it's just too easy

Dear Patrick Robinson (for Target),

When some says "She'd look good in a paper bag!", there's no need for them to prove it.

Patrick Robinson Paperbag Waist Skirt in Camel-$29.99

The Musical Equivalent of a Bubble Bath

Even though summer is within our reach, school isn’t getting any easier. AP exams, finals, and weeks of homework hell makes this last month nearly unbearable. I think we should all step back and take a little time for ourselves. So, make some tea, get a bowl of your favorite comfort food, and listen to these artists.

Amos Lee
You may have heard of him from The Last Kiss soundtrack. Amos Lee’s striking falsetto and gentle piano playing offer the most relaxing combination. The upbeat “Keep It Lose, Keep It Tight” is the ultimate relax anthem. His hopeful outlook for the future is also a reminder to stay true to your self. “Colors,” on the other hand, is the singer’s lonesome expression of love for a girl who isn’t coming back. The cleverly used piano makes this song just a tad brighter and complements the lyrics well. Amos Lee can convey any mood in a tranquil manner, which makes him a truly talented artist.
Citizen Cope
AKA Clarence Greenwood, Citizen Cope blends R&B, pop, and blues into a soulful mix of pure originality. “Let the Drummer Kick” is essentially a list of nouns, yet Citizen Cope is able to get the listener lost in this song. I found myself in a trance-like state after listening to it on repeat only a few times. “Sideways” slows things down a bit, and has more of a jazzy feel. A universal love song, “Sideways” will make you sway in your seat. This singer oozes cool. He combines many different variations of music to create a modern, fresh sound that you can’t help but enjoy.
Damien Rice
His songs will make you want to bawl your eyes out or scream in anger. Empowering Irish vocalist Damien Rice has a simplistic style when it comes to his music. These generally aren’t the kind of songs that have 8 or 10 different instruments; he uses vocal accompaniments more often. “Cannonball,” the hit single from the album O, uses intricate lyrics to express lessons he has learned regarding love. This song takes you on a musical journey that you’ll never want to end. On the other end of the spectrum, “Rootless Tree” is an anger-ridden anthem about a relationship gone horribly wrong. The way he shouts “let me out” makes you feel like you are trapped in the relationship with him. Damien Rice combines incredibly complex lyrics with an interesting use of dynamics to create music that can stir up a variety of emotions.So, there you have it. Three artists that are sure to make you relax in the tensest of situations. Now drop those history notes and put on your headphones. These sounds will definitely soothe your soul.

help!

There is free shipping at Alloy until Monday, so I need help! Some of their clearance stuff is strange but not awful, and I need opinions, rapido!

I know, I know, it kind of looks like a midevil page boy somehow, in a twist on A Connecticut Yankee in King Arther's Court, got sent to Beyonce*'s home (who I once saw wearing a dress exactly like this, paired with yellow heels), where she was so inspired by his outfit that she decided to make one out of her favorite material. I kind of like it though. I'll add it to the list of "wish I could pull it off but am not willing to spend actual money on it, even if it's only $14.99"s.*Did you know that Spell Check wants to change her name to balance? Just imagine a world in which we had I singer named Balance Knowles. I know I wouldn't want to live in it.
Do you think this is too frilly? $19.99This coat/shirt hybrid I actually LOVE. However, seeing as how it is on sale, it makes me wonder what's wrong with it. I might have to chalk it up to it being made out of fleece, and it's currently 80 degrees outside. $19.99
A Note: Before you all are like, "is she crazy? That stuff only has like five dollars off! And shipping costs like $2!", I must tell you about myself. When I'm broke (for example, last week) I look at the most expensive, gorgeous clothes I can find. But, since yesterday was my birthday (cha-ching!) I immediately start scouring the sale racks, rejecting any thing that costs in the double digits. It's quite frustrating.

SPIDEYMAN strikes again!

many of you may have heard of or seen the spectacular (or so i think) movie that came out just recently. Spiderman 3 is the perfect mix of action, drama, love and comedy. In it's third of the successful series, Peter Parker returns as a newspaper photographer with a gorgeous girlfriend, Mary Jane Watson played by Kirsten Dunst. He is trying to work out his proposal to her, but that's where things start to go wrong. MJ's career as a singer is not going so well, but Peter is way too busy being Spiderman. When Peter's friend played by the amazingly hot James Franco gets involved, things get even more complicated.

The mystery black spiderman you see on the poster is a major troublemaker in this film. It causes you to be cold hearted and unlike yourself, but powerful and strong. Definitely watch the movie to find out what this anonymous monster is really about.

Another thing to check out in this movie is the handsomeness of James Franco. An accident happens in the movie, that makes him be nice, which makes him look soooo hot I mean, hotter than usual. hehe.

And of course, for us fashion lovers, MJ's outfits should be brought to attention. She has the whole classy-meets-vintage style going on, with the cute heels, skirts and feminine blouses. It's still the classic skirt/shirt/heels combo, but with a twist of modern vintage. The ruffles, the colors, the jewelry... it's all great. I personally love her hair in this too, slightly red, long and wavy.

so basically what i'm trying to say is, WATCH THE MOVIE!

camera bags (I couldn't think of a better title).

This semester, I am taking Photography in school and, after a few hiccups (my film not developing, my winder breaking etc.) I am really starting to enjoy it. Not to mention my crazy teacher, who calls me "the Queen of Rock and Roll" (I think the chemicals have addled his brain). However, my camera is one my mom used back in the day, and she lost the case for it many years ago, so I am trying to find a camera bag that is not only durable and will protect my camera from scratches, but stylish as well.

Most of the ones I have found look like this, which reminds me of my 5th grade lunch box.
This Paddington Bag by Chloe is my dream. Unfortunately, at $1,495.00 it does not seem to be in the cards.
I like this combination of the tan against the black. $172.95
I like this classic, simple bag. $79.00

Of course, Ebay has tons of choices for stylish, vintage bags. Some of my favorites:

If you have any suggestions for where to get a camera bag, post 'em below!

-By Jo

my grandma told me to read this article.

So you should, too.

"The chain says it employs no designers, “just very savvy designer merchants,” Ms. Boisset said. Although these merchants’ skills are at the heart of Forever 21’s success in offering shoppers faithful adaptations of runway hits, the company declined to make them available for an interview."
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/10/fashion/10FOREVER.html?pagewanted=1