aside, the video is incredibly fun to watch and just as amazing to listen to. You wouldn't expect such a soft and sweet voice to come from someone otherwise so ballsy and experimental. I also can't stop envisioning Xena Warrior Princess with an electric twist. Or something. 

Oh and in case you're wondering - and I know you are, the techno temptress in the vulcan / chola makeup would be LA based rapper, Brooke Candy, who completely steals the show with her wow-worthy outfits and flowing dreadlocks. PLUS LOOK AT THOSE SHOES! Have you ever tried to traverse a desert landscape in flat forms? That girl deserves an award.  

Don't miss out on the fun -- go see what all the fuss is about. "Genesis" has over a million hits and has only been out for a few days. That says something, right?

{STYLE BREAKDOWN}
Channel the techno apocalypse in this great Grimes-esque gear. You'll be prepared for zombies AND the dance floor.

Hedonia bustier crop top, $46 / Sheer legging / Black booties / Platform high heels / Bakers spike jewelry / Fingerless leather gloves / Lord & Berry matte lipstick, $17

All photos via Grimes' "Genesis" Video

SONGSTRESS STYLE: FLORENCE WELCH

Needing no introduction,  Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine has garnered the attention of music and fashion lovers alike with her flirty and fiery personality and style to match. You know what they say about red heads, right?

I remember my first Florence experience - it was one of those epic (although I don't condone the use of this word outside of World of Warcraft chat rooms, it seems appropriate here) moments when a song just pierces through your heart and settles inside the deepest parts of you. I'm speaking of course about "Cosmic Love" off of her catchy 2009 album, Lungs.

Everything out of her mouth just meant something to me. Those intense love songs were jarringly haunting; I felt rattled to the core. Every woman who has ever loved and lost has at one time proclaimed "Cosmic Love" as her anthem, I promise.

COSMIC LOVE

When she's not busy winning over the hearts of countless romantically forlorn women, she's busy being tasteful and chic.  Florence has such a wide array of styles that she incorporates into her day to day looks, it's really quite impressive! 

 Florence is always going for bold, creative prints - most of which remind me of intricate tapestries or vintage wall-papers. Prints have really taken a trendy turn the last few seasons. Amazing separates, blazers, and my personal favorite incarnation, floral jeans.

These aren't your grandmother's printed separates. 

Karl Lagerfeld took notice of the fiery siren and her whimsical, sweet and stylish nature -- including introducing her 'Boticelli Venus style' from inside a massive white clam during the Chanel Spring 2012 Paris Fashion Week runway show. Florence looked like a vision! 

Chanel Spring 2012 Paris Fashion Week

Harpers Bazaar also channeled this glowing goddess with an incredible spread, incorporating soft lighting, flowy old Hollywood gowns and an ever so slight bohemian flair. All of my favorite things! Favorite thing overload! 

You can find the interview with Harpers Bazaar HERE & Florence's style profile HERE for more great Florence & The Machine Fashion.

Images:

 1. Source:  Chanel Ready to Wear s/s 2011 Getty Images - Bauer Griffin 2. Florence Welch at Mercury Music Prize 9th Sept 2009 3. Photo by Nina Westervell/MCV Photo for Refinery29.com 4. Chanel Runway S/S 12 5. Chanel Runway - Getty Images 6-8. Harpers Bazaar UK July 2012 

MILEY CHOPS IT ALL OFF!

Alright, on occasion I'm prone to celebrity obsession. Not quite to the extreme as some of those I know - but still enough for it to be hilarious. My point being: 

HAVE YOU SEEN MILEY CYRUS' HAIR!? 

If you've done anything at all online today I'm sure you're already aware of this media wildfire. I'd say it was nearly as memorable as when Britney went rogue that fateful February in 2007, buzzing off her blonde locks and then subsequently attacking the paparazzi. But yeah.

via @ChrisMcMillan Twitter

Via @MileyCyrus on Twitter

I don't care if you hate it. I LOVE IT. If I were half as brave I'd follow suit and chop mine off too. Jealous. She's adorable and quirky with an ever so appropriate edge and she has the style to match. Cute, cute, cute.

