Taylor's music video style

If I come back in another life, I'd like to come back as Taylor Swift. Even if it was only for a day and I was limited to the wardrobe from just one of her music videos, I'd still want to be Taylor. 

It's only been in the past few months - actually since Blank Space premiered last fall - that I've had this resounding appreciation and admiration for the global superstar.

I was one of those "Taylor haters" for awhile, I know, I know - shame on me. Honestly, I thought she was a bit of a nut/crazy lady with all of her dating escapades and seemingly emotional roller coaster ride of a life.  And then she came out with Blank Space and shut me up. She produced the most beautiful music video (trumping any fashion week I've ever seen) and the song was about all of the stereotypes people like me had about her and it was fabulous - utter genius.

In the past few months, I have gone back and listened to most of her earlier songs, I will even put on her past concerts that have been shared on YouTube to listen to when I'm at work. I feel like she empowers, literally changes the world, when she produces her music. I listen to her lyrics and it makes me want to write music. I'd love to be able to capture my experiences and emotions with the verbal, artistic expertise that she masters time and time again. She truly has a gift.

Taylor acknowledges the fantasies and day dreams; the aches and pains; the embarrassing moments and the every day joys. She connects with her fans unlike most other performers because her music empathizes with listeners; she lets us know it's okay to experience emotions. And with that, Taylor's songs professes an understanding/appreciation that every moment of life exists for a reason, whether a breakup, makeup or total daydream, she encourages us to see life as an opportunity where we treasure heartfelt memories or recognize that new beginnings build stronger, better tomorrows. 

I mean really, whoever knew a break-up with Harry Styles could prompt so much happily ever after?!

Since I am a style blogger - I felt like it was only fitting to select some of the most dynamic looks she has sported in her 1989 music videos, including Wildest Dreams which was just released Sunday. 

It's totally fabulous. I have some of my favorite outfits from both Wildest Dreams and Blank Space below. Feel free to watch the music videos as well :) 

Oh and just so you know - I am actually seeing her perform in Columbus this months (eek!) and I literally can't wait. 

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Mina Tindle

This spring a friend of mine played a dynamic album, a combination of soul, pop & folk, from French artist Mina Tindle. While it took me a couple of months to finally create this post, I knew right away that I wanted to share her music on the blog! 

Mina Tindle was born in Paris and has spent her career pursuing her musical passion and solo career. Gifted as a singer, songwriter and instrumentalist, she has produced two albums, her debut album Taranta in 2012 and then Parades in 2014. 

Frequent collaborations with The National and French pop and new-wave group The Innocents have helped to further elevate her musical clout. She primarily performs in France, but did come to Cincinnati in March for an act during the MusicNOW festival. 

I love her playful, yet sophisticated sound - and I hope you do as well!

See a collection of some of her song/videos below (a mix of both French & English pieces). 

(via)

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The Dreamer & Other Essays : Morgan Treni

A wonderful friend and acquaintance of mine from college just made her first album debut! 

Morgan was an English major, with a concentration in non-fiction writing. On a couple of occasions we had class together and I always treasured her presence in the classroom and around campus.

Morgan lived on the floor below me one year and occasionally I would pop into her room for help with a paper or material we were reviewing in class. Visiting her room was an escape to another world. Empty mugs with tea bags lined the desks, tapestries covered the walls, a few plants decorated the windowsill, there was a slight musky-incense odor, and Morgan was usually entertaining someone on the guitar. Everything about Morgan was like that. A perfectly whimsical glimpse into a life that seemed vintage, carefree, avant-garde, and truly inspirational. There was a rich bohemian sense about her, a charming spirit with an old soul humming around campus always wearing a scarf, sporting a disheveled up-do with glasses absentmindedly tucked away, and carrying more books in her arms than in her knapsack. She'd walk with a little spring in her step - and when Morgan was in a good mood, everyone was in a good mood. 

There was a brief period where she just couldn't think to attend class when it was rainy. She made me chuckle, but also appreciate the reasoning. Why embark upon a day that is not cheerful or inspiring? If Morgan didn't make it to class - we'd know Mother Nature having an off-day. 

After a couple weeks of spring in central Ohio, you learn sooner rather than later that it's better to start finding inspiration in the rain - or you'd be out of luck :)

Morgan has a way with words and language unlike anyone I have ever met. 

