lightning bugs and mosh pits!

Yes, you read that correctly. Lightning bugs and mosh pits. Last weekend, I went to an outdoor concert so yes that's where the lightning bugs and mosh pits came in to play. However, the concert included a full orchestra... not a standard moshing environment. Brandi Carlile actually joined the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for a rowdy little concert that probably had the harp player wondering if she had showed up for the right event.

I recently kicked off on a small domestic tour of sorts starting in Indianapolis and I really do enjoy that city. Being immersed in the hustle and bustle of Chicago, I'd forgotten that things like lightning bugs even exist! I did break the rules a bit and record her playing, and i've included them here. If Brandi happens to come across our little blog  I'd be more than happy to take them down if she requested.  She played The Story one of her more recognized pieces with a string accompaniment which was so pretty! She played lots of her own music as well as covers of The Beatles, Somewhere Over the Rainbow and a crowd pleaser- some Johnny Cash.

Anyway, it was nice to enjoy a more rural setting even if for this city girl. I hope you enjoy Brandi and the ISO.

-Katie

The Story

Folsom Prison Blues

P.S. I love iMovie but I'm sorry I'm a bad filmer! I'll get better! :o)

Something to think about....

(image via FFFFOUND!)

Not only does this visually stimulating poster have unique fonts, it also gives you a fun fact to ponder. Hmmm...

-Libby

Run For Cover(s)

I love covers because they breathe new life into an old favorite or give the listener a new perspective to the song. Below are a few I've had on rotation for some time now. I hope you enjoy them & if you have some of your own favorites, please share them!! 


Obadiah Parker "Hey Ya"


Stacy DuPree (of Eisley) Darren King (of Mute Math) & Jeremy Larson "Silver Spring"


Lissie "Pursuit Of Happiness"


Sun Kil Moon "Ocean Breathes Salty"

-Libby

shoe of the week/ la chaussure de la semaine

The Via Spiga Astro Slingback Sandal

These Via Spiga slingbacks are the closest you will ever find me coming the the current clog trend that I'm seeing all over the place. This is the perfect shoe to transition a wardrobe from Summer to Fall plus, for a high quality shoe, it's pretty affordable. Via Spiga shoes also last FOREVER, trust me.

-Libby

Inside the Actors Studio: Carolyn Jania

If I could use one word to describe Carolyn Jania's acting abilities it would be scrumtrillescent. In all seriousness, Carolyn is one of the most talented, hilarious and beautiful people I've ever met and I'm lucky enough to call her my best friend.  She is currently pursuing her dream in Los Angeles: a career in acting. I wanted to do a meet the artist piece and I want to use the format in Vanity Fair's Proust interviews. So here you go... meet Carolyn Jania: soon to be movie star. 

What is your idea of perfect happiness?  Being able to do what you love while being surrounded by those that you love. Waking up everyday excited to live life.  Lots of laughter.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Superiority.

What is your greatest extravagance? My eyebrows and the time and money I spend on them. 

On what occasion do you lie? To avoid hurting people's feelings.  Bad, I know.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Actually making the move to LA and following the dream I have had since childhood. 

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Settling.

What is your motto?  I will be legendary.  And treat others as you wish to be treated.  Haha quite different, I know. 

"I used to think as I looked out on the Hollywood night — there must be thousands of girls sitting alone like me, dreaming of becoming a movie star. But I'm not going to worry about them. I'm dreaming the hardest." 

-Marilyn Monroe

For those in the Los Angeles area, you can see her right now in an improv comedy, The Big Audition in Hollywood at The Next Stage (1523 N La Brea). Her last show is this coming Tuesday. You should go, I promise she'll make you laugh because anything this girl touches turns to gold. 

-Katie

5 Bands To Put On Your Radar

1. Bombay Bicycle Club - This UK band just released their first full length album. It is light and happy, perfect for laying out or a long drive with the windows down. Listen to "Always Like This" and "Ivy & Gold". 

2. Light Pollution- It seems to be the summer for electro/synth rock with LCD Soundsystem, MGMT, and  Crystal Castles new releases spinning on the airwaves. This Chicago band steps into those ranks with their first full length release "Apparitions". Check out "Good Feelings" & "Witchcraft".

3. Wolf Parade- This Canadian band has been around for a while but I don't think they've gotten enough credit in the US yet. They released their third full length album this summer, "Expo 86". It is a lot more organized and fluid than their other two and I think will please a wider variety of listeners. Put "Cloud Shadow On The Mountain" and "Little Golden Age" on your playlist. 








4. Wakey! Wakey! - Friends always make fun of me for only liking "indie" bands, like today at lunch... but Wakey! Wakey! is a little more Top 40's friendly. This album is full of pop melodies and catchy choruses. Listen to "Light Outside" & "Feral Love".

5. The Middle East- This Australian band has only released one EP but are already being compared musically, in a positive way, to that of Bon Iver & Fleet Foxes. Their music is pure and honest, laced with beautiful crescendos. "Blood" and "Beleriand" are definitely worth of a listen or two. 














-Libby 

unconventional art

Two things I've always found pretty fascinating are bumper stickers and graffiti. They're both so static. What is the one thing you need to get out there and tell people about yourself? With your bumper sticker, is it your political party?  A hobby? Perhaps your alma mater? I just find it to be kind of fascinating. Perhaps a less obvious form of art is graffiti.

"you are now thinking about her"

I always see this sign on one of my jogging routes and it begs the question of who the artist was thinking of when they felt the need to stencil it onto their neighborhood wall. The artist is still getting their message out there but there's more anonymity to it.


Probably the most famous graffiti artist that demonstrates this quiet art is Bansky. He's famous for his satirical drawings that comment on anything from politics to Paris Hilton. His work is trendy; it's been purchased by celebrities for hundreds of thousands of dollars but it still has substance. Banksy, as a person, is a mystery and he rarely speaks to the media. These are some of my favorite Banksy pieces...

Anyway, I like finding art in the unconventional places, I hope you do too. 

-Katie

Another Online Shopping Addiction

My favorites toolbar on Safari is filled with tons of  blogs. On one in particular, "Le Blog de Betty", I kept seeing the blogger wearing the most adorable shoes and clothing from this place called "Asos". The blog is written in French with some English translations so I assumed that Asos, was in fact a European brand. Later I was reading the newest InStyle and saw that this magical place Asos, was coming to the United States on our interwed


Asos is the most amazing online store! It started in 2000 and is now the UK's largest independent online fashion retailer. The store has over 35,000 brands, including their own, on the site and there are 1,500 new lines added each week! The site's unique features like nairrowing styles down to your favorite celeb, selecting the style you are going for, or actually watching a model walk the garmet on the runway make it an easy shopping destination. Pretty cool!


I was delighted to find this site when I did because I am truly missing the joys of H&M, another Eurpoean line, in Texas. H&M does not offer online ordering so I am forced to always wait until I head to NYC, Chicago, or Indy to shop their moderate priced awesomeness. Asos loot can get up there in price but for how cute and original their stuff it, it's totally worth it! Check some of my faves below!

   

- Libby 

shoe of the week/ la chaussure de la semaine

How cool are these shoes?! Even though they're six inches high, the platform makes them realistic. You might be limited to 4 hours or so of wear before foot cramps strike. I don't really care about that though... I am in shoe-love. :0)

-Katie

Coast!

Last night I went to Coast in Bucktown. As one of the more widely recommended sushi restaurants in Chicago, it lived up to its reputation. I ordered the vegetarian special roll which was absolutely delicious and also sampled some of my roommate Casey's sweet potato roll which was equally yum-o! It's a BYO restaurant so that's always fun. Overall, if you're looking for a new sushi joint I'd definitely suggest a trip to Coast. 

Also, since it's in Bucktown you can hit up the local boutiques too! Roslyn is right next door! That's a win-win situation!

-Katie

Sweet Treats

I was listening to Ben Kweller's awesome rendition of "Lollipop" (no, not the Lil Wayne one..) this weekend and images of cupcakes, candy, and all things sugar were popping into my head. As many of my friends know, I've had a love affair with cupcakes since 2007.  I spent a summer in NYC and became obsessed with all things Magnolia Bakery. Since then it's evolved more into a "sweets" obsession. I have an ice cream door mat, a beautiful glass cake stand filled with cupcakes, giltterly strawberries, and pictures of cupcakes and other sweets in my apartment .


I decided to find some of my favorite drool worthy images and share them with you. Hope you enjoy the eye candy!

Simply Hue Designs Photo

Image found on Flickr

The famous Laduree macaroons. 

    Alice B. Gardens Photography

Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette

Lola's Room Photography

-Libby

Pie in July!

The very thought of not having a home-made pie over the fourth of july weekend is too terrible to imagine. I decided I must have a pie this weekend and so i found this really awesome Banana Rum Cream Pie recipe on my favorite cooking website Epicurious. 

