Happy Chrismukkah!

Ben & I put up a Christmas tree yesterday (in a completely secular way).

Since this is our first xmas, we don't have an accumulated collection of sentimental ornaments... we stuck with the classic glass balls in blue and gold, with a few random red ones.

I hung the ornaments while Ben attached the hooks (which I didn't even know you had to buy!) and we watched football. The Eagles & the Ravens won yesterday, so we were both happy :)



YouDee is our tree topper, and with all the blue & gold ornaments, i guess that makes this a UD themed tree... is that totally lame, or awesome?

And of course, it's not hanukkah without an electric menorah in the window.

Cyber Tuesday

Yesterday was Cyber Monday (essentially, Black Friday for the internet). Bloomingdale's was running incredible sales: 40% off select regular-priced merchandise, 50% off sale merchandise.

Unfortunately, the website was totally f-ed up all day, making purchasing things impossible.

So today I called them and made it my personal Cyber Tuesday... somehow I was able to convince them to honor yesterday's 40% off deal and give me free shipping. And I'm very excited to receive new jeans! Hooray!



7 for All Mankind "Roxanne" Skinny Jeans in New York Dark

I promise they look better in person than on this awkward model.

Also, this might be the very first time I've ordered jeans online, since it's so hard to find jeans that fit. It just so happens that I have a pair of Roxanne's in black waxed denim...so I'm pretty psyched for a pair in the classic 7s color, New York Dark.

Dear readers, do you ever order jeans online?

[also available on the 7 website]

Love is a New Handbag

one of the many, many reasons why ben is so amazing:



image from LouisVuitton.com

October Was a Good Month

Some highlights from the month of October:


Family Weekend @ Delaware



Girl Talk @ Sonar (Tiff visited for the weekend!!!)



Homecoming @ Delaware



Halloween Farm Party on the Rutgers Research Farm



Halloween in Fells & Canton

270...Here We Come!

did you vote today?






GOBAMA!


free poster from Design for Obama (with thanks to Sarah for the tip!)

Epic Win

HOLY SHIT KATE MOSS AND I HAVE THE SAME BOOTS



my awesomeness quotient has just improved 300%

(the Minnetonka Lace-Up boot, $75.95 at Nordstrom.com)

Can I Borrow $5K?

Jil Sander is one of the most incredible fashion design houses. Based in Germany, the line is appropriately minimalist. And minimalist in the best and most lust-worthy way (not the minimalist-is-just-a-nice-way-of-saying-boring way).

This particular dress struck my eye in a magazine ad not too long ago, and I haven't been able to get it out of my head since:



(A/W 08, model is Natasha Poly)

I was stalking the Neiman Marcus website, and the dress is available for online order! And there's only one size in stock - a 34/4 - which would probably fit with minimal tailoring.

Best of all, the dress is a mere $4,975.00

Can I borrow a few bucks?

Free Tickets are the Best Kind

Ben & I got free tickets to Sunday's Ravens game vs the Cleveland Browns.

It was hot as balls for most of the game, but the Ravens won and looked pretty decent, even compared to the crappy Browns.

Flacco was getting much love from Baltimore which made me happy. :)



It was very humid. My hair was big.

Oktoberfest in Septemberfest

Ben & I went to Oktoberfest this weekend. It's an annual tradition, we get together with his best friends from high school and drink our faces off. This year was a complete shit show in the best way possible.That being said, there aren't too many good pictures.

However, we did discover one of mankind's greatest inventions:

Stamps go Sexy

CNN posted an absolutely hilarious story on Thursday.

The USPS printed advertisements for special stamps with pictures of ducks (I guess someone out there really loves duck stamps). On the ad is printed a phone number for stamp ordering.

The phone number should be 1-800-STAMP24, but a typo results in the phone number spelling out 1-800-TRAMP24.

The mental image of an innocent old lady stamp collector being greeted by a $1.99/minute sex phone operator...pretty fantastic.

Article Here.


p.s. posted using the new Google Chrome browser. Not bad.

I'm a 3 Time Virgin

So I have an excuse for my recent hiatus... my roommate moved to her new apartment, and the cable modem went with her. After Comcast was 5 hours late on Monday (quite the story, but I'll spare you) I finally have internet back.

A lot's happened since my last post. First things first!

VIRGIN MOBILE FESTIVAL 2008>
This was my third year at the Fest (out of 3, I'm calling it my "threepeat") and I'll honestly say that last year was better. This is due in large part to (in my opinion) a better line up last year, but I'm not complaining - this year's Festival was fantastic.

The best of what I saw? I'd say Bloc Party, Chromeo, Wilco, and Underworld, in no particular order. Iggy & The Stooges were also excellent, but we were unfortunately far back. That man is incredible - he's just as cool as he was in the 70's, only less stoned.