When I graduated she was immersed in the food and drink industry, helping a local Delaware, Ohio brewery get on its feet. When you'd ask her about work - it was incredible. You would have thought the hops were characters in a story. Each one was different...some exaggerated, some more subtle, some subject to entirely different tastes and flavors when paired with certain foods. Welcome to the early days of the craft beer craze. Even though I wasn't a fan of beer, after talking to Morgan you couldn't help but completely regret all of your Barefoot Wine nights!

Did I envision that Morgan would be behind a microphone singing her way to success? Not exactly. I knew her father was a musician and she was musically inclined, but two years ago that didn't pop on my "where in the world would Morgan be" radar. However, I am really not surprised in the slightest. Morgan is one of those people that I could never be surprised by, maybe because she is so surprising? She is full of creative energy and passions that bring beauty and art to the world, in all different forms.

So, why not add music to the mix?

My words cannot even begin to do justice to this creative spirit, but I hope they can give you a little snapshot of this incredible artist. 

Morgan's album, the dreamer and other essays debuted just a couple weeks ago and is available on cdbaby. Her album is described as a "fusion of folk, indie-pop, and jazz" influences. Listen to a preview of the album HERE.

Enjoy!! 

Morgan Treni: Musical Essays

Sound Cloud: Morgan Treni

Meet the Band, The Columbus Dispatch

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Summer groovin' playlist

The perfect way to start the weekend - a new playlist! It's quite a diverse collection of jams, with both old favorites and new hits. I love this picture and wanted to create the background music for this season. So, here's an attempt at keeping these women, and you, groovin' all night long.

Enjoy!

(via)

Wake Me Down Under - Avicii, Aloe Black & Men At Work remix

Rude - Magic
Love Never Felt So Good - Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake
Love On Top - Beyonce

Sexual Healing - Marvin Gaye (Kygo remix)

Jackie Wilson Said - Van Morrison
Sounds of Sunshine - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Hey Mama - Mat Kearney

It's Alright With Me - Matt & Kim

Ride - Timeflies
Forever - Haim
Girls Chase Boys - Ingrid Michaelson
Rather Be - Clean Bandit
One Minute More - Capital Cities
Best Of My Love - The Emotions
Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Valli
Classic - MKTO

Backseat Lover - Mayer Hawthorne
I Don't Want To Live On Mars - Ziggy Marly
Boys of Summer - Don Henley
Beat of the Music - Brett Eldredge
All Night Long - Lionel Richie

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Christmas sounds from Anthropologie

It's time for the Christmas music! Even though some radio stations have been playing holiday music since Halloween, I think the official start of jingle bells begins at the dawning of December. 

See the below playlist for the perfect mix of holiday carols, courtesy of Anthropologie's holiday playlist a couple of years ago. With the perfect blend of old favorites and new hits, this list will appeal to all audiences! 

AND...I think this might be the perfect excuse to throw a holiday cocktail party. In my book, all it takes is a good playlist and a plenty of drinks to go around. Spike the punch and have a champagne Kris Kringle. I am sure the festive spirits and holiday tunes will keep people mingling all night long. 

Time to start rockin' around the Christmas tree, toodles!

(via: Channeling Contessa)

Beach Boys – Little Saint Nick
Berlin Symphony Orchestra – Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy (Red Baron Remix)

Berlin Symphony Orchestra – The Nutcracker Suite (Baz Kuts Breaks Mix)
Billy May – Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer Mambo (Malibu Remix)

Bing Crosby – Happy Holidays (Beef Wellington Remix)

Bing Crosby – White Christmas (Kaskade Remix)

Cascada – Last Christmas

Cathedral Brass – Joy To The World (Mocean Worker Remix)

Crystal Theory – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 

Crystal Theory – Silent Night

Crystal Theory – Sleigh Ride 

CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra – Good King Wenceslas (Patrick Krouchian Remix)

Danni Minogue – I’ll Be Home For Christmas 

Darlene Love – Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

Dean Martin – Baby It’s Cold Outside (tidbit: some people believe it’s a duet with Doris Day but it’s actually his female chorus)

Dean Martin – Baby, It’s Cold Outside (Arp Remix)

Duke Ellington – Jingle Bells (Robbie Hardkiss Remix)

Eartha Kitt – Santa Baby (Alexkid & DJ Sleep Remix)

Ella Fitzgerald – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Ella Fitzgerald – Sleigh Ride (The Latin Project Remix)

Ella Fitzgerald – What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve

Eurythmics – Winter Wonderland

Fiona Apple – Frosty The Snowman

Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal

John Lennon – Happy Xmas (War Is Over) 

Johnny Mercer – Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town (Q-Burns Abstract Message Remix)

Joe Williams – Jingle Bells (Bombay Dub Oirchestra Remix)

