Okay y’all, right to the point. Halloween is in a hot minute and you currently fall into one of two categories: 1) you have been planning your costume for months or 2) you have waited until the absolute last minute and you are trying to figure out what to dress up as (AKA ME AT THIS VERY MOMENT). An hour ago I was seriously contemplating biting the bullet and buying a ready-made costume, but as I am currently sitting on my floor staring at a tutu, top hat, multiple tiaras, and something that looks vaguely like a bird, I’m convinced that there has to be some sort of costume I can throw together. I have been trolling Pinterest for the past hour trying to figure out what I want to wear, so here’s a list of my favorite ideas/suggestions for last minute costumes.
1. So I know y’all Modern Magnolias all have a little black dress. Throw your favorite LBD on with some short pearls, a tiara, gloves, and sunglasses for an easy Audrey Hepburn or a long strand of pearls, a boa, a headband, and some fishnets for a fun 1920s flapper (PARTY LIKE JAY GATSBY Y’ALL)!
2. Got a tutu (if you don’t go on Pinterest there are literally a million DIY tutorials or check out this one from McKenna Bleu)? A tiara, a sash, and a pacifier and BAM YOU’RE TODDLERS AND TIARAS. You can also just be a princess or throw on some wings and be a fairy. I have seen a lot of tooth fairy pictures, which I think is ADORABLE (and you could make your boyfriend dress up as a tooth, LOLZ).
3. Really into stripes? Wear a black
and white striped shirt with black pants, a black mask, gloves, and
a money bag to be a bank robber! And if you have a red and white
striped shirt get some of those “fashion glasses” that don’t
have a prescription and be Waldo (btw it would be hilarious to photo
bomb people all night).
4. If you’re a TV/Movie Fanatic
like I am, dress like one of your favorite characters! Or you can
dress like your favorite celeb! I’m seriously considering
channeling my inner Cher Horowitz, “As IF!”, this Halloween. Hit
up your local thrift store to get all the pieces you need for your
outfit for super cheap.
5. Last resort: Throw on some animal
ears or a witch hat with whatever! Halloween is about having fun,
and Modern Magnolias know how to have a good time wherever they go.
Alright, so now that the media firestorm that is Miley Cyrus has calmed down a little bit, let's take an actual look at her latest album, 'Bangerz,' shall we? If you already have a preconceived opinion on whether you will like this album or not, you should probably throw that out the window and pull up a seat.
A little Miley background on me before you start judging- I'm that girl that didn't really stop watching Disney Channel seriously until about two years ago. I've seen the Jonas Brothers in concert four times, and one of those times was even with Miss Miley Cyrus herself, and I even saw High School Musical LIVE in concert. This song was basically my anthem for longer than I would like to admit. I will always root for the home team, and in this case, you better believe Miley was up to bat. Would she actually come through and surprise all of us? I had full faith, but don't think I didn't turn my head in disgust at her VMA's performance just like the rest of America.
Andddd one more thing before we get into the actual review- you absolutely MUST watch this clip of Miley's interview with Ellen. She essentially states that the entire album is a documentation of her relationship/breakup with Liam (cue me freaking out and screaming). Also, ignore the #NOveralls...
Alright, so on the opening track, there are a lot of 'baby's' and 'I love you's' being thrown around, hence the title 'Adore You.' To put it bluntly, this is an incredibly intimate and raw song when you actually look at it, but it is most likely the song that you could sway around your kitchen to imagining you have someone to sing it to (cue the #foreveralone feeling). Also, just imagine Miley singing this to Liam (it's weird, we'll just leave it at that). Notable Lyric: "When you say you love me, know I love you more." Do you really, Miley? Sounds a little desperate, doesn't it?
The infamous 'song of the summer,' you have heard this song too many times even if you've been living under a rock. Yes, this is a party anthem, and, yes, the music video is one of the most terrifying things I have ever seen, but you know every word, don't you? Homegirl was smart for releasing this as her first single because it sure as hell grabbed everyone's attention, there is no denying that.
Probably the most anticipated track off the album, the title track features none other than Miss Britney Spears. Is she singing? Well, not really. In fact, Brit Brit kind of just speaks in a monotone voice and is completely out-shined by Miley's pipes. There, I said it. SMS also does not stand for 'standard messaging system,' as I had initially thought; Miley uses it as an acronym for 'struttin' my stuff,' which is obviously a lot more fun. In all honesty, I really don't understand this song. No idea why she just keeps saying 'bangerz' over and over again throughout the song. In my personal opinion, this song is the death of Hannah Montana. Notable Lyric: "Why do I need mili's when I got Billy on the speed dial?" LOLZ BILLY RAY CYRUS
One of my personal favorites from the album, this song is actually so. much. fun. It's literally just about driving trucks around in circles for no reason. No hidden message, just Miley and Nelly cruisin' around, getting covered in mud, all while singing to a circus-esque beat with some spanish guitar. Speaking of Nelly, this is probably the best thing he's done since this atrocity. Notable Lyric: "Drivin' so fast, bout to piss on myself." #ShesJustBeinMiley
Okay, so this one features "rapper" 'Future,' and I do not think he is human. He sounds a little bit like a drunk T-Pain (?) and he serves no actual purpose in this song. I also just genuinely not understand this song. I think she might be asking her lover to make a sex tape? But they also broke up? This one should have probably stayed on the cutting room floor, there is no reason my ears needed to go through that torture. Notable Lyric: "Pictured us walking to the altar, for better or for worse" SORRY MILES THAT SHIP HASSAILED
I'm going to be real honest here: this song is flawless. We can sit here and argue about the video until the cows come home, but this song... y'all, SHE HAS SOME SERIOUS FEELINGS. If this doesn't scream Liam, then I don't know what does. Case closed.
And here we have the album's second party anthem. I had to really listen to this one a couple of times before I made my mind up about it. The chorus is just her saying 'love money party' over and over again, so there's that. There's also not a whole lot of singing on this song; a lot of fast talking about love, money, and (you guessed it!) partying. Most importantly, the song features Big Sean, who saves the song from being an absolute disaster. Notable Lyric: "Party ain't nothing but a party. When you party everyday, it ain't nothing but a party." I wish I was kidding.
Now, I'm a sucker for hashtags, so I had some high hopes for this one. I take back what I said earlier- THISis the death of Hannah Montana. Bye Billy Ray, you might not want to listen to this one.
Another personal favorite from Bangerz, this one is undoubtedly about Liam. For anyone who has ever gone through a breakup that you knew had to happen, but was still incredibly hard no matter what, this is your JAM. The breakdown in the middle of the song is honestly what dreams are made of- it CRANKS. I truly forgot that I was listening to a Miley Cyrus song if that helps you understand how good this is. Notable Lyrics: "If forever's out the door, I'll ignore when you call" YOU GO GIRL, DON'T ANSWER THAT PHONE
Hey y'all, can you guess what FU stands for? LOLZ. This song is essentially about texting and it IS EVERYTHING. Obviously, texting a guy 'FU' is not the ultimate weapon, but, in Miley's case, I would really not want to be the person on the receiving end of her text messages. Another interesting rapper named "French Montana" is featured on this song; he doesn't really serve a purpose, so we can just ignore him. Notable Lyric: "SMH, I brushed a sin on you." LOLZ BRB G2G
11. Do My Thang
http://giphy.com *Editor's note: GIF doesn't really relate, just showing my feelings towards Miley being a "Southern belle" ...ugh.
PUT THIS ON YOUR RUNNING PLAYLIST IMMEDIATELY. For all you southern belles, congratulations! Miley believes she is one of you. (Hashtag eyeroll.) Of all of the party anthems on Bangerz, this one wins all the awards. Very basic, but straight to the point: let Miley do her thang, y'all. Notable Lyric: "Don't worry 'bout me, I got it all arranged b*tch. Mind your business, stay in your lane b*tch." OH GURL YOU JUST WENT THERE
This one is actually really sad. I honestly believe Miley wrote this in the privacy of her own bedroom bawling her eyes out after ending things with Liam. Ya know, after Liam confronted her about shaving her head and doing a total 180 and being like 'uhhhh do I still have to marry you?' Yes, Miley- you are crazy. Notable Lyric: "You might think I'm crazy. That I'm lost and foolish, leaving you behind. Maybe you're right" OBVI HE'S RIGHT MILEY YOU WENT PSYCHO.
THIS IS IT- THIS IS THE SONG. This is the exact moment Miley realized there was no salvaging of her relationship. Besides the obvious fact that she literally transformed into someone else via her dramatic haircut and wardrobe/lifestyle changes, this song lays it all out there. She knows what she sacrificed and she knows what she put Liam through (sorry... I really like pop culture). Notable Lyric: "If you're looking for love, know that love don't live here anymore."
I think Miss Miley wrote this as a plea to Liam when she realized that she truly would never do better than Gale Hawthorne. All about the pressure he goes through, she's basically just telling him that she is on his side, no matter how it appears. This song almost makes you feel bad for Miley, until you realize that she did all of this to herself, and then it just becomes a sad song. Notable Lyric: "If you were here, I'd get you a beer and I would hang your clothes." OH SO YOU'RE A HOUSEWIFE NOW?!
INDEPENDENCE. FREEDOM. SHE CAN'T BE TAMED Y'ALL. That's essentially this song. She has learned to be on her own, guys. Aren't you proud of her?! Notable Lyric: "And when you talk about your dreams, I'm never included" GURLFRIEND YOU ARE 20 YEARS OLD SLOW DOWN
The final track on the album, I kind of wish this was the first one I listened to. A slow but intense party anthem featuring none other than Ludacris, this makes me feel like I'm in a slow-mo music video with the lights flashing around me. Also, it sort of sounds like Justin Bieber (?) and I don't really know how to feel about that. MILEY WANTS TO SEE YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR, Y'ALL. Notable Lyric: "Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah"
So, that about sums that up. She may be incredibly strange and disturbed, but her music ain't half bad. It's not like you're going to immediately start twerking uncontrollably if you admit to liking her music.
And just a sidenote, I miss Hannah Montana and was a little more than upset that this song was not redone for Bangerz. Carry on.
If
you read Modern Magnolia regularly (or live in the South) you should
have at least heard of the no white post labor day rule. Yes, putting
away our well-loved white clothing for the winter can be saddening,
but cheer up belles because I have some good news- we can still wear
winter white!
How
are winter whites different from summer whites? Winter whites are
much more cream based which gives them a warmer, more luxe feel.
Bright, crisp summer whites simply do not mesh well with the rich
colors of fall and winter!
A
few months ago Glamour Magazine named winter white one of 2013's
"Most Wearable Fashion Trends". I
was flipping through their November issue and landed on page 222
when I saw this gorgeous winter white ensemble. Take a look-
I
was immediately inspired to explore this look for myself! The 'trend'
for this fall/winter seems to be wearing an entirely cream ensemble
from head to toe. If you need more inspiration on just how to wear
this great color take a look at the ladies below- from head-to-toe to laid back to super luxe.
While
it does look super chic, this trend can be made much more realistic
by wearing winter white pieces separately! This color looks fab on
anything from a cozy sweater to a structured coat. There are so
many different ways to feature winter white in your look!
How
will you choose to rock #winterwhite this season? Just remember the
difference between these creamy looks and summer white and you'll be
good to go! :)
Kelly wed talent manager and Reba McEntire's stepson, Brandon Blackstock, in Tennessee. We're kind of obsessed with her dress y'all... And the fact that she added Bluebonnets (the state flower of her native Texas) to her bouquet.
Also- how adorable are these pictures from her bachelorette party?? I love love love the idea of an adult tea party. Maybe it's time for a trip to Austin to visit the Marvelous Vintage Tea Party Co.
It’s a new week, and as I sat at my internship earlier today, all I was doing was dreaming of my ACL experience. This past two weekends, I was lucky enough to experience the Austin City Limits Music Festival, held at the gorgeous Zilker Park in Austin, Texas.
Since it’s beginning in 2002, ACL has become famous for hosting over 150 different acts, with a wide variety of genres represented (meaning there’s something for everyone). Like Coachella but with a Southern twist, the festival has grown to be so large that a second weekend was necessary!
I attended the first of the two weekends, and I can honestly say that I am so glad I did (and not just because Weekend Two happens to be during the TX/OU game AND my friend’s wedding…). I feel as though Weekