Florence & the Machine

I've decided to take a different route with this post- I'll conform with my fellow bloggers and write a review. Florence & the Machine is undoubtedly one of the best bands I've ever listened to. Actually, I'm not sure if I could call it a band, as it's mainly Florence Welch and numerous backing instrumentalists. That being said, each member of the "band" makes the listener feel a variety of emotions, each sound echoing from their instrument is completely clear. And Florence's voice- it's virtually indescribable, but I'll make an attempt: it's a mixture of soul a la Dreamgirls's Effie, high notes that are pure as God knows what, jazzy, tender vibrato, and such musical maturity. Florence is literally the only artist I can listen to without winching at an off-key note, or getting bored with her tone. Because that's impossible- she's too good. I recently received the band's first album, Lungs, as a Christmas present(okay, so I kind of picked it out for myself at Target, and pretended to be all surprised when it popped out of my stocking, and I really can't stop listening to it. The first song, "Dog Days Are Over", shows of Florence's powerhouse vocals like no other. I just love the subtle echo they chose to have as she sings, it makes the song ring in your ears, which I think is a plus. It begins soft, with just Florence and guitarist Robert Ackroyd, and then progresses enormously into a rock-the-house tune, with insanely fast drumming, and layers of backup vocals. The best part is hearing that amongst the wild drumming and singing, the listener can hear very slow, simple piano chords, and a harpist. The song is just so... chiseled. It's so well thought out, it's mind boggling really. The rest of the album is no different. "Rabbit Heart(Raise it Up) is equally as heart-stopping and beautiful, and it just makes one want to dance like nobody's watching. The music video is so vintage and creative, and of course Florence's hair is fabulous- nobody can rock thick red locks and bangs like she can. Each song seems to have that echo effect, and not just with Florence's voice, but with all the instruments. The debut single, "Kiss With a Fist" has empowering lyrics, and excellent drum solos. It's so unique- you think it's going to be this crazy fast tune, but then it comes in with sort of a marching band beat, overlaid by muted vocals that sound like Florence is belting into a megaphone. "You've Got the Love" , a cover of Candi Staton's disco hit, has such a sweet melody, but of course, Florence makes it her own with a bit of an eerie tone. She actually sounds kind of like Cher, with dramatic dynamic changes(LOUD, soft LOUD, soft). The video for this song is great too- it's just Florence swinging in this disco esque room, with flashy blue lighting. "Hurricane Drunk", the album's recent fifth single, sounds somewhat improvised, but then you feel like you are being whisked away by Florence's soft yet strong vocals, with the ocean behind it, and the harp just adds to that "major minor major minor" feel. "Howl" is just what it sounds like- haunting. Somewhat screechy violins accompany once again powerhouse belting, "Girl With One Eye" is the one song I'm not crazy about on the album, but that may be because it's so different from the others- it's just Florence and an electric guitar for awhile, hitting high notes and singing about "getting your filthy fingers out of my pie", and "crushing a little heart out"- it's mildly creepy, but intriguing nonetheless. "My Boy Builds Coffins" is SO good, it's a little creepy as well. This song really showcases Florence's jazzy side for some reason, even though it's the farthest thing from a jazz song. I suppose it's because you hear the edginess and fast vibrato of her voice for the first time. She quietly sings about how "he's made one for me, someday he'll make one for you." The lyrics are so penetrating, they stay on your mind for a long time. "Blinding" is a mix between a revengeful song, a Christmas carol, and a lullaby. Florence belts about how "you're the one who held me under" with subtle bells and strings being plucked in the background, and yet the beat is soothing and rocking. See how diverse the album is? It's practically perfect. With flawless vocals, unique accompaniment, and just a variety of different types of songs, Florence & the Machine is on it's way, and I can't wait for their second album!

After Scouring TeenVogue.com

All of my favorite trends, the ones I've been trying to wear correctly for ages, but haven't been able to get exactly right, are coming back. Yes, florals may be predictable for the upcoming season(like, duh, it's spring, flowers, hellooo), but so called "Liberty florals" are undoubtedly in. Busy, often mismatched floral patterns are taking over shoes, dresses, and just about all other articles of clothing. Although I'm looking forward to seeing liberty florals around this spring, I'm gearing up for the latest do-it-yourself trends. I'm planning on attaching ribbons to a bunch of vintagy, oversized rings my mother has, and wearing them as necklaces. Teen Vogue suggests taking skinny jeans and splattering neon paint all over them- can you say, omg excellent idea?! I really want to take a peacoat and sew faux fur onto the collar. I'm kind of leaning towards bedazzling some shirts too...I know it's sad, but I have a feeling it's destiny. I recently purchased a bunch of technically vintage (I love thrift stores) Victoria's Secret Pink shirts, and they are dripping in sequins and lovely sayings are strewn across the front. I think overloading on glam and accessories and layers is going to be all over the place this spring. All the Teen Vogue layouts I've seen lately feature models hidden beneath 57439870527 oversized sweatshirts, 72350405203 chunky necklaces, a pair of thick leggings, and crazy high boots or heels. The article I wrote for my journalism class about fashion was more cynical than this post, I tore aspiring fashionista's dreams of rocking double denim apart, because frankly, it can't be done. That's why I'm glad I have this blog- I can ramble about what I want to wear this season, not what my peers shouldn't wear. I'm thinking as this post escalates, I'll mention some "fashion don'ts", but for now I'll stick with happier subjects- like Anna Sui's quirky runway hits. Think Victorian-era lace meets Where the Wild Things Are meets Russia. Allow me to explain. Loose flowing lacy dresses, paired with neon blue tights, with just one thick, high purple sock, with one of those fabulous traditional Russian caps (with a feather in it, nonetheless). Sometimes, said caps have faux fur wolf-like ears on the top. Edgy, yes. For everyone, no. Toning down this look, however, is easy. By excluding the hat and sock, you've got a safe for school, chic outfit. That is the case with most runway fashions- they are not appropriate for everyday wear, but simply removing an accessory or two (or seven thousand) creates an excellent ensemble. Take the latest trends from Jill Stuart, par example. Harsh yet girly dresses, poofed to the extreme, often paired with feathers galore (it doesn't even matter where you put them), are not something one can afford to wear to school, risking ketchup stains, and weird looks. However, an a-line skirt (a slight poof) and white gloves may make you the talk of Facebook statuses, but you'll be tea-party and school chic. Stella McCartney will undoubtedly save you from having to tone down one of her looks at all. Her runway fashions suggest simplicity. Throw a black peacoat over a straight cut, white dress, pair with chic boots, and you're ready. Although I adore piling on accessories, and I love lots of embellishment, sometimes less is more when it comes to fashion. It's strange...I haven't discussed cats at all in this post. I thought for sure I would. But it's not like you can wear cats. Although I suppose I could drape my kitty Jewel across my shoulders and just pet her as I walk through the city streets, she loves me too much to jump off, inevitably knocking off my neon wayfarers. On second thought, bad idea. Wow, I get sidetracked so easily. And it's not like I have flawless transitions between subjects either. I'm just like, fashion, sequins, boots, Stella, cats, ramble. Actually, that kind of defines my life right now, my style included. I'm an eclectic person, so my style is all over the place. Monday it's, oh hey conformity, hi Hollister and Abercrombie and Fitch. Tuesday, I'm all city-slicker chic, neon Doc Martens and shirts tucked into skirts a la Marc by Marc Jacobs. I think that's a good thing though. I mean, if I tried to rock high fashion looks constantly, I wouldn't necessarily be viewed as a Teen Vogue "It Girl". I'd just be... weird. It's a good idea to mix things up a bit, and not just by adding more crazy looks to my wardrobe. By simply planning out my week in clothes, I've reached a new level of Fahsionisaism (it's a word. Well, now it is, because I used it, duh). I'm taking control of my own style, with help and advice of course, from my beloved Teen Vogue.com

Oh hey Kristen Wig, you're fabulous.

SNL<3

SELFLIONZ

I really, really, really want lots of cats when I grow up. I have three right now. They are my life. End of story. Except this blog has to be 500 words long, so not end of story. Hmm, other things I like....umm, singing. RH Singers and Spectrum Singers have taken over the miniscule part of my life that is not consumed by cats. In terms of music itself, I love that sort of offbeat, indie stuff, although it's becoming quite cliche to listen to music like that. I will stick to the fact that I found the Noisettes and Vampire Weekend first, I was the one who rattled about unorthodox bands like that to my friends, who somehow informed Teen Vogue and Seventeen and the rest of the world, of such eclectic talent. My favorite band of all time however, no questions asked, is Blondie. I'm kind of obsessed with Debbie Harry and her voice and stage prescence and entire being. I mean, have you seen her acoustic version of "Heart of Glass"? It's too good. My boyfriend got me a DVD of Blondie live in the '70's, and I'm kind of addicted to it. That's another thing, my boyfriend. Liam Jameson Enright. I'm acting more like him every day- he's rather loud, rather dreadful at math, and rather perfect. He likes lions. Lions are really just big cats. It was meant to be. I always end up talking about cats, so feel free to close this post in disgust, and chuck your computer out the window. I may end up rambling about Finding Nemo as well, since it's the best movie EVER. Well at least I think so. It's extremely well-written, and it's not one of those movies you laugh through just once. Every single time I see it(so basically every weekend since 2003) I laugh, and I always cry at the end, when Dory says, "I look at you, and- and I'm home." Anyways, I should end this post for now. Cats.