Joe Williams – Kissing by the Mistletoe

Johnny Mercer – Winter Wonderland (Rise Ashen’s Brazilian Beach Mix)

June Christy – The Merriest (Thunderball Mix)

Kay Starr – (Everybody’s Waitin’ For) The Man With The Bag (Thunderball Mix)

Kay Starr – I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (STUHR Remix)

Kurt Elling – Cool Yule

Kylie Minogue – Santa Baby

Lenka – All My Bells Are Ringing

Les Brown and His Orchestra – I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (Psapp’s Lady Remix)

Louis Armstrong-Velma Middleton – Baby, It’s Cold Outside (Mulato Beat Remix)

Macy Gray – This Christmas (Hang All the Mistletoe)

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You

Meaghan Smith – Silver Bells

Mel Tormé – The Christmas Song (Michael Kessler Open Fire Mix)

Meryn Cadell – The Cat Carol

Mindy Smith – Santa Will Find You

Nancy Wilson – What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve 

Nicole Atkins – Blue Christmas 

Nicole Atkins – The Little Drummer Boy 

Otis Redding – Merry Christmas, Baby

Patti Page – Frosty The Snowman (Rondo Brothers Remix)

Paul McCartney & Wings – Wonderful Christmas Time

Randy Travis – Jingle Bell Rock 

Rekindle – Ice Skating Girl

Rosemary Clooney – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (MNO Remix) 

Nancy Wilson – The Christmas Waltz (AwayTeam Remix)

Powder – Christmas Don’t Be Late (Chipmunk Song)

She & Him – Baby, It’s Cold Outside

She & Him – Christmas Wish

She & Him – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 

She & Him – Sleigh Ride

Tegan and Sara – The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)

The Andrews Sisters – Winter Wonderland

The Drifters – White Christmas

The Puppini Sisters – Mele Kalikimaka

The Puppini Sisters – Santa Baby

The Puppini Sisters – Step Into Christmas

The Roches – Deck The Halls

The Ronettes – Sleigh Ride

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) 

Twisted Sister – Oh Come All Ye Faithful

Vince Guaraldi Trio – Christmas Time Is Here (Vocal)

Vince Guaraldi Trio – Christmas Time Is Here (Markus Enoshson Remix) 

Vic Damone – Winter Wonderland (Future Loop Foundation Remix)

Wham! – Last Christmas

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Mayer Hawthorne

Every so often I like to share some of my musical favorites. I first heard of Mayer Hawthorne a couple of years ago and have been hooked ever since. His unique voice is both catchy and smooth, seeking a sophisticated take on his old school music icons (like Steely Dan). 

His career began in 2008 and he has toured with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Foster the People, and Bruno Mars. This summer he released his latest album. 

With a bit of old world charm mixed with modern funk, his songs carry the perfect beat for a fresh sound on your playlists. It's hard for me to pick a favorite because I could listen to an entire album and continue to be impressed! Let me know what you think of Hawthorne's jams. 

Toodles!

(via)

Listen to some of his tunes:

You're Easy Loving Ain't Pleasing Nothin'

Stars Are Ours

When The Night Falls

No Strings

Her Favorite Song

The Walk

You Called Me

Allie Jones

Green Eyed Love

Finally Falling

Her Favorite Song

Hooked

Maybe So Maybe No

The Only One

Henry & Gingerale

Listen to snip-its from the Where Does This Door Go album HERE

AND a great cover of Lorde's Royals HERE

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Classic Girl

Bebopping along to this song today. Perfect for a 'classic girl in the modern world'!

I see in black and white 

When I go out every night 

And I’m always so polite 

It’s only lady lady ladylike 

Have a drink and I’m on the run 

Polished up and dressed to stun 

Come on and make me another one 

Go on and shake it shake it shake it up 

I’ve been this way and I wanna stay a classic girl 

So I’m making my place in the modern world 

Sidecars in the dressing room 

All my boys and my ladies too 

We’re gonna take the stage soon 

And show em show em how its done 

So if you really want to be 

Stuck in another time with me 

Come on and do a little dance you’ll see 

You’re gonna live it live it live it up 

I’ve been this way and I wanna stay a classic girl 

So I’m making my place in the modern world 

Cause I need a time and place that is home for me 

Yeah right here and now is where its gotta be

(via)

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music me

Sing me a song!!

Do you have any new music suggestions??

I always love hearing about different artists, humming along to new tunes, and adding quirky hits or classic favorites to my playlists. 

I'd love to know what you're jamming to now!

(via)

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