Music Must: British Sea Power “Valhalla Dancehall”

Music | 11 January 2011

Y’know how you’re not supposed to judge a book by it’s cover? I figure there’s probably some rule like that when it comes to albums too. Well! I do not care! As soon as I saw the wild horse galloping in a neon fury on the cover of British Sea Power’s Valhalla Dancehall, not to mention the album name itself, I knew I had to give this record a shot. I’m so glad I did!

British Sea Power’s musical style is approachable indie that reminds me of if Against Me and Arcade Fire got together and started drinking Merlot and talking about current events, then got so stirred up about it all they went and recorded an album rightthatsecond in a neighbor’s garage. Valhalla Dancehall has a sort of drunken, dreamy urgency to it’s political and social commentary-ridden tracks, with frontman Yan crooning ,“Sometimes I wish protesting was sexy on a Saturday night.” Me too, Yan. This band melds beautiful melodies and sweeping guitar and keyboards with caustic lyrics that’ll give you pause for thought.

British Sea Power “Who’s in Control?”

British Sea Power “Luna”

If you’d like to stream the album, The Guardian will be hosting it for now! Give this yummy album a listen y’all!

XOXO

Carmen B.

The Photography of Annie Leibovitz

Art | 11 January 2011

by Sienna

You’ve all seen the work of Annie Leibovitz, whether you knew it or not.

One of the most prolific and well-known photographers of our time, Leibovitz shoots regularly for Vogue, and has been working for Vanity Fair since 1980 creating only the most exciting and richly developed covers and spreads!

As a young woman in Berkeley in the 70′s, Leibovitz signed on to work for the budding Rolling Stone magazine, and within three years graduated to chief photographer.

Going on tour with The Rolling Stones or to an interview with John Lennon to take pictures and cover shots was commonplace, and Leibovitz grew into a style all her own. See below an early picture of the infamous dancer, Mikhail Baryshnikov.

The most amazing thing about the work of Annie Leibovitz is that she has an uncanny talent for telling you something intimate about someone.

Beyond just a simple snapshot, Leibovitz would study her subjects for hours or days in order to get a shot that was honest and revealing.

Look at this perfect shot of Cate Blanchett on a bicycle. The lighting, the way her hair is blowing and the expression on her face all come together for that split second!

Part of an Alice in Wonderland shoot for Vogue.

Look at all of these Hollywood starlets in one room! It’s no accident that we see a sort of backstage scene exposing the rolling Hollywood hills and perhaps, a window into a little part of these women’s lives that we don’t ever see.

Part of an amazing retrospective photo shoot of Johnny Depp for Vanity Fair, many of the pics taken by Leibovitz herself!

Total eye candy!

An elaborate Vogue take on The Wizard of Oz featuring Keira Knightley, the Penn State Marching Band and artist Kara Walker!

. . . and who could forget this fantastic shoot with Lady Gaga and Lily Cole in a Hansel and Gretel-inspired scene.

Photos by Annie Leibovitz

Style Trend: Ombré Hair

Beauty | 10 January 2011

by Cara

Ombré hair…does it really need an introduction? This style has come to the forefront of hair trends in the past couple months, and I won’t lie, I love it. I even succumbed to this trend myself.

Rocked by Erin Wasson for years, and delivered to us with a more edgy style by Alexa Chung and blogger Rumi Neely, this is the it hair trend of the season. This low maintenance, effortlessness of this hair stye works with basically any texture or tone and it’s highly economical to boot.

Celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Lily Alridge, Rachel Bilson, and Sarah Jessica Parker have been seen rocking the brown-blonde version of this trend, however the more colorful version of the trend can be seen by platinum blondes transitioning to a variety of colors.

What do you think of the ombré trend? Would you try it, or do you think it looks like bad outgrowth? And for giggles, here is a picture of me with my ombre hair.

Trend to Try: How to Wear Maxi Skirts

Fashion | 10 January 2011

by Stephanie

After a few years of short hemlines ruling the streets a new fresh take has emerged. With a flowing, long maxi and your choice of top this trend is definitely one to try. Let’s take a look at some inspirational photos and how these stylish ladies choose to make the trend their own.

Using an all black color pallete this gothic inspired look stands out because of the lacy skirt and the layered necklaces. Image from thrifted on Chictopia.

I love the vintage inspired long lace maxi dress shown here. With platforms, simple hair and makeup, this look is a perfect spring transition. Image from meat market on Chictopia.

These two lovelies decided on a skeer maxi with beautiful animal prints or pleats. I love the floppy hat paired with the animal print shown first on Carolina of Fashion Squad. In a navi sheer maxi, Rhiannon of Liebemarlene, pairs a striped crop top for the ultimate in effortless style. Both of these ladies always look flawless!

In the above photo, from Vanessa Jackman, is one of my favorite examples of the maxi trend done right. This photo went viral so fast and for good reason. Taken during Paris Fashion Week this beauty has combined an oversized grey sweater with a perfect black maxi and platform boots. From the hair to the sunnies and the red lipstick this photo always stands out in my mind as styling at its finest.

Finally we have this stunning example from The Haute Pursuit on Chictopia. I love the leopard panel on this maxi paired with a crop top and oversized sweater. You can never go wrong with animal prints!

Wanna try the trend yourself? Here are some fabulous maxi options for your consideration.

Here we have the Enchanted Evening Black Lace Maxi Skirt and the Extra Toppings Brown Maxi Skirt. I love the sheer black lace which allows you to layer! The perfect taupey-brown of the second skirt makes it super easy to match with whatever strikes your fancy.

Will you be trying this trend?

Name the Dress Contest #30!

Contests | 10 January 2011

by LuLu*s !

When: This new unnamed and adorable dress needs to be named to be put online tomorrow evening!! (see above picture for this weeks’ dress)!

What: Monday through Tuesday by 5:00 PM PST enter your idea for a name for the dress presented! The winner will be announced tomorrow evening when the product goes up online!!

Where: Enter to win (as many times as you’d like!!) on our blog by leaving a comment with your name idea below.

Prize: Your name on a dress on Lulus.com and a $50 Gift Card!!!