Some highlights:


Suzanne & Mike came to the Festival too & stayed at my place, yay! We tailgated before the Festival both days.


Ben & I were really happy to see Wilco as always. I <3 href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank">
I got headbutted by a drunk/high/crazy girl who was wildly dancing/running/flailing. This is the aftermath. But I managed to get right back into the tent and sort of dance (bop) with ice on my eyebrow.

I love live music.

Moving on.
Shira visited last weekend! :D


I took her to my favorite local Korean dive for karaoke and drinks. Good times.


Kristyn stopped by for a quick rendition of our favorite karaoke tune, "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" by the greatest singer in the world.

...that would be Celine Dion if you're still wondering.

p.s. note the new hair in the second set of pics ;)

October 26, 2008 Needs to Hurry Up and Get Here

According to this Wikipedia article, Guitar Hero World Tour (commonly referred to as Guitar Hero IV, or Guitar Hero Trying to be Rockband) will include "One Armed Scissor" by At the Drive-In.



I almost fell out of my chair I was so excited! ATDI's Relationship of Command is one of my favorite albums evarrr.

Why why why must they torture us by making us wait until the end of October for the glory of being a living room rock star??

Check the setlist - which song are you psyched to live your fantasies through?


[GHWT release date info from IGN.]

Are Hipsters the Horsement of the Apocalypse?

Ben discovered this fantastic Adbusters article via Stumble. The writer argues that Hipsters are "a youth subculture that mirrors the doomed shallowness of mainstream society." Essentially, Hipster subculture is useless - it doesn't stand for anything.

Hippies wanted peace and cheap weed.
Punks wanted anarchy and loud music.
Hip Hop wanted social reform and louder basslines.

Those scenes (in their original, true, subcultural forms) no longer exist.

Hipsters want cheap PBRs, a new unsigned band every week, and a massive thrift store next door to American Apparel.

I'm not saying I don't want those Hipstery things myself, but the article almost makes me feel bad about it.

Read the article.
Tell me - are Hipsters bringing the death of Western society?

ML Presents: DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist Present: The Hard Sell (& More Artistic Love)

This week was full of music & art & happiness.

Wednesday Ben & I went down to the 930 Club to see DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist Present: The Hard Sell. It was excellent.

The basic concept is the two master turntablists make music using exclusively first pressings of 45s, 8 turntables, a couple of mixing boards, and some effect pedals. Lots of cameras provide a live feed to the mega-screens, alternating with trippy animations. AWESOME.

It was really difficult to get pictures, but here's one of the best:


DJ Shadow on the right, Cut Chemist on the left

A short video I took - it's crappy, but came out way better than I had expected:



Saturday we went to Artscape, "America's largest free public arts festival." Except it costs $15 to park and $3 to use the ATM. But you know, it's free.

//end rant.

It's a Baltimore institution, taking place over the weekend with lots of music, art for sale, installations, etc. We saw some awesome stuff, and some mediocre stuff. and it was HOT.

We rode the ferris wheel for $1 each.


We snuck into the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, and it is gorgeous.


I met a nice guy who let me play with his hula hoop.


Sunday we went to Whartscape, Wham City's alternative version of Artscape. Basically a major hipster music festival, with lots of awesome/awful fashion and short sets.

Dan Deacon played and he was incredible as always. His shows are like the best dance party you've ever been to, where everyone loves each other. There are few people who can get an entire mosh pit to run in a circle and then switch directions with a shout, but Dan Deacon can.
Dan's in the orange.


I LOVE THIS CITY!

First Post from the Booberry

But I just need to share this.

http://www.pandora.com/music/song/death+cab+for+cutie/cath

I'm really fucking obsessed with this song.

UPDATE: video!!




(I promise my next music post won't be about Deathcab.)

What's you latest song of obsession?

America, Fuck Yeah

This weekend was awesome. Tiff visited from NYC, Reza visited from Montgomery county, and Becca came all the way from AZ!

Some highlights...

Wednesday night: Becca arrives! We go out to dinner at LP Steamers and for drinks at Lime.


Silly ladies

Thursday: Ben, Scott, Becca & I went over to Canton for lunch & to pick up some party supplies.


We got a watermelonbaby.


We decided to bottlefeed the watermelonbaby.

Thursday night: Ben, Tiff, Reza & I went out in Fed Hill.





Friday: Sarah & Maggie threw a fantastic 4th of July party.


Showin' the Red, White & Blue some love


Blue Hens, in the rain, down at the harbor, for fireworks!

Saturday: Ben, Tiff, Reza, Kristyn & I went shopping in Fed Hill, then met up with Eric at the O's game.


We got new sunglasses.



Saturday night: Ben, Eric, Kristyn, Tiff & I went to Aloha Tokyo for karaoke. Kristyn, Tiff & I found our new calling in life.



