How The Day Sounds

Ok so it's no secret that I kind of like this band called The National.  If by "kind of like" translates to what some would call an obsession then...that's probably closer to the truth.  I've accepted this and am learning to live with it everyday.  I hope my loved ones understand.  

Now I don't want this blog to become a tribute to The National but considering they are in town, I figured it would be acceptable to give them one more write up.  While they are currently touring with their latest release, High Violet, the band is also detouring into soundtrack territory.  First came movies, now comes games.  These side projects may seem random, but it is giving the band an opportunity to feature some different sounds that don't necessarily fit on albums.  While I've never heard of something called Portal 2, I'm assuming it's popular enough to warrant a sequel and a good way to get some new fans.  

In short, listen to The National.  Obama likes them.  Roger Sterling likes them.  Buy their stuff.  See them tonight at the Riverside.  I now promise to retire this band from my daily soundtracks and feature different music. 

The National - Exile Vilify by weallwantsome1

copying: Proenza Schouler PS1

Fashion is not always about reinventing the wheel.  Sometimes it's all about copying it.  Although, I'm sure they'd prefer a slightly more eloquent word for it.  Homage, tribute...something along those lines.  The point is the trickling down effect of trends and styles is an intrinsic part of the industry.  No one describes it better than Miranda Priestly in her cerulean sweater monologue (which does not exist on youtube so you're on your own on that one).  Sometimes it's just a color, sometimes it's an entire piece.  Here in lies my latest venture, where I take a runway-featured item and show its real world counterpart.  Sound good?  I know, majority of shoppers (ie those who don't obsessively read blogs, views slideshows, actually have lives, etc) don't care if their striped scarf is inspired by Prada or cat eye sunnies are Karen Walker knockoffs.  However, it's a peek into the industry and how its cycle works.  We can't all afford the real thing hence why some genius created the idea of fast fashion--offering up high fasion-inspired designs for a fraction of the cost.  Here we go....

First on the list is a popular, must-have bag for fashionistas everywhere.  It's been mentioned in every magazine and blog twice and photographed to death.  Proenza Schouler's PS1 bag is the perfect combo of utilitarian functionality and sleek design that goes with everything.  

(photos via net-a-porter)

It retails anywhere from $1200 to $2500, depending on your carrying needs. 

 It's a beauty, right?  Well, let's cue the knockoffs...

How The Day Sounds*

  

"Think You Can Wait"

The National

*Confession: this song has been out for weeks, possibly months, and I'm just finding out about it now.  I know, it's embarrassing.  There's nothing else to say.  Anyways, just take a listen and maybe check out Win Win, a relationship/family dramedy that features flaky parenting, high school wrestling and this song.

Clutch Players

When it comes to bags, my motto has always been the bigger the better.  How else would I get though the day without having all of my "essentials" at my finger tips?  I've had a patent leather clutch for a few years but relegated it to special occasion-use only because, well, it's small.  Like, only fit the absolute, bare bones essentials small.  I must say, all of the small pouches and clutches popping up lately has me questioning my loyalties.  Brightly hued or classically demure, I'm seriously considering giving minimalism a try.  Perhaps my spring cleaning will start with my purse.   

alexander wang (shopbop)

celine

comme des garcons

asos

asos

10/9 c

Manhattan

ella fitzgerald

to do list: movies

I'm not really a fan of summer releases since most of them are spectacle-laden stereotypes with bloated budgets and mindless plots.  Ok, so that's a total generalization and harsh, but what can I say, it's not really my style.  Thankfully, there are still some quality films that I can't wait to see.  While most are set to come out this fall/winter, there are a few summer releases that will hopefully make up for Killers and The A-Team.  I'll keep adding to the list as trailers are released.


NEVER LET ME GO (sept. 15)

Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightly star in this erie film about a mysterious English boarding school and the students who attend.  The trailer makes me feel completely depressed and freaked out, which is weirdly a good thing when it comes to my trailer barometer.  It's based on a critically acclaimed novel that is also next on my reading list.




SOMEWHERE (dec. 22)

Sofia Coppola's lastest film follows similar patterns to her past films, but that is far from a complaint.  This also means another stellar soundtrack, this time created by her fiance Thomas Mars' band Phoenix.  Even though the trailer doesn't give too much away plot-wise, i think it's perfect and highlights the themes and tone.




INCEPTION (july 16)

One of the only tent-pole movies on my list due to its impressive cast (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Leonardo Dicaprio, Ellen Page, Michael Cane, Cillian Murphy....) and director (Christopher Nolan).  I still have no idea of what it's entirely about, but I have faith that it'll be easier to understand upon viewing even if leo had some troubles.



HARRY POTTER (nov. 19)

Come on, it's "the motion picture event of a generation."

From the makers of J.Crew

Madewell has arrived.  For those of us not lucky enough to live within easy access to the handful of retail stores there is finally a way to own the affordable, er, made well, line.  While they started out making jeans in 1937, Madewell has successfully branched out to easy, cool pieces reminiscent of its parent company at the same affordable prices.  Their official website now offers online shopping, making it an equal opportunity for us non-coastal shoppers.  Considering a trip to King of Prussia, PA is out of the question (the closest store to Wisco), this is very exciting news for me.  While I have little experience with the store, I have been really tempted by the pieces offered by Bop and what I've seen of Alexa Chung's line for Madewell.  Once through the site and I've already compiled a list of lustworthy pieces that would complete my summer wardrobe.....

Trailer Park

There are very few things I like more than a really good trailer.  That is part of the reason I love seeing movies in the theater.  While most people plan to arrive 15 minutes late, just in time for the opening credits, I get my seat 15 minutes early, anxiously anticipating the four or so previews.  It's like its own little presentation, one I am equally if not more excited about seeing.  And if they suck, well that is kind of a bummer for the actual feature.  The ones that really get me instantly give me chills.  And a decisive score or musical choice doesn't hurt either.  Trailer for Atonement and There Will Be Blood are still some of the best I've seen.  Elements that do not bode well: anything that starts with "In a world.... in a deep, announcer-y voice.  Or divulging the entire plot in 2 minutes.  Or anything starring Miley Cyrus.....

100 % medically accurate

After spending the past 3 months surrounded by movies as an intern at a film fest, I've fallen behind in my film news.  That is the only excuse I can come up with for how I let a movie about a human centipede, er, crawl past my radar.  Well, lucky for me (well it'd probably be more like "lucky"), I have managed to find tons of reading material about what some have dubbed 2010's most barfiest movie and the most disgusting horror film of all-time.  Just going off the name The Human Centipede (First Sequence), you could probably deduce some key elements of the film: low budget, campy, terrible acting, a deformed human with an increased number of extremities, a sequel is coming.  At least that's what I thought until I actually googled it.