Way to go, Miley! Does anyone else see the striking resemblance between Miley and Agyness Deyn?

And just for good measure:

Remember to always make good hair decisions. 

SONGSTRESS STYLE: RUBY FROST

Jane de Jong, aka Ruby Frost is the most recent sensation to come out of New Zealand; a pink haired siren with a Bjorkish synth-pop sound, an easy to recognize voice, and even easier to recognize style. 

Frost was quickly noticed back in 2009 after winning a nationwide MTV competition and was immediately signed on by Universal Music.   She also went on to win the Grand Prize in section one of the pop category in The John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2010 with her song "Hazy". 

Working with U.S. producer Chris Zane (Passion Pit, Mumford and Sons, Heartsrevolution)certainly didn't hurt, as the self proclaimed sequin queen released her latest album, Volition, this past June. You can find more Ruby Frost via her Youtube, HERE.

Although Ruby Frost is a new name to the music scene, you might as well become accustomed to it. She has a spark and enthusiasm that few musicians fully muster up and it's clear to see that same spark and enthusiasm translates effortlessly into her style.

She isn't afraid to share a bit of shock value with her audience, which is somewhere in line with Lady Gaga, another beauty with a penchant for sequins, furs, and any fashion faux pas that might raise an eyebrow or two. 

Frost also isn't the only New Zealand native to hit the mainstream this past year - Kimbra made waves after the release of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" and hasn't left the lime light since. Just more proof that we haven't seen the last of these talented New Zealanders. 

Ruby Frost - Water to Ice

STEAL RUBY'S STYLE

Try accessorizing with unique and colorful statement necklaces and rings. The bolder, the better. How about an "Evil Eye" pendant? Crystal is still a huge trend this year, and I'll go ahead and predict that it will remain that way for fall. Especially due to Chanel's F/W 2012 runway.

DANNIJO long chain necklace / Maison Martin Margiela solitaire jewelry / Talullah Tu stone necklace, $41 / Ring / Yellow gold jewelry, $17 / Crystal ring

Image Credit: 

1. Calypso Paoli for Remix Magazine 2. Rene Vaile 3. Rene Vaile

STYLE + SONG: BEACH HOUSE

Let's just say there existed two people who had the potential to make the misplaced styles of the mid-nineties fashionable again - would you believe me? I know as impossible as it may seem, the duo behind Baltimore based ethereal-pop group Beach House have somehow managed such a drastic feat.  

Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally aren't only masterminds in the music arena, but also in their approach to fashion; integrating not only the nineties youth culture vibe but a variety of styles from the last three decades. 

It's that vintage feel that makes Beach House a cleverly concocted blend of the nostalgia of things past and an explosive burst of NOW. 

The adorably dapper style of Scally mixed with the electric sexiness of Legrand make for an eye full - boasting cute and quirky combinations like blazers with polos, lace with fishnets, and just a hint of 'mom jean'. Legrand's delightfully disheveled hair also adds to the intrigue. 

Legrand & Scally exist as some strange, stylish whole - making cutesy matchy-matchy almost acceptable, as if one fashion faux pas wasn't enough for them to conquer.

GET THE LOOK:

You can integrate a few flashback pieces into your wardrobe too if you're feeling a little nineties nostalgia. Stay versatile and on trend by picking statement pieces that will make any outfit pop.  Try switching your purse out for a mini backpack or revisiting your childhood fascination with friendship bracelets.

Party like it's 1999. 

Victoria's Secret PINK travel bag / DANNIJO friendship bracelet / American Apparel black eyewear / Deborah Lippmann nail polishes / Cheap Monday Layer boot Black

Images:

1 + 2. Elizabeth Weinberg for Nylon Magazine 3. Jason Nocito for Paper Magazine 4-6. David Ellison for Sup Magazine

STYLE + SONG // LANA DEL REY - THE NEW FACE OF H&M

This past July one of the most important announcements was made in favor of all of humanity. No, I'm not talking about the Higgs Boson discovery - I'm talking about something far more impressive in scope and application. At least for me. While particles are busy colliding somewhere in some contraption in Switzerland - two other brilliant things are also colliding: Music & style. 