Sunday: Brunch at Little Havana's & serious detox.

It was a really, really good weekend.

Happiness is a Warm Robot

I discovered this absolutely incredible video on YouTube today. If you are a fan of Wall-E, Pixar, animation, or general cuteness, you MUST watch.



Which robot is your favorite?
I'm a huge fan of M-O.

There are a ton of great Wall-E videos out there on the interwebs. Many of them consist of Wall-E meeting various household objects (hula hoop, bouncy balls, vacuum - remember this one from teh superbowl?) and all of them are priceless.

I fucking love Pixar.

Your Heart Was Dying Fast

A couple of weekends ago, Ben & I ventured over to Fells for a lovely summer Sunday afternoon. We stopped by the fantastic and independent record store The Sound Garden to pick up some new tunes.

My selections:
Hard-Fi - One Upon a Time in the West
We are Scientists - With Love and Squalor
Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs

I'm really enjoying all 3 albums. If you haven't checked out any of these artists, I highly recommend you get yourself to the nearest MySpace.

The main motivation for this post is to discuss Death Cab's Narrow Stairs. I'll admit, I had my doubts, based on historical events.

I liked Transatlanticism (2003) better than Plans (2005);
and I liked The Photo Album (2001) & We Have The Facts And We're Voting Yes (2000) equally more than I liked Transatlanticism.
You Can Play These Songs With Chords (1997, re-released 2002) will always hold a special place in my heart, in its rawness and youthfulness. And for having a physical photographic slide as the album art (not done justice in an internet image).



Plans felt too mainstream and safe to me. I love Transatlanticism for being my first Death Cab album, and also for the intensity and the shadow of some serious rocking out.

The Photo Album and We Have the Facts... are very emotionally naked and the music is sparse, in a good way. You can see how the band was creating their sound and point of view. The lyrics on those two albums are incredible, and the drum beats are captivating. They delicately and successfully toed the line between too much emo-whining and too much rocking out.

But Narrow Stairs might be breaking my trend of disliking. Based on preliminary listens, it might not be the least favorite despite being the newest. The lyrics are good, not quite as enigmatic as I might expect but still thoughtful, and they do a great job of painting the mental picture. Ben Gibbard's voice has never been better. The beats and melodies reference (dare I say it?) "classic" Death Cab - in the best possible way.

"Long Division" reminds me of "A Movie Script Ending" from The Photo Album. Anyone else get that feeling?

Feedback? I'd love to hear some fellow DCFC fan thoughts.

Golden Gladiators

I ordered these little pretties on Zappos yesterday:


DV by Dolce Vita, Daisy-11

So excited about them. I'm seeing them with skinny jeans and American Apparel tees. Also I'm starting to notice that I've become obsessed with metallic shoes.

Rumor has it* that girls are wearing their gladiators buckled around the ankle of skinny jeans?
Should I even be allowed to consider this?





*yes I am well aware that this was discovered a month ago, but cut me some slack - Bmore isn't exactly fashion capital of the world, let alone even the state of Maryland.

NSFW Jewelery

This necklace from Vivienne Westwood (<3) is amazing:



I was about to order it...

but it's "out of stock."

Torture I say! TORTURE!

There Really Should be a Law About the Use of the Word "Fashion"

Heidi Montag's new single, Fashion, is a crime against humanity.

Observe:



(priceless lyrics included in the "more info" link here)

Thanks to Fashionista for the tip!

Weekend.

Friday night Ben & I went to Rams Head Live! to see Stephen Kellogg & the 6ers and Toad the Wet Sprocket.

SK6ers are my absoulte fave, and they were great as always. Unfortunately, they were "supporting" Toad, so they only played for 45 minutes. It was not nearly long enough.







Double unfortunately, I was feeling super-sick while we were waiting for Toad to come on, and we had to go home. I'm still not over it. :(


Saturday night was less unfortunate.
It was Somerfest at the Lancaster Liederkranz (German club). So lots of friends, yummy foods & booze.




After the 'fest I had my first (very overdue) Rock Band session.

I think I've found my true calling as a rockstar.

Justice Does It Again

the newest video from electronic music greats Justice, for 'Stress' - from the album cross.

justice stress (official video)
by 75_prod

pretty intense. and impossible to ignore.




considering the trifecta of videos that have come from this album - the other two being D.A.N.C.E. and DVNO, Justice has definitely shown a serious talent for the medium (especially in an age when MTV, MTV2 and VH1 don't show music videos).

Graduation Day

Ben's graduation was on Saturday, and it was a fantastic (and long!) day. Cal Ripken jr did not disappoint (you can read his commencement address here) and the very foreboding weather forecast did not ruin our day.

The sun came out just as all the graduates were processing onto the football field. And the first drop of rain didn't even fall until they began walking out. I'm convinced that UD has control over the weather - it's always gorgeous on important days, such as homecoming and DelaWorld (freshman orientation).

