My High Fidelity Inspired Life

What came first?  The music or the misery?

Sometimes, you can watch a movie a thousand times, and only during a certain point in your life will it ever really start to mean anything to you.  Yesterday, this happened to me with High Fidelity.  For those unfamiliar with the John Cusack work, it is based on Nick Hornby's book about an audiophile who rehashes past relationships through his relationship with music (this is a very simplified version of the plot, obviously).

I think I didn't really realize why I loved this movie so much until I realized that every relationship and friendship I have ever had can be defined by certain musical works.  There are friends of mine from high school that I have lost touch with, but every time I hear "The Next Episode," or "Fever for the Flava," my memories are instantly transported to being in my '93 Suburu Impreza on the way to a keg party in the woods.

Or how about those relationships where you share bands whose lyrics break your heart and beats get stuck in your head.  At the time it makes so much sense to share that love of music with that person, but you know the minute you break-up with someone you'll never be able to listen to those songs without that painful memory, feeling of loss, and sense of nostalgia.

So in honor of Cusack's character, Rob Gordon, here are my Top 5 Ex-Nostalgia Songs (some are stranger than others):

• "Africa" by Toto-  Yes, this one is a strange song to include on the list, but my high-school sweetheart went through a period of being obsessed with this song, and to this day I cannot hear it without sending him a text to see how he's doing.  In fact, I sent him one on Monday when I was out dancing and heard it.  
• "Only One" by Yellowcard- This song came out at a pivotal point in my young relationships.  Enough said. 
• "1901" by Phoenix- Prior to it being in a commercial, it was a favourite song of someone I was once close to.  Every time the commercial comes on I roll my eyes and heavily sigh (which is a step up from when I used to turn the channel)
• "Fireflies" by Owl City- The last time I saw this person I heard this song for the first time.  I thought it was the worst song I had heard in ages and couldn't believe he liked it.  It made me want to punch babies, but now it's one of my favorite memories.
• "Dragon's Lair" by Sunset Rubdown- Off my favourite album by my favourite band.  Sometimes there are things better kept to yourself.  

It's a good thing I'm so young.  This list is sad, there will be time for it to grow.

On My Playlist: Casey Shea

Lately, I've been obsessively playing Casey Shea's album, In Search of Seas.  An album I downloaded for free (not stealing, promotion via website), has now become a mainstay of my music delight.

This American singer/songwriter who is a huge presence in the live music scene here in New York, sounds like Matthew Perryman Jones, Paolo Nutini, and The Beatles got thrown into a blender and out came a Casey Shea smoothie.  Or in otherwords, he sounds exactly like the type of music you would hear on an episode of One Tree Hill.

Songs like "Elephant," "Wave of Walls," and "Good Man," give the album a mellow vibe, perfect for when I'm trying to get some writing done.  But Shea rounds out the album with "Pretty Good Shape," and "Oh Nancy!" which just make you want to get up and dance.

With a consistent billing at the Rockwood Music Hall in the next couple months, I cannot wait to get an opportunity to check him out live.  Might you join me?

For More Info on tour dates, his blog, or to download some of his songs for FREE, check out his website here:

http://caseysheamusic.com

My First Big 2010 Purchase

As I've mentioned before, I don't really care for shopping.  I'd much rather spend my Saturday reading a book then fighting through throngs of people in Soho.  However, sometimes when the mood strikes, you just have to run with it.

Yesterday I deviated from the plan.  The original plan to make a list of purchases I actually needed, and avoid spending money frivolously.  A friend of mine, noticed me looking at the John Fluevog website on Friday and fell in love with some of the shoes.  Being quite familiar with Fluevog, I am always encouraging of biting the bullet and spending a few hundred dollars, and since he had the money to spend, I thought it would be a good idea to take him down to the store on Mulberry and Prince.

And then I walked in and had to see these:

The Mini Zaza's in purple and orange.*  I had known they were going to come out, and I had been trying to avoid the store for this very reason.  The minute I saw them, they were already mine.  Having owned four pairs of Fluevogs already, I am well aware that they are stylish, sturdy, and most importantly, comfortable.  I can walk up and down the streets of this city and back and have no problems.  A rarity for heels.  

Fluevog's aren't cheap, but if you want a shoe that gets looks, you can wear like crazy, an are investment pieces, then these are the shoes you want to go for.  You can order them online, here.  Or if you want to get the best possible Fluevog shopping experience possible, I suggest hitting up one of their stores.  The salespeople are beyond knowledgeable, super helpful, and not the pushy annoying staff that you get at other stores.  If you live in New York, ask for Anton, he's probably the best Fluevog salesperson out there.  The store here is located on Prince and Mulberry, and it's worth dodging the hoards of models and tourists in Soho to check it out.  Here's a couple more pictures for proof and nostalgia :)

My new favorite Fluevogs.  The purple and orange are just obnoxious enough for me to want to own.  If only they were purple and gold, they could be my Viking's shoes.  Are you listening John Fluevog?

* Thank you to two of my favorite people in the world, Anton and Paige for spoiling me on my birthday and allowing me to afford these.  

Top 10 Fashion Needs for 2010

I am not a huge shopper.  I like to go vintage shopping, but only between the hours of 10-2 on a weekday (which now that I'm working 9-5 is going to be difficult), I will go shop in little boutiques (but I'm not earning a ton of money, so that will be tough), and I despise most stores like H&M and Forever 21.  Having worked in a boutique from the ages of 17-20, I have an aversion towards most giant stores, something to do with overhead lighting and racks of clothing askew and the chaos that goes with it.

Having said that, I usually keep a list of the clothing items I want.  This way I stay on my budget, I don't end up with too many things I don't need (vintage dresses aside), and I don't have to spend much time shopping.

So far, as my life, interests, and attitude is changing, so is my wardrobe.  My list is growing far more then I want it to, but here are the Top 10 for 2010:

1. Bamboo T-shirts.  I have been searching for the perfect t-shirt for a while, and am dying to move to more renewable fabric sources.  I began this quest with my bamboo bed sheets last year, and I cannot get over how soft they are.  Bamboo t-shirts can be a little pricey, so I plan on investing in a black, white and probably yellow one for the time being.

2. Skinny black pants.  Remember when those GAP ads used Audrey Hepburn a couple years ago?  Well, I missed the boat on that and am now kicking myself for it.  I have a feeling that with enough hunting I will be able to find them, but I have a feeling that these will be one of the purchases I make next fall.

3. Patterned silk scarves.  I have a few of these already, and I love adding them to a t-shirt and skirt as a fun alternative to a necklace.  Hey, it worked for Jackie O.

4. Striped boatneck top.  I secretly desire to spend my days drinking wine, reading Sartre, and smoking cigarettes (even though I don't really intend to ever do this last thing).  I've always seen myself doing that in a striped boatneck top with my hair pulled up in a bun.  Granted, I'm also super tall and skinny in this fantasy, so who knows.

5. Short black Frye boots.  As I've previously mentioned, I have a deep love for Frye boots.  I asked for the Harness Frye's '8' for Christmas, but I think my dad figured that after two pairs, a third was unnecessary.  He may be right, but that doesn't mean I won't ask for them for my birthday.

6.  A signature silver necklace.  I know this sounds a bit weird, but I have been scouring the globe for a simple, classy, silver necklace that is all my own.  I have a silver graduated bead necklace from Tiffany that I love, but it's almost too classy.  I also have a great sparrow necklace I found for $3 at a thrift store, but that too, just isn't quite me.  It's time for me to find my signature piece.

7. New sunglasses.  I want basic black frames, and a decent lens, is that too much to ask for?  Upon last Spring's loss of my favorite Burberry's (left drunkenly behind at Down the Hatch), I have been dying to buy some new, classic sunglasses.  Having gotten all of my sunglasses at amazing prices, I've always been super picky about how much I spend, that's probably a good thing, considering how things go on those drunken nights.

8. Fabulous and practical neutral colored flats.  Recently, I've learned the joy of having fashionable flats in New York City.  Not only do I need something I can wear to work, but I need something comfortable enough to get me through Grand Central at rush hour.  These are a few months off, I definitely plan on spending some good money on these, I need something that will last me more then a month.  I'm not a huge label queen anymore, but I've always thought these Chanel flats to be perfection.

9.  Long, thin knit cardigans.  I have a number of these that I've been wearing for years, but that's the problem, I've been wearing them for years and now they are well-loved and not so work appropriate.  The only problem is that I am super picky about my cardigans, and cannot find the one that I already own.

10. A really practical, really great, really classic, really big bag.  I have a really great collection of purses both vintage, and designer that I rarely carry.  The truth of the matter is that in New York, we carry our lives on our shoulders and that usually requires a big bag.

Now that I'm doing a mental checklist of how much all of this will cost, I realize that it will definitely take me a year to acquire all these items, either that or maybe I should start picking up some extra bartending gigs :)

New York Band to See: Wakey Wakey!

 I used to view concerts as my type of church.  I know that sounds super cheesy, but being a non-religious person, I used to look forward to the one concert a week I would attend while in college.  I used to save all the money I made in event promotions in college for concerts (where I would stay sober to save money), and in this event forgo all the birthday parties and club nights all my friends attended.  

Granted, when you are raised with a father who has thousands of albums and 25 years worth of Rolling Stone magazines, music does just become a part of your life.  And although I have no musical talent (aside from the viola, which I've played for 10 years, yet still totally suck), I love listening to live music and enjoying those experiences more then anything.  I try not to be picky, I will attend everything from rap to classic rock to obviously, indie rock.  This weekend I decided to take in the Harper Blynn and Wakey Wakey shows at Mercury Lounge.

You may know Wakey Wakey from the CW show, One Tree Hill.  And while that may be uncool in some circles, it does not negate the amazing performance they put on.  Ranging from solo pieces to pieces with 12 musicians (including a whistler and three piece brass section), Wakey Wakey put on a solid performance that could be enjoyed by nearly everyone.  Mike Grubbs is undeniably amazing on the keyboard and vocals.  Anne Lieberwirth is on bass, and while I obviously love female bass players (I one day aspire to be one), it was Anne's shy nature, yet incredible rhythm that kept me captivated.  However, I will say that my favorite band member was Patrick Doane on violin.  With his smallish build and elvish demeanor you would never expect him to wail so hard on a violin, even going so hard as to breaking a few of his bow strings along the way. 

Wakey Wakey is currently on tour here in the east, their next New York show is March 27 at Rockwood Music Hall.  Check out their music here, on their myspace.  

Point: NYC

My close friends often hear me say that I "hate New York."  I know, I know, how could anyone hate NYC?  Well, being from the west, the land where I have mountains, lakes, trees, and stars at my disposal, I often find myself missing all those things.  Even if I hate all those things, I still have every intention of sticking it out in New York for a while, I have great friends that I love, get to see tons of concerts, have quite the pickings for vintage clothing, and love my living situation.

New York also gained another point for me today, and that is the ability to have anything delivered.  I often try not to be lazy enough to have anything delivered, weather pending, but after being stuck on the couch for two days with the stomach flu (which I have subsequently passed on to my roommate, poor thing), when I ran out of gingerale, and needed some soup today, the deli across the street had everything I needed.  So congrats New York, you won my heart today, even if I spent the time on the couch instead of out enjoying the sunshine.

My Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy World

Ok, so I have a slight obsession with living in a post-apocalyptic world, and I don't think I'm the only one.  There are dozens of post-apocalyptic films, books, comic books, and video games in existence, and more being released all the time.  And while my obsession lends itself to many obsessions I have: writing scripts, learning to shoot guns, getting in better shape, learning to grow food, etc., there is one thing that my post-apocalyptic fantasy world has influenced the most, my wardrobe choices.

I secretly wish to dress as though I live in a post-apocalyptic world on a daily basis.  And with my obsession effecting my dreams on a bi-nightly basis, I've decided to write this post detailing everything you need to survive in a post-apocalyptic world:

1. Sturdy and comfortable footwear.  I'm not talking your everyday Nike Crosstrainers.  I'm talking Doc Martens that you can hike miles in, and still crush a zombies* skull with.  Or better yet, Frye boots.  Milla Jovovich wore them in Resident Evil, and I wear my all up and down the streets of Williamsburg.  My next purchase will be these ones, which are perfect for kicking down doors, walking over rubble, and scaling rocky cliffs.

2. Pair these boots with a pair of smart-wool socks, which means, make sure you try your apocalypse boots on with thick socks.  Also, you're going to want to have an extra pair.  There is nothing worse then wet socks while trying to outrun a zombie.

2. The second thing is probably a very sturdy pair of pants.  There is a reason jeans were created during the industrial revolution, they are reliable, durable, and movable.  A great alternative is a pair of Carhartt's, which unless you live in farmland you've probably never worn, but they are the go-to gear for ranchers, farmers, and cowboys.  And they are durable enough to resist a zombie bite.

3. The upper body secret for a apocalyptic dressing is layers.  I suggest cotton underneath, probably a light tank top or t-shirt.  Also, you want to go with dark colors, trust me on this, it's not like you'll have access to a washer/dryer, take a cue from Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2.

4. The second upper layer is key.  This is where you want to add a thin sweater for insulation.  But make sure it's not too oversized/long/flowy.  You don't want that to get caught on anything when you're in a pickle.

5. The outer layer.  I suggest leather.  Leather is durable, zombies will have more difficulty biting through it, and it basically looks super badass.

6. Post-apocalyptic accessories.  Sunglasses- polarized, good fitting, only use them during the day, we don't need no Corey Hart's post-apocalyse.  A sturdy leather belt- chances are, after the end of the world, you won't have a lot of access to food and you might need a belt when your pants start sagging.  A watch (just kidding, watch batteries will be too tough to find post-apocalypse, you're better off using the sun).

7. Functional post-apocalyptic accessories include packs, slings, and holsters.  However, that is a whole different subject that I will save for another edition.

Milla Jovovich in Resident Evil: Extinction.

She designed her own costume for this film, complete with sexy boots, knife holsters, and lots of earth tone layers, perfect for fighting off hoards of zombies in the Vegas desert. 

So there you have it.  Dressing for a zombie apocalypse in a few easy steps.  While you may have greater and cheaper access to all these supplies once the end of the world happens, I suggest building your collection now.  If nothing else, you look super bad ass and totally hipster pre-apocalypse.


*Disclaimer: The apocalypse I am referring to will most definitely be zombie/disease/looting and pillaging related.

Why We Love Cupcakes

I have had Cupcakes on the brain recently.  1st I interviewed at a cupcake speciality location yesterday, and then last night after dinner, a friend of mine went to seek out dessert and stumbled upon the same chain and stopped to pick up cupcakes.

We decided on three overly decadent, disgustingly sweet, pretty little concoctions, got them to go and headed back to his place to eat them.  In the midst of this conversation, I figured out why everyone loves cupcakes.

Yes, they are pretty, or cute, but so is a regular cake.  Yes, they are convenient, but most of the time you put them on a plate and eat them similar to a regular cake.  No no no, these are not the reasons for the mass cupcake love.  The real reason is that we don't like sharing.  Sure, we will donate money to causes, and we will give half our sandwich away, but a cupcake is different.  Perhaps it's because it's wrapped in wax paper, or maybe because it's a complete decoration on top as opposed to part of a picture, either way, cupcakes give us permission not to share.

I distinctly remember feeling this way when I was a selfish only-child in preschool.  Whenever it was blueberry muffin day, I loved the fact that I got a whole muffin to myself, and it was just mine.  Well, it's 18 years later, and I think I still love the fact that with a cupcake, you can be as selfish as you want.  And when you buy a cupcake, you get to pick your flavor, instead of being left with chocolate cake and chocolate frosting, like every other kid in the third grade.

Perhaps that's why cupcakes have caught on so much in NYC.  With our constant sharing of personal space, we need something to let us escape and that we feel ok about not sharing.  And hey, it being NYC, we will just walk off the calories on the way home from the subway.

I have a new goal in life, to make the entire Nintendo series of games into cupcakes.

New York Band to see: At Sea

Music blogger and writer, I am not, music lover and appreciater? That I can do, and that I try to do. As often as I can afford to, I like to attend concerts in this great, wonderful city. Having grown up and lived in two relatively smaller areas my entire life, it wasn't until I moved east that I have been given so many opportunities to involve myself in a rich music culture. Having always been friend, lover, and supporter of various musicians throughout my lifetime, it has only become a natural progression to involve myself with people of similar interests in a greater area.

This became surprisingly easier when I discovered the band, At Sea, formerly known as The Death of Jason Brody. Introduced to me by a friend and co-worker of mine, I attended my first At Sea show expecting to hear a few wannabe rockstars that goofed off in music in their spare time. Fortunately for me, I was beyond pleasantly surprised.

Okay, before I go any further, I must give a word of warning- I'm always terrible at describing genre's of music, Indie rock is my constant scapegoat, making it far easier for me to avoid having to dissect someone else's art. Influenced by Doves, and The Stars, I like to label At Sea as "pussy rock," meaning- rock that I can't quite pin down, kinda poppy, kinda alternative, highly enjoyable. Led by Jason Brody, whose voice can be a bit reminiscent of Kurt Cobain at times, At Sea is a band not to be missed live. Not only do these gentleman know how to put together a song, but they are technically proficient, meaning they actually sound like themselves when they step on stage- a concept often missed with indie bands in the New York scene.

Having seen three shows thus far, with a fourth coming up in Jersey City this weekend, At Sea has gotten better each and everytime I have seen them. With an upcoming EP, I look forward to seeing what else these guys will do. Check out their website, support them, and follow them on twitter @atseatheband

Having spent too much time watching bands in dive bars, open for bigger acts, and catching shows in my neighborhood, At Sea will not disappoint. I expect nothing but amazing things from these guys in the future.


For More Info:
www.thedeathofjasonbrody.com

Hipster Must-See: Warriors

http://vassifer.blogs.com/

In my previous post, I discussed Walter Hill's Streets of Fire and the epic-ness that is the costuming of that film. Well, after my foray into Hill's box-office bomb, I picked up another Hill film, this time with a bit more press, The Warriors.

First off, let me just say that I can only fully appreciate this film because I live in New York. If I didn't, I just could not have even understood how epic this is. Second, if anyone knows where I can get a Warrior's vest please let me know, I think that is a necessity for my life.

So, the gangs of New York are sick of being at war, and Cyrus (leader of all that is good and righteous in the gans) calls for a cease fire between the gangs, so that they may focus their attention on much more important things, such as getting the fuzz. During the big meeting in the Bronx, Cyrus is killed, and everyone blames the Warriors. Now, the Warriors must make it from the Bronx to Coney Island via subway, with every other gang in New York after them. Joined by the Bronx Harlot, Mercy, the Warriors are up for the battle of a lifetime, only to make it to.....Coney Island. Really? That's where they want to get? Huh. Wow....I guess that's cool, that you'll battle that hard for....Coney...Island. Okay, wait, really?

So the plot is less then believable, but who cares? All the gangs where matching outfits and you're surprised when they don't break out into song and dance. Oh! And there is a gang of solely girls who use against the Warriors. Baseball bats, police battles, knife fights, undercover cops, this movie's got it all. That must be why Tony Scott is planning on remaking it in 2010.

Oh man, I gotta stop talking about this movie, it's making me want to beat people up again....and wear leather vests. Rent it, or own it, now.

Event to Try: The Poetry Brothel

I've been in the city less then a week. I'm still living with my friend, desperately searching out a place and job hunting like crazy. However, I'm still making time to have fun and explore all the glorious things the city has to offer.

That being said, last night my dear friend dragged me to a "Poetry Brothel" in Brooklyn. I didn't know what to expect, but whatever it was, this event was not what I expected. The first thing I have to remember is that spaces in NYC are SMALL. I expected it to be more of an open warehouse type thing, but it was a small apartment building. It was crowded, hot, and sticky. But that can't ruin your night. There are various "whores" that you can pay to read you poetry (you get a free reading with your $10 cover charge). They come out and do excerpts at the beginning (most in costume). It is such a diverse group of talented poets it becomes tough to decide which whore you're going to take. You can choose from poems on beastiality, snails (my personal favorite), or rigor mortis erections.

If getting a poetry reading isn't your thing, then maybe the live music, ever present absinthe, or just the company will get you there. Either way, next time you're looking for something to do and the poetry brothel is going on, head down at least for a little while, you'll be glad you did. http://www.thepoetrybrothel.com