/// BUSINESS

From here on out, all business will be conducted HERE.

[fin]

/// JOHN BALDESSARI + TOM WAITS

One of my favorite things as of late.

/// STEAL THIS :: MAC DEMARCO

FACEBOOK | BANDCAMP

/// ONE YEAR

I'm a week late on this, but when aren't I behind on life? The important bit is that I've made it a whole year in Phoenix! I'm not sure where that year went but I do know a whole shitload has changed. Phoenix isn't my ideal place to call home, but it sure has been a nice catalyst for where I'm headed. Here's hoping the next year is just as weird/productive/ridiculous.

/// photo taken on my first day in Phoenix last summer, reprinted last week by my sissy

/// STEAL THIS :: FOR DIANNA

Due to extreme laziness, it has taken me a proper week to post this for Ms. Dianna of Soft Gold Studio. We had an in-depth discussion of 90s music last week on Twitter (I hope you all witnessed it) & then she had a birthday last weekend.

Lady, I dedicate this to you. Happy birthday, lovely! Xo.

A VERY 90s BIRTHDAY

/// STEAL THIS :: HOTTER THAN HELL (SONGS FOR JULY)

JULY

/// ACCIDENTAL HIATUS

Deepest apologies, but it seems I (accidentally) took a mini-vacation. . . and it will be lasting through the weekend. I finish my first summer semester on Friday & then I will be taking a few days to recover before the next one starts. Plus, it's hotter than hell in Phoenix, which has melted my brain, so I need a second.

I am looking forward to:

+ working on my website (!!!) (or rather having Cameron Scott do all the work.)

+ DIY projects galore

+ overhauling my bedroom & bathroom

+ purging my belongings (online yard sale?)

+ setting lofty, but achievable, goals for the rest of the year

+ and drinking whiskey with friends // play time at the lake // seeing lots of live music.

Hold that thought. July is going to be good.

/// STEAL THIS :: IAMAMIWHOAMI

I may have promised a new mix, but it will have to wait because a.) this is amazing; b.) I'm behind at life. Again.

But damn, the Swedes. They're amazing at what they do. I assume it's making really awesome music + furniture. Here is yet another case of the former. (I even just posted about another Swedish band last week.) Iamamiwhoami is finally releasing an album + a series a videos to accompany it, all of which can be found on their YouTube channel.

I am a woman obsessed.



OFFICIAL | YOUTUBE

/// WEEKEND

I was supposed to go to Tucson this weekend, but due to circumstances out of my control, I did not. Fortunately, I forced myself not to waste the weekend by sleeping until 2pm & then watching a marathon of Lifetime movies, drinking vodka, wondering why this is my life. Hey! I got out there & explored Phoenix instead. The weekend included: pool hangs, new people, flea markets, cow skulls, SMoCA, margaritas, + a bunch of other silliness.

chloe / bedazzleship / SMoCA 1 + 2

fuck love / cow girl / skull / season of the witch

(all featuring my new favorite chiffon skirt from Boat People Vintage)

If you're not already, you can follow me on Instagram to see all the fun I'm having/all the jackassery I'm getting myself into.

Ps. It's June. JUNE. How? (New mix up Thursday. Prepare yourselves.)

/// END OF THE WEEK

/// good mail week / cat love / abstract cacti / 6am

/// starman / roosevelt row / bicyclette / middle ages

It's been a long week. I'm taking a (long overdue) break & heading to Tucson tomorrow. Happy weekend!

/// STEAL THIS :: MATTHEW DEAR

One time, I loved Matthew Dear more than anything. Two years later and I am still playing Black City non-stop. Lucky for me, he has a new album coming out in August. Lucky for me,  he released a new song from said album. I was worried it wouldn't live up to my expectations -- but it does, and then some. (Also, I saw him on the Black City Tour & he was phenomenal. Beyond words.)


FACEBOOK | OFFICIAL

/// KAY.EM.KAY

Look who I found in the April/May issue of Bust magazine. . . Why, it's Kay.Em.Kay!

You may remember that a whole year ago, I helped style her spring 2011 lookbook. I have to tell you: she's come a long way in a year. She has a gorgeous new spring 2012 lookbook + a bunch of new wonderful items in her shop. Personally, I'm dying over her neon pastels ombre dress as seen below. Pop on over & check her out!

(Sidenote: She is the cutest person. Seriously.)

/// STEAL THIS :: HOLOGRAMS

More proof that Sweden churns out some real cool people. Like some dudes who work in a factory together and then make some music.

FACEBOOK | OFFICIAL

/// STEAL THIS :: DIG! BJM + TDW

Hard to believe, but I did it -- and completely by accident. (I found out about the one show two days before it took place.) I managed to see two bands that I've been enamored with for ages within three weeks of each other. They also happen to be friends, sometimes rivals, and the subjects of Ondi Timoner's 2004 documentary, Dig! That's right; I saw the Brian Jonestown Massacre AND the Dandy Warhols. I'm not going to compare their performances; I'll just say they were both perfect in their own right. And neither band was shy about busting out all their best hits. Pure magic.





Mission: Teen Girl Fantasy complete.

/// STEAL THIS :: MAY MIX

MAY MIX

/// STEAL THIS :: BEASTIE BOYS

This one hurts. So long, MCA.

/// NEW WOMAN

After a tumultuous, yet inspiring April, I started May with a big change -- cotton candy pink hair. So long darkness, my old friend.

/// The loveliest of hair done by Gavin Metz // Phoenix, AZ 

/// SUNDAY BRUNCH

Sundays are for brunch, friends, and naps. I want this all the time. (I needed this.)

/// STEAL THIS :: DEATH GRIPS

On repeat. This song especially has me going to get through finals. Amen.


FACEBOOK | OFFICIAL

/// RESURRECTION

I am just a few days -- and several exams -- before I can call this semester a wrap. I have no idea where the last four months went but OKAY. Slowly reintroducing myself to my life.

/// STEAL THIS :: SONGS FOR APRIL

APRIL

/// JEFFREY LEE PIERCE

/// STEAL THIS :: THE MOUNTAIN GOATS

   The Mountain Goats remind me of the beginning of summer, Brooklyn Summer Pale Ale, and my friend, Dave. It feels like summer here, but I'm missing everything else.


FACEBOOK | LAST.FM

/// BONLOOK

   Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. I am so in love with my Bonlook glasses. First, it is awesome to see again and not strain my eyes. Second, they're amazing. Third, they're still amazing.

   If you follow me on the Twitter (and have to put up with me ranting about. . . everything), then you know I actually had these a month ago. However, the eye doctor at Target messed up my prescription. Big time. Meaning: She made them too strong AND did not account for the astigmatism in my right eye. My bad eye. Congrats doctor lady at being worthless. To top things off, UPS is the worst. I'm on a crusade against them right now. They tried to charge me almost 30$ to 2-day ship the glasses back to Bonlook to be fixed. (The package weighed a half a pound.) On the flip side, the USPS charged me less than 4$ to mail them priority and they reached their destination in -- surprise! -- two days.

   On the flip side, Bonlook's customer service was really great during the whole debacle, especially since I was really cranky about everything else. Solid glasses, great customer care, timely processing (minus UPS being worthless) = I'm very satisfied and cannot wait to get my hands on another pair.

   I'm going to go read things now that I can see.

/// STEAL THIS :: AIR FRANCE

Just as we're entering the season where all I want to do is listen to Air France, they announce they're breaking up today. Color me heartbroken. I sincerely hope they come back with new projects. A girl can dream. . .

/// STEAL THIS :: MARCH MADNESS MIX

Tell me, people. How is March already more than halfway over? Geez Louise. I'm on SPRING BREAK this week (Break? What break?) and I will now try to be more attentive to my internet realm; I've missed it so! On the flip side, I'm working a million hours, scrambling to prepare for the end of the semester, and fighting off a cold/allergies/the Black Death. So let's see how this goes, shall we?

Here's a mix! Sadly, this is the first of the new year. (There were January and February mixes that were started and, well, never fully realized.) This one here is half-electro/half-garage -- basically what is going on in my head right now. (Ahem, split personality.) It launches in Spotify so get on that shit.

MARCH MIX

Sidenote: I don't know shit about basketball, nor do I care. I'm descending into my own madness for March. Besides, it's almost time for hockey play-offs. Go Pens.

/// STEAL THIS :: THE TWELVES

It's been super warm here in Phoenix, making me feel like it's summertime in the northeast. I've busted out the sundresses and the summer jams, albeit a wee bit early.

Someone pour me a lemonade.

/// BETTER THAN SOMETHING

(Oof, I tried to post this yesterday, but got shut down by my internet. Not cool. Also, East coasters, we are back to being 3 hours apart and it's ruining my timing of. . . everything. Apologies.)

Finally, after waiting patiently for a very long time, I was able to see the Jay Reatard documentary, Better Than Something, at the Film Bar in Phoenix on Sunday. It was just as wonderful as I had hoped it would be. I laughed, I cried, I gained a new appreciation for one of the musicians I completely adore. The film really goes deeper than Jay's angry, pissed off exterior. It truly is touching, heartbreaking, and inspiring at the same time. I am so grateful to Alex Hammond and Ian Markiewicz for making this film. (Yes, I am a fan girl. I do not care.)

If the film stops in your city, it is absolutely worth seeing. 

/// STEAL THIS :: DIZZEE RASCAL

I forgot to do this yesterday because. . . I was lazy. And it works out because this song is for some bro I know who is having a birthday today. Go bonkers.


FACEBOOK | LAST.FM

/// LOUIS VUITTON A/W 2012

Marc gives me chills. A very subdued, yet refined collection. I'm very keen on the presentation as a whole, though.

STEAL THIS :: THE LIMINANAS

One thing I can always count on from my friends? Really great music recommendations. This Monday's feature comes from my pal, Jenn, in Chicago. She consistently blows my mind with the music she passes along to me -- and it was no different this time around.

Here are the Limiñanas, hailing from France with their Velvet Underground meets yé-yé sounds.


LAST.FM | MYSPACE

/// DOCOMO

/// SVPPLY ME :: SOFT GOLD STUDIO

Once upon a time, a lovely red-headed lady waltzed into the coffee shop where I was serving up sass on the daily. I immediately knew she wasn't from around those parts, as she was entirely too fashion forward. I commented on the necklace she was sported and she airily replied, "Oh, I made it out of bits I found around." Color me impressed. 

And thus was the beginning of a glorious friendship with Dianna of Soft Gold Studio. I've watched as she's carefully crafted her line with precision and perfectionism over the last year or so with an almost stalker-like fervor. Lucky for you, she's finally launched her collection, and it is nothing short of breath-taking. While it is undeniably "Dianna", there are pieces for everyone --  from simple, geometric earrings to beaded cluster rings to gorgeous necklaces perfect for layering. 

(Below are a few of my favorites. Of course I would choose triangle-centric pieces. . . Duh.)

All personal bias aside, I can safely say I am completely enamored with these bijoux.

FACEBOOK | ETSY

/// All photos courtesy of Dianna & Soft Gold Studio

/// STEAL THIS :: LOOM

A good pal of mine contributed to a My Bloody Valentine "Loveless" tribute album. Yesssss. So good.


FACEBOOK

/// STEAL THIS :: PHEDRE

Yes, I've already posted about Phèdre, but I'm going to do it again. So deal. Their album is out today on Daps Records (more good stuff over there!) and you'd be a fool not to pick it up. It's the first album of 2012 that I'm excited about. Shit, it's the first album I've been pumped about in what seems like forever.

Happy VD, boneheads.


BUY DAT SHIT HERE

/// WHITNEY

Love her or hate her, Whitney Houston was an icon. (Personally, I think she was amazing.) And this is how she remains for me, forever.

/// STEAL THIS :: SHABAZZ PALACES X BATTLES

Two of my favorites (who put out two of my favorite albums last year) have collided. Shabazz Palaces remixed Battles' "White Electric" for the one Gloss Drop remix album, Drop Gloss 2. HELL YES.

/// COOK & GATES

For those of you who follow me on Twitter, you will know that I've been obsessing over the Cook & Gates tote I ordered from Fab. I'm happy to announce that it's finally here, and it's as lovely as I expected it to be. (I picked up the Original Grid tote.) It took three weeks to make it to me because each one is made upon order. Despite having no patience at all, it was so worth the wait.

/// STEAL THIS :: M.I.A.

#1 theme song. So happy it has a video now.

/// STEAL THIS :: TWIN SISTER

Despite being totally overwhelmed with work, I snuck out this past Tuesday to catch Twin Sister at the Crescent Ballroom here in Phoenix. And they were absolutely lovely.


FACEBOOK | OFFICIAL

/// STEAL THIS :: PHEDRE

AGAIN (as always), my pal, Amanda, finds the coolest shit.


OFFICIAL | FACEBOOK

/// TIME

I feel as if I've been racing against, using too much, wasting time these last couple weeks. It's been quite an adjustment being back in school, but a positive one nonetheless. Hang tight -- there will be more to come... sometime.

/// STEAL THIS :: GRIMES

Via my lady, Amanda. Be still my heart.
   

Grimes is playing Phoenix next month, and I will not be missing her this time around.
YTGvB: Grimes "Nightmusic" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

/// STEAL THIS :: JAY REATARD (RIP)

I've already discussed my undying love for Jay Reatard, but this Friday the 13th marks the two year mark of his passing.



-rip-

/// STEAL THIS :: NORTH DAKOTA

I've seen this local girl band twice now, and every time I become more & more smitten with them.




FACEBOOK

/// D. GUINNESS AS D. BOWIE

/// Vogue Germany January 2012

/// via Fashionising

/// OH LOOK, IT'S 2012 + INSTAWEEK

How did I spend New Year? I had my own sassy countdown at 8.30pm, took a shot of NyQuil, and passed out an hour later. But you know what? I'm totally cool with that. No, I don't want to be sick, but it was nice not to deal with the jackassery the beginning of a new year brings out in people.

I am, however, looking forward to a few days off to recuperate & prepare for the start of the semester. (Holy shit! I'm a student again!) There also may be some things in the works for my internet dumping ground.

To start the new year off -- and abuse my Instagram capabilities -- here is the recap of my week. (Inspired by La Vie C'est YéYé. She is divine, so go check her out. Now.)

{Cookies; Phoenix Public Market; creepy dolls in a shop window; stencil outside the Bikini Lounge.}

{Birthday babette; Christmas kitty; Mum + sissy + creepy elf; Home Alone + cat snuggles.}

{Gifts from sissy wrapped in paper she made; witch sisters; Phoenix Christmas; early morning Mill Ave.}

{Little sister; new coffee mug from the mamma; ferris wheel outside the shop; back to school supplies.}

Happy 2012!