The announcement I'm so fondly referring to (if you haven't already heard) is the collaboration between Swedish multinational retailer, H&M and nearly overnight music sensation, Lana Del Rey, who has now become their new spokeswoman. 

[Pause for applause]

Now although you may not know exactly what this means for you yet, be assured that the impending result will be gut wrenchingly, wallet emptying...ly fabulous. 

Lana has since her very first moment in the spotlight, been elevated to fashion icon status. After all, it wasn't hard to do. Look at her! She has her fair share of haters, best believe - but even if you can't handle those pouty duck lips and deep crooning voice, you've at least got to admit, that girl could probably make a fast food carryout bag look sexy. 

H&M isn't the  first fashion related affair she's been involved in, though. In May, Mulberry, an English luxury brand released its highly anticipated "Del Rey" handbag in honor of the songstress. The bag was of course carried around by other fabulously stylish celebs like Sienna Miller, Jennifer Lawrence and Arizona Muse. 

Oh, but it doesn't stop there. 

NEXT Model Management, a global modeling force to be reckoned with has also signed on Del Rey. One more pretty face to add to their ever growing collection of total hotties (ex. Karlie Kloss, Petra Nemcova, Anja Rubik). 

As far as when to expect the release of this brilliant new campaign, just keep your eyes peeled for the autumn / winter 2012 collection which was described by H&M PR manager Chloe Bowers as "a modern and feminine woman with a soft attitude." Bowers went on to note that there will also be a lot of attention spent on fall's silhouettes, which will accentuate curves and the shape of the waist. 

Sounds good to me!

Del Rey will also be appearing in H&M's upcoming Holiday ads as well as appearing in a television mini-film advertisement featuring her rendition of the classic 1950's song, "Blue Velvet", to be released September 19th.

Images via Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin for H&M

Quote via Chloe Bowers for Vogue UK

SONGSTRESS STYLE: ELLIE GOULDING

If you haven't fallen completely head over heels for Ellie Goulding yet, then I'm sorry, but we just can't be friends. 

I mean, what's not to like? 

I could sing her praises for hours - not only on the musical front, but look at this brazen blonde's swoon worthy style! I guess I'm kind of partial to blondes, being one myself - but that bias aside, the girl has talent! Lots of it. 

Topping the charts in the US and in the UK and going platinum (not just the hair-color) must get exhausting, but it appears she still has time enough to go shopping.

 Goulding sports a wide array of stylish looks ranging from sophisticated to playful and hits every trend right on, never over accessorizing or looking too fussy. 

 As much as I could ramble on about her chic wardrobe and gorgeous blonde locks, her talent is what really makes her unique. She's not just another pretty face.  Even though her face is like, suuuuper pretty.

STEAL ELLIE'S STYLE: 

Peplum top, $39 / Alice In The Eve leather legging, $84 / Dolce Vita high heels / Mimco handbag, $525

If you haven't been able to tell - Ellie loves her some leather. Try investing in a pair of leather leggings or pants this fall and pairing them with a floaty, feminine top. It's the perfect combination of good girl / bad girl. 


While we're on the topic of leather-wear, how about an awesome and ever so slightly intimidating leather jacket to complete your fall wardrobe? If you're not into looking like a total badass (wtf) and still want to retain all your feminine charms - why not try a pastel pink or white alternative?

Burberry Prorosum // Topshop $360 // Topshop $116

IMAGE CREDIT

Images: 1. 2011 American Music Awards - Getty Images 2. Burberry Prorsum Arrivals - LFW Autumn/Winter 2011 - Getty Images 3. PacificCoastNews.com 4. Burberry Spring/Summer 2012 - Getty Images 5. Charlotte Ronson Spring/Summer 2012 - Getty Images 6. Arriving at David Letterman February 2012 7. Elle Women in Music - Bauer Griffin 8.PacificCoastNews.com