Some pictures from the big day!


Ben & I in front of the Amber Collection, inside Daugherty Hall (the gorgeous room with all the stained glass inside Trabant)


Me, Ben, Dr. Wagner, Matt, Brian
Ben, Matt, Brian and I all did our undergrad research with Dr. Wagner :)


Hugging my graduate - his department convocation was in the gym as you can see...


Me, Kristyn & Tiff at Tiff's party/shitshow on Saturday night <3

This is So Not Fair

This years commencement speaker at UD?

CAL RIPKEN JUNIOR!

It will even be webcast live...and there is a rumor it will be on ESPN.
Pretty excited to be there - especially since, oh you know, my boyfriend & best friends are all graduating.

But regardless, I'm so jealous.

Puzzling.

One of the most wonderful & terrible things about fashion is the way that motifs & trends are translated across brands/collections/designers.

Wonderful, because it can be so fascinating to study how different trends are interpreted by different brands. And because this interpretation allows for some trends to trickle down to those of us who can't quite shop off the runways.

Terrible, because of the sometimes blatant knocking-off; and because trends can easily slip into redundancy and over-saturation (um, hello LEGGINGS)

Anyway... I got a little distracted at work and discovered a fabulous example of motif translation:




YES! That is exactly what it looks like... the iconic Chanel 2.55 quilted bag with jig-saw puzzle quilting! It classic, status-y and doesn't take itself too seriously. Love it.

And the particular excitement is that this bag is reminiscent of those Kate Spade shoes I posted about not too long ago:



Eureka!


p.s.; for fantastic case studies of trickle-down theory, visit Fashionista's "adventures in copyrights"

[Chanel bag from Chanel.com. Kate Spade shoes from Bloomingdales.com]

UPDATE: The Electric Car Lives!

A while back, I posted about the very sexy & electric Tesla sportscar.

Fantastically, Tesla Motors just opened their first showroom/dealership in LA.




Plans are in the works for additional dealerships in Silicon Valley (near the corporate HQ), New York, and Chicago. According to CNN, "other cities" will get a Tesla showroom next year as well.

Let's hope Bmore is one of those mystery cities!

[Info & pic from CNN.com]

An Arguement Against the Mute Button

Recently, I've noticed that music in commercials has improved - at least among some of the major brands (that is, the ones with the huge advertising budgets).

For your listening, viewing and shopping pleasure, a self-complied list of recent commercials and the featured music. Mostly because when I hear good songs during television commercials, I want to know what it is. I imagine you might want to know as well, so I'll share my research:

IPod Touch : "Music is my Hot, Hot Sex" - CSS

Nike Sparq Training : "List of Demands (Reparations)" - Saul Williams

Cadillac Escalade: "Genesis" - Justice

Geico : "Remind Me" - Royksopp

Wendy's : "Satisfaction" - Benny Benassi

Old Navy : "The Way I Am" - Ingrid Michaelson

The craziest part is that I probably wouldn't even know who Saul Williams & Ingrid Michaelson were if it wasn't for their respective commercials. And I only found the Royksopp song randomly, when it came up on Pandora.

Seeing a trend?
This could be the next MySpace - the way generations Y & Z find new music.
Just my prediction.


Any other commercial music I missed? Or any commercial music you want to know more about? Leave a comment, and I'll post a follow-up soon :)

[commercial and music video links go to YouTube & so I can not guarantee authenticity. artist links are to official websites or MySpace]

Chalayan + Puma = L O V E ?

I hate to be late with news, but this is really exciting.

On February 28th, "sportlifestyle" brand Puma officially announced that they are appointing Hussein Chalayan as the brand's Creative Director.

Which is fantastic, because Hussein is one of my all time favorite designers (see blogger profile). Hopefully during his tenure at Puma, he'll produce some fashionable sportswear - and hopefully, it will be a little more accessible than his eponymous collection.

Why do I love him so? In a word, innovation.

You'll know what I mean through this video of his SS07 collection (possibly NSFW, watch the entire video and you'll see why):



FUCKING AMAZING.


&& major thank you to W Magazine for letting me know.

What New in ML's World?

A photographic journey of the last few weeks.


We went to Orioles Fan Fest & met the Oriole bird!




Kev & I saw The Manchester Orchestra in Towson, and it was awesome (and free...many thanks to my amazing cousin)


I went down to Ft. Lauderdale with the seniors for spring break. Here's Ben & I on the beach... I was excited


Tiffany auditioned for Project Runway and she let me model this amazingggg ensemble... I wore it in the presence of Tim Gunn & Jillian Lewis (still can't get over it)


To celebrate, we went to a fancy dinner at the Capital Grille... ladies at the bar


The whole crew at the Capital Grille (i <3 my friends)