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs from 9 (4 3/4 - by 2 1/4-inch) crackers

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon curry powder (preferably Madras)

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest

1 cup chilled heavy cream

4 teaspoons dark rum

4 firm-ripe bananas

Who knew these ingredients could go together? It's quite a unique pairing.

Voila! Finished Product! 

    -Katie

Jewelry Joy

I’ll admit it… when it comes to accessorizing I could do a lot better. I never really step outside the box; I pretty much wear the same 2 rings ever day, but hey, they are really cool rings! I guess for me simple works better when it comes to the jewelry I wear. Cotton Island has an abundance of pretty and understated pieces that I always drool over.

One brand they carried, Ettika, has caught my eye several times. I bought a wishbone bracelet for a friend at Cotton Island a while back and just recently another friend requested the same one! I love that you can mix and match all their stuff but that they also stand alone beautifully too.

Below are some of the things from Ettika that I love, and would definitely wear on repeat .

-Libby

     

5 things that I love in the summer

I always go back and forth on this but at least for today I can say summer is my favorite season. I thought I'd continue Libby's "5 things..." post with my 5 things I love about summer!

1.  Food festivals- I love food and Chicago definitely has some stellar offerings. I've been to several this food festivals thus far my favorite being Taste of Chicago. Normally, I am a vegetarian (occasionally pescatarian) however I decided in order to truly enjoy the Taste of Chicago this summer I needed to eat meat! 

Here I am eating a piece of Lou Malnati's Sausage Pizza! 

                                                                        Photo by: Dave Byman                              

2. Sunglasses- I love sunglasses and this pair is really funky and awesome! 

Alexander Wang Zipper Sunglasses

3. Coconut Records- Jason Schwartzman's band has definite summer playlist quality. Summer Day is one of my favorites... it makes me want to skip. Check it out.

4. Pools- The beach can be awesome but I hate carting back 3 pounds of sand in my bag. Recently, I went to my best friend Megan's home in Michigan. We spent two days in their backyard that sort looks like a page out of Better Homes & Gardens.

5. Skirts- Everyone loves skirt weather! Skirts and dresses are the best option for 90+ degrees and a recent obsession has been the paper-bag waist skirt. I love it when my skirt is the focal point of my outfit. These are cool trendy pieces that really accentuate a waistline. :)  

Mod Cloth Option        
Etsy Option

What do you love about summer? 

-Katie

shoe of the week/ la chaussure de la semaine

No girl can deny that the perfect black boot can complete just about any outfit. When I stumbled upon these DSQUARED2  Nappa Spine Heel Ankle Boots I almost fell out of my chair in awe. They are the perfect combination of classic and edge. How sick would these shoes look paired with skinny jeans and a black T or a casual LBD? An added bonus, if you are dating a biology nerd you have a conversation topic, the vertebrae that make up the heel of this beautiful shoe! Sigh... if only I could afford them. haha


-Libby 

Vampires Might Suck, But Not Their Music

Team Edward or Team Jacob? seems to be a repetitive question I'm hearing these days (by the way I'm team gorgeous new vampire who's a bad guy). The Twilight movies have done a lot more than pitting teenage girls against one another while engraving the idea of eternal love into their hearts; they've not only revived the undead but also movie soundtracks.


Along with the three record breaking movies have come three top grossing soundtracks. The Twilight and New Moon soundtracks debuted at #1 on the Billboard album chart and Eclipse, upon its release, was at #2. Even if you aren't a fan of the dreamy Edward, Jacob's washboard abs, or Bella's yearning eyes these soundtracks alone are reason to give praise to this franchise. 


Each soundtrack is laced with indie artists and chart toppers, which make them great discs to pop in your cd player, or listen to on your i-Pod for a variety of music that you wouldn't get from most albums. We have the music supervision brilliance of Alexandra Patsavas of
Chop Shop Music/Chop Shop Records to thank for these collective musical treats.


If you haven't picked a side yet, just pick up one of these three soundtracks (I guarantee
you'll go back for the other two afterwards). 


Below are some of my favorites!

Mute Math "Spotlight"
Blue Foundation "Eyes On Fire"
Paramore "Caught Myself"
Muse "Supermassive Black Hole"

Bon Iver & St. Vincent "Roslyn"
Editors "No Sound But The Wind"
The Killers "White Demon Love Song"
Lykke Li "Possibility"

Cee Lo Green "What Part Of Forever"
Florence & The Machine "Heavy In Your Arms"
Fanfarlo "Atlas"
The Black Keys "Chop And Change"

Happy listening! -Libby