Off to the furry beast!

I'm heading off to this beautiful place this afternoon for four days of friends and camping, and three days of amazing music! Sasquatch festival, here I come! Peace out technology, I'll be back on Tuesday. :)

Best new music!

The National

High Violet

A hauntingly sad album from the Brooklyn indie veterans, but beautiful nonetheless. Matt Berninger's voice is brooding and at the brink of sounding defeated, but still has some fight left. 

Highlights: "Afraid of Everyone," "Bloodbuzz Ohio," "Anyone's Ghost," "England"

Broken Social Scene

Forgiveness Rock Record

A masterfully-crafted record, after a long hiatus, that sounds exactly like BSS should sound. They always push the envelope and their collective energy is palpable. Filled with social commentary, rock anthems, and a few quieter notes, too. 

Highlights: "World Sick," "Texico Bitches," "Forced to Love," "Sentimental X's"

The Tallest Man On Earth

The Wild Hunt

If you read my earlier post, you will know how much I love this album. Wonderful, wonderful folk songs written by a Swedish crooner with a Dylan-esque sound. 

Highlights: "King of Spain," "Love is All," "The Wild Hunt"

She & Him

Volume Two

This is a band you either love or you don't. I personally can't resist the charming combination of Zooey Deschanel's sugary-sweet ditties and M.Ward's growling guitar. Yes, they are almost sickeningly cute, but the songs are catchy and almost guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Everyone needs that sometimes. 

Highlights: "In The Sun," "Ridin' In My Car," "Thieves," "Lingering Still"

Joanna Newsom

Have One On Me

This album came out a few months back, but I am kind of in love with it, so I'm counting it as 'new' anyway. Long-winded stories in folk song form, performed by a classically-trained harpist (multi-instrumentalist, really) with a crow of a voice that is nothing if not unique.

Highlights: "Good Intentions Paving Company," "Have One On Me," "Soft As Chalk"

Enjoy! xoxo

Didn't want to be your ghost...

5.21.10

Twist Headband: F21, Cocoon Cardigan: Target, Tunic Sweater: Silence and Noise, Acid Wash Jeans: BDG, Cashmere Scarf: bought in Italy, Hi-top moccasins: Minnetonka

The perfect example of Portland Spring is the comparison of this outfit with my last outfit post. A week ago it was 80 and sunny, and today it was 50 and rainy. Yesterday it literally did everything weather could do except snow, including hail. So, layers and layers for today! As much as the weather today was a pain, this outfit is kind of cozy. :)

Summer color

I went and got a manicure today with my mom (belated mother's day gift) and it was perfect timing because I just found this fun nail color yesterday downtown! I have been looking for a minty green or bright turquoise for ages now, and I finally found a good one! How fun is this big heart ring I found the other day at Forever 21? Oversized rings always cheer me up. 

Polish: Essie Turqouise & Caicos, Ring: F21

Sunshine beauty

Jenna at the Columbia Gorge

5.25.09

Check out Jenna's PR blog over at The Enthusiast's Radio

Local Natives: World News

The new music video for Local Natives' "World News." Totally bizarre video that really doesn't make any sense, but I still kind of love it. These guys have been on steady rotation in my iTunes since last September when I happened upon them at Musicfest NW. What a serendipitous evening that was! That night I bought their handmade EP, folded paper case and all, and now they are all over Pitchfork and playing at Sasquatch! (have I mentioned it more than 10 times yet?) Anyway, they are a wonderful bunch and are spectacularly good live. If you haven't listened to their full album, Gorilla Manor, go do it. Now!

Stay tuned for a best new music post soon.

xoxo

Easy spring

5.15.10

Tank: Old Navy, Shorts: DIY Vintage, Scarf: Nordstrom Rack

The weather in Portland finally decided to get on board with Spring in the last week. And it has been beautiful! Today it was 75 and sunny, which I consider to be just about perfect weather. Yay! Our downtown apartment/duplex has a great roof deck that could not be better for sunbathing. I'm trying to get a little color (not an easy feat for me) before Sasquatch so I won't fry when I forget to reapply my sunscreen while running around the festival grounds. 

My camera has been failing me a bit in dark lighting (grainy, ugh), so I'm really excited to get an upgraded DSLR for graduation. The trouble will be deciding which one to get!

Birds & the bridge

Portland Waterfront

3.22.07

The Tallest Man on Earth

I would like to introduce you to Kristian Matsson (aka The Tallest Man on Earth), an undeniably talented folk singer and my latest musical obsession. His new album "The Wild Hunt" has been the only thing coming from my speakers for the past few weeks, and I just can't bear to listen to anything else. Perhaps it's his Dylan-esque knack for earnest storytelling, or maybe it's the eager crow of his voice and the nimble, energetic sound of his acoustic guitar. Despite his origins in rural Sweden, Matsson has Americana-folk down pat. 

Comparisons to Dylan are unavoidable for Matsson, who shies away from discussing the subject in any detail, but alludes to the icon via a line about "boots of Spanish leather" in the triumphant "Kind of Spain" (first video below). While the early days of Bob Dylan may come to mind at first listen, Matsson is more similar to Dylan in abundance of talent than in melody or sound.  

I was lucky enough to see The Tallest Man on Earth live on Tuesday night (with Nurses, a great Portland band) at the Mission Theater and I was blown away by Matsson and his guitar. His performances are raw, ragged, and tinged with both desperation and intensity. There is no need for bells, whistles, or even a drum kit. Matsson is the show. His intensity is palpable. I couldn't help but smile with amazement as he took moments to sing intently to many of us in the front row. 

Although his songs sound troubled more often than not, there is an optimism in the strum of his guitar that evokes the reality of life's contrasts but leaves room for anticipation of the future. It's a rare combination, optimism and despair, but it is perhaps that contrast in itself that guides Matsson's songs right to the heart. 

Must sleep now. Enjoy!

xoxo

Clogs

I have seen this trend in bits and pieces for a couple years now, but it seems to really be catching on now, most likely because sky-high clogs were all over the S/S Chanel runway this year. A lot of people are skeptical, but I'm pretty much convinced. How cute is this casual-but-put-together look by Maria Confer (one of my favorite bloggers) over at Lulu Letty?

I also love the contrast of the sweet ruffles and those chunky, definitely Chanel-inspired, heeled clogs by Lookbooker Iris from Fashion Zen. 

 

In my fantasy fashion life as a famous magazine editor, I would be wearing these killer Prada clogs (left) or this quirky Marc by Marc Jacobs pair (right). Both are available at Saks. 

But...since I am not a famous magazine editor (yet), and I am almost 5'10" as it is, I think these Swedish Hasbeen clogs would probably be a more realistic option. They are so cute and classic looking, and I love that nude color for summer. If only the price was in my shoe budget! Humph!

 

The peep-toe high ($156) and the covered high ($187) are both available at Swedishhasbeens.com

xoxo

Lavender farm

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Sauvie's Island, Oregon

Summer 2009

Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside

Last night I popped over to Berbati's Pan with a few friends to check out the Willamette Week Best New Bands Showcase, and I was not disappointed. The evening started out with two great local bands: Deelay Ceelay and Typhoon, but the real show-stopper of the night was (voted best new Portland band and WW cover stars for the week) the charming Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside. 

This band has a sound that is not easy to pin down. Ms. Ford is a throwback of a leading lady, with personality to boot, but their influences seem to include everything from retro pop to blues, to soul, to punk. Ford has an instantaneously recognizable voice (think Joanna Newsom or Regina Spektor) that makes it hard not to listen, and her songs are more complex than a 'retro' title would make it seem. 

Take a listen below or click here to listen to songs and an interview on OPB. And by all means, get to a live show! It's worth it. 

photo by Jen Hunt

Met Gala beauties

I meant to blog about this a few days ago, but I had days full of fact-checking for the magazine and two lovely evenings out! Anywho...

The Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is always host to some of the most exciting and daring fashions of the season. And this year we saw everything from tulle princess dresses (see Zac Posen's design on Doutzen Kroes) to sleek and sexy jumpsuits (see model Chanel Iman in Michael Kors, as well as Tina Fey in YSL, not pictured). 

Beautiful designs all around worn by Maggie Gyllenhaal, Camilla Belle, and Zoe Saldana. That Louis Vuitton looks like it's made of acid-wash fabric! I so wish I could see it up close.

Oh Alexa Chung, you always get it right. Probably my favorite of the night in that femme tuxedo outfit by 3.1 Phillip Lim. Another lovely Vuitton and the always daring Chloe Sevigny in a fabulous Proenza Schouler design. 

Now that, Doutzen Kroes, is a Met Gala dress! Dreamy as Zac Posen always is. I would love to wear that silky gold jumpsuit myself, and what a great way to look effortlessly chic. I'm very intrigued by the print on Kristen Bell's DVF dress. Very cool. 

Who was your favorite?

xoxo

Photo booth

 

Ace Hotel Photo booth, Portland, Ore.

Summer 2009

Shwood creations

I love my classic Wayfarer Ray Ban sunglasses (for their quality and their style) but you have probably noticed that the trend has become more than ubiquitous lately. Enter Shwood, a brand that has taken the classic Wayfarer shape and updated it in varying shades of wood, yes, literal wood. These stylish shades are handmade in Portland, Oregon (from sustainably-harvested woods!) and come in Maple, East Indian Rosewood, and Zebrawood. 

They have a few different styles, but I think The Canby in Zebrawood (below) is my favorite. Prices start at $95 and come with several lens options. Love, love, love. 

xoxo

The red wall

Studded Blazer: Nordstrom Rack, Tank: American Apparel, Cross Earrings: F21, Sunglasses: F21

And my lovely dear friend Katie

Coachella style...

I know I'm a bit late on the Coachella style boat, but all of the talk about the festival in the last month has me really excited about the good times ahead at the Sasquatch! Festival in George, WA at the end of the month. I will probably mention it at least 10 times before then. As silly as it may be, it also makes me want to buy all kinds of fun outfits just for the 4-day excursion to the gorge. Love that adorable denim romper on the left (I'm ALL about rompers for summer), and that middle outfit looks so cool and breezy. And Victoria Legrand from Beach House! In those leather shorts!

But, I have to say that my favorite Coachella style maven was the always fashionable Whitney Port. I almost gasped with envy when I saw her black crop-top/high-waisted shorts ensemble. So cute! I also love that she wore all-black leather Converse for the festival. Sandals seem logical for festival-going, but in reality your feet get dirty and gross so quickly that sneakers are probably a better bet. She has me thinking about getting some myself...

Photos from Style.com, Refinery 29, and Whitney Port's blog

Black florals & the sweet tunes of She & Him

I have a confession to make: I think I have a thing for black florals. I was unaware of this fact until today, when I realized that I had bought these very two items within a week's time. I found the adorable dress (left) today at Portland's Ipnosi on Northwest 23rd, and I just loved the shape of it, with the sweetheart neckline and gathers, too cute! Coincidentally, I just ordered the romper on the right from Kohls after seeing it on this post from the Cheap Chica's blog. Luckily I think neither of them will get neglected this summer. Now I just need some espadrille wedges and those round sunglasses I've been lusting after. 

I also noticed as I was writing this that the songs currently coming from my iTunes are an oddly perfect match for these summery florals. If you haven't heard She & Him, a folksy duo from M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel, you are in for a treat. Their songs sound like a perfect little picnic on a bright, sunshine-y day. No, really. They are that cute. I can't wait to see their set and twirl around (in my black florals, no less) like a 5-year-old at Sasquatch in a few weeks! 

xoxo

♥ Holga

Portland, Oregon - Summer 2008

Shade Envy

These photos of the spectacular, talented, and stylish Lykke Li  became my instant inspiration for summer shades months and months ago, and it is finally time to buy some! (as if I don't have enough pairs already). Luckily, the round trend seems to be on more minds than just my own. A few prime examples...

  Now, unfortunately these are all out of my budget. However, just to my luck, Urban Outfitters just got in the perfect gold-rimmed pair! These will definitely be in my bag come Sasquatch!