New York State of Mind

 

Headed to NYC for the weekend. I've listed the things I'm most excited to do on this trip in case any of you fabulous people will be there in the near future and want to check out...

Rooftop Drinks at the Gansevoort. Gansevoort (where I'm staying as well) has a rooftop bar with views of the Hudson River and entire city. It was recently listed as one of the top 5 Rooftop destinations in the entire world. Plunge at Gansevoort

Blow out at Blow NY.  Apparently it's THE BEST BLOW OUT EVER (thanks kelly)! Blow NY

F*CK ART. A Street Art Occupation at the Museum of Sex.

Lunch at Eataly. So excited. Have yet to go there but I have heard wonderful things about Mario Batali's Eataly. To this day Batali's Babbo is still one of the best meals I've ever had. Eataly NY

Bingo at the Standard Hotel. I love a good Sunday Funday. Bingo at the Standard on Sunday (food and drink included)  involves table dancing and guest's screaming "MORE BALLS"! AWESOME.

Willis Earl Beal. Willis is one of my new favorite artists this year and he will be playing at the Mercury Lounge Sunday night. Check out this fantastic GQ article with Willis. (video included)

Dinner at Stanton Social. Still one of my favorite spots in the L.E.S. A trip to NY wouldn't be complete without it their Chicken and Waffles. Stanton Social

Walk the High Line. The High Line is a public park built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan's West Side. I love it there. The High Line

Keith Haring exhibit at Brooklyn Museum. Haring's street art became a fixture in NYC in late 70's early 80's popping up in subways, Soho and the East Village. For more info: Keith Haring Exhibit

More posts when I get to the city!! 

Yours,

Juli  

Street Style SXSW

Just got back from SX and wanted to share some of the latest styles I saw on the streets. Some styles were a bit over the top but certain trends can be toned down a bit and incorporated into your every day wardrobe. Major trends this year were colored denim, maxi skirts, mixed patters and vests... lots of vests. 

The vintage shopping in Austin is out of control. I wish I would have had more time to scour through all the treasures. My favorite purchase of the trip was this AMAZING vintage sequin butterfly top! Now if only I had some place to wear this bad boy... maybe in NYC next weekend?!

Gotta get going. More later this week. :) 

Yours,

Juli

Southwest Style

I'm feeling very inspired by all things southwestern. I thought I'd share a few of my latest obsessions.


            

1. Nasty Gal Aztec Necklace 2. Stone Cold Fox Pallenberg Dress 3. Spell Lioness Dream Catcher

                                  

4. Nasty Gal Veracruz Dress 5. Urban Outfitters SW Medallion Tapestry 6. Spell Arrow Earrings   

7. Express Sequin Mini             8. Alexis Bittar Navajo Bracelet                 9. Society6  Iphone Case

 

10. Etsy Southwest Doggie Coat 11.Cynthia Vincent Naomi Wedge 12. Spanish Moss Big Sky Throw

My last road trip West. Missing those beautiful mountains. 

Lastly, this just came on Pandora. Seemed kinda fitting so I'm sharing...plus it's just a badass song.  Poison - Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Yours, 

Juli

SXSW PART 2

Yesterday I gave y'all the first half of my list of top ten bands I can't wait to see at SXSW. Today I'll give you the second half (again in no particular order). 

1. Gary Clark Jr.  This local 28 year old Austin native's guitar playing skills will BLOW YOUR MIND. I can't even handle it. Just listen. And then listen again. Is he for real? 

FYI: Mayor of Austin, Kirk Watson, proclaimed May 3rd 2001 Gary Clark Jr. Day. Gary was 17 at the time. 

2. Of Monsters and Men A six piece indie folk band from Iceland that will have you dancing in your seat. Their catchy sing-a-long tunes are infectious. CAN NOT WAIT to see them live. The band has been compared to Mumford and Sons, Edward Sharp and Arcade Fire. Listen to "Little Talks" below.

 FYI: Of Monsters and Men has only been to the States two times. They begin their first ever North American tour this March at SXSW. 

3. Polica  (pronounced POE-LISA) This Minneapolis quartet is one of this year's most buzzed about bands at SX. Lead singer Channy Leaneagh says the group was formed to "escape to a different reality" and that's exactly how the album makes me feel. "Give You the Ghost" is their debut album... listen to it entirely. You won't be disappointed. Oh and the drums. They are rad. 

FYI: Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) was quoted telling Rolling Stone magazine after his grammy win this year that "Polica is the best band he has ever heard". Wowza. 

4. Delta Spirit These boys make me get that warm tingly feeling. Plus it doesn't hurt that there is a banjo, harmonica and tambourine involved in loads of their tracks. It was harder for me to pick one of their tracks to show y'all then it was narrowing down all the bands at SX into my top ten list. 

FYI: I'm sneaking in an extra video here. chills. 

5. CHARLI XCX  Currently touring with the Sleigh Bells this 19 year old Londoner is BADASS. Synths and cymbals are totally my thing so I was immediately hooked. Stoked on catching her live...apparently she's got moves like Jagger. I love the live clip below and if you enjoy make sure to check out the video for "Nuclear Seasons". Totes Amaze. 

FYI: Charlotte ( her real name) started her first band when she was 7 and used to bully her friends into imitating the Spice Girls with her.

Ok so I'm cheating again and including a bonus band. I just can't shake the sound of these guys. It took me a while but after listening to their tracks a few times I couldn't help but pressing repeat. It's such a unique sound. Very 70's vibe to me. I have to post two videos so you can really get a feel for them... Enjoy "Seer" but don't skip "I'm here now". It's seriously one of the most mesmerizing and beautiful tracks I've heard in a long time. You won't regret. Motopony. Boom.





Ok well there you have it. My top ten (twelve) must see bands at this years SXSW. Hope y'all enjoy.

Yours,
Juli

SXSW PART 1

South by South West is one of my favorite music festivals of the year. It is an amazing platform to be introduced to so many up and coming artists... a sort of coming-out party if you will. No genre goes uncovered and it's held every year in downtown Austin ( which is a major bonus)! Working on my SXSW schedule for this year has become a grueling task....overwhelming to say the least. Is it even possibe to narrow down some 1,400 bands into a MUST SEE list? Barely, but I did it and today I'll share five (in no particular order).

1. Grimes (ok maybe she is my number one pick, but after watching this clip you wont be able to deny her complete and total radness). Hailing from Canada, Claire Boucher is the new queen of synthe beats in my book. Her music makes me feel like I'm in an 80's movie and THAT I love. Check out Oblivion below. 

FYI: Claire and a friend once tried to sail down the Mississippi on a DIY houseboat loaded with live chickens and 20 pounds of potatoes. NO JOKE.

2. Michael Kiwanuka Michael's got soul. His voice is pure magic. I had a hard time deciding what video to use here but finally decided on Lasan. It's a recent collaboration he did with my pretend boyfriend Dan Auerbach. Listen and Love.



FYI: Michael is the 23 year old son of Ugandan immigrants. Oh and he is a huge fan of Radiohead and Nirvana.

3. Alabama Shakes  These guys (and gal) certainly know how to represent the South. Their tunes make me wanna shake my booty for reals. Check out Hold On below. They are the definition of Southern rock'n'roll'n'rythem'n'blues.

FYI: Their first album Boys and Girls comes out April 10th. I already pre-ordered mine! 

4. ANR ( Awesome New Republic)  Totally diggin their sound. 

FYI:  This video was shot during hurricane Irene and Brian Robertson (1/2 of ANR) broke his foot spinning around at the 2:21 mark.

5. The Lumineers  If this doesn't make you happy then I don't know what will. That's all I have to say about The Lumineers. Prepare to stomp ya feet. 

FYI: Watching this video just reminded me I need to pack my tambourine for this weekend. :)

I'm adding a bonus video. Is that cheating? 

LP  She is brilliant and gives me gooseys. I just wish I knew how to whistle... 

Alright people. You asked for it. I guess I'm officially a blogger. This should be interesting... Part two of my SXSW picks tomorrow.

Yours,

Juli