Dragonette's Martina Sorbara

A couple weeks ago, I started researching upcoming concerts in my area because I realized I'm not seeing enough live music anymore. I discovered Dragonette in the process and was instantly drawn in to their upbeat, electronic sounds featuring Martina Sorbara's infectious voice. It's the kind of music that makes you want to dance no matter where you are. I can't wait to see the group in the near future!

After I watched a couple of Dragonette's videos, I was completely inspired by Martina's style. She's definitely got that edge in her personality which shows through in her style choices. And of course, I'm always a fan of a fellow girl with bangs. An extra piece of info, she's the daughter of a Canadian government official.

All that to say, check out Dragonette (use Spotify!). You'll be hooked in no time.



xoxo,
Sarah

You go, girl!

No surprises to anyone that Zooey Deschanel was my favorite on the red carpet of the Golden Globes this year. One of a kind Prada gown and tuxedo manicure. Loving it. And how cute that she came with her sister, Emily. Gotta love sisters! :)

xoxo,
Sarah

P.S. Happy birthday to Zooey!!! 

Fashionable Face: Twiggy

Okay yes, Twiggy is more than a fashionable face. She is, without a doubt, iconic. And however expected or unoriginal it sounds, she is my greatest style inspiration. When I discovered who she was, I secretly wanted to be her, especially since I was often called a twig as a little girl.

This year, as Halloween crept upon me once again with no costume ideas, I finally realized that I should go all out with the mod look of Twiggy (and the mod movement itself). After all, this is an era that I love so much for its style...and great eye makeup. Plus, I am a big fan of buying things that I will continue to wear or use in some way, so it made sense to dress as my style icon.

See how I pulled off the mod look without stepping foot in a costume shop.

Get the look:
1) Dress - $17.80 - Forever 21; 2) Tights - $15 - Anthropologie; 3) False Eyelashes - $2.80 - Forever 21; 4) Black/White Eyeshadow - $58 - Sephora; 5) Fringed Oxfords - $62.99 - Mod Cloth; 6) Earrings - $35.99 - Mod Cloth

Get the hair:
I washed my hair and immediately parted it very far on one side and combed it over. While it was still wet, I pinned it down because my hair isn't used to being parted on the side (plus, I have bangs). As it started to dry, I began applying some hair paste to slick my hair down flat and cover up my bangs. I kept the bobby pins in to keep hair from getting in my eyes, and I teased the back of my hair to get a little volume and then set everything with Aquanet hairspray. Yes, how retro of me, right?

Get the makeup: Tutorial by Pixiwoo
Where would I be without my darling Pixiwoo? These British sisters who just happen to be makeup artists have taught me so much, and they have a fabulous Twiggy-inspired makeup tutorial. I had it playing while I was getting ready to ensure I did not miss a step.

So lovelies, that is how I stayed fashionable this Halloween!

xoxo,
Sarah

Fashionable Face: Florence Welch

On my daily quest to change up my daily music listens, I was reminded of Florence + the Machine this afternoon. I confess that I was not too familiar with her music, as I only really noticed this vintage songbird during the Academy Awards in that lovely red carpet look that had everyone talking for weeks. Anyway, with my new Spotify account, I pulled all her albums and sent them to my queue, and now I am obsessed...particularly with the following songs:
- "What the Water Gave Me"
- "Dog Days Are Over"
- "Cosmic Love"
- "Swimming"
- "Drumming Song"

Musically speaking, I love anything with a good beat, especially when you can hear those great vocals clearly, feel that drum, and get a hint of techno at times even. It makes you want to get up and jump around and shout to the world, "THANK GOODNESS MUSIC EXISTS!!!" Well, that's how I feel when I hear Florence Welch make music at least.

Style-wise, Florence continues to inspire. Her wardrobe proves to be made up of vintage and vintage-inspired uniqueness that includes sophisticated lace, floppy hats, and flirty prints just to name a few. And that bright red carefree hair makes me envious, almost giving me cause to go red myself.

I leave you with the latest from the stylish songbird:




xoxo,
Sarah

Fashionable Face: Alison Sudol

Do you recognize this lovely redhead? You should! She's none other than Alison Sudol of A Fine Frenzy.

I don't remember how I discovered Alison's music, but, one day in 2007, I realized I had been frequenting her myspace multiple times a day for weeks. So I ordered her album, One Cell in the Sea, and was hooked. And like any good friend, I got all my besties hooked as well!

Alison is known for her ballads (especially those reminiscing past relationships - what could have been, what she's glad is gone, how to move on, etc.), but her latest album has a good mixture of upbeat and slow numbers. If you're new to her music, I recommend any of it! But for a quick taste, listen to the following:
"Almost Lover"
"Near to You"
"What I Wouldn't Do"
"Swan Song"

Beyond her beautiful tunes, she has incredible style. In many ways, I feel like we should be style sisters. 

We both love...
* Vintage outerwear, hats, and scarves
* Mustard yellow
* Long hair
* Pretty dresses
* Feminine, delicate details (lace accents, high waists, and floral prints)

Alison often looks like she stepped out of another era but was slightly modernized, leaving her completely current yet unique at the same time. Now that's difficult to pull off! I feel like that's how vintage lovers should be though. It's not necessarily about being a complete "replica" of an era - it's about making it work for the here-and-now, mixing modern and vintage creatively. Does that make sense?

xoxo,
Sarah

Check out this cute stop-motion video of Alison!

Fashionable Face: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Alright, so today's post might as well be an excuse to talk about one of my many celebrity "crushes," all of which are always recognized for their impeccable sense of style.

Back when I first noticed Joseph Gordon-Levitt in 10 Things I Hate About You, I was actually a little more into Heath Ledger. But ever since he starred in (500) Days of Summer and Inception, Joe (can I call him that?!) has stolen my heart.

Whether he is rockin' a tailored suit (complete with a vest or bowtie), slicking his hair back or keeping it a tad shaggy, or making that signature "Joe" grin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt always looks clean cut. I think he looks old school yet timeless. Based on looks alone, he's the kind of guy your parents would be proud to see you bring home. Beyond giving off that feeling of being a respectable guy, he is also full of personality and unexpected talents. Seriously, have you SEEN him dance in (500) Days or during his opening number on SNL?

My sister and I get especially smiley when Joe talks...he just says some words in a really cute way. Part of this comes from him being an actor playing different characters, but I want to believe that some of it is just him. For instance, while he's portraying Jason Mraz on The Mellow Show SNL sketch, he talks about "playing music for girls." And he owns that accent for his character in Inception. It's just cute!

Okay, I'll stop gushing about this man of style now and leave you to enjoy his impressive dance moves  and contagious grins in this video from (500) Days.



xoxo,
Sarah

P.S. For another dance routine from Joe (featuring Zooey Deschanel), click here!

The Fashionable Faces of First Aid Kit

Klara and Johanna Söderberg of First Aid Kit are everything modern folk singers should be. Soon to be everyone's favorite sisters, these adorable Swedes sing and write fantastical music accompanied by great instruments like acoustic guitar, ukulele, and autoharp. Beyond their pretty melodies, the girls have a distinctively folk look, but, unlike some folkies out there, they manage to pull it off without looking disheveled or frumpy. With wardrobes filled with plaid shirts, denim vests, and great sweaters, First Aid Kit shows carefree style at its best. Plus, their success in wearing all denim is inspiring!

Check out this adorable video of "Hard Believer" from their new album The Big Black & The Blue:

And while we are on the subject, let me ask you this: Would you wear all denim? Why or why not? 

xoxo,

Sarah

P.S. Thanks to my awesome cousin for introducing me to First Aid Kit. It should be obvious that they are a new fave of mine, especially since they were also in my soundtrack of April! 

Check out more from the fabulous duo...

Website

Youtube

I-Tunes

* All pictures from First Aid Kit's myspace and Facebook pages.

Fashionable Face: Diane Birch

 

From now on, I will periodically be focusing on a fashionable face from the music, film, and street scenes...or simply anyone whose style inspires me. Watch out, it could be you!

Starting off with this fun new category, it makes sense to talk about the fabulous Diane Birch, who has been a fave singer of mine since Bible Belt debuted last June. She has the thick, blunt bangs with the straight, long hair, and her clothing choices typically have a 60s or 70s feel. Often spotted wearing a black hat, classic trench, or mini dress, Diane makes a statement wherever she goes by mixing modern details with vintage loveliness. Plus, her unique singing voice makes her an instant standout in the sea of the same.  

Check out her newest music video to her hit song Valentino:

You know you are inspired too, so snag Diane's album on iTunes or Amazon!

xoxo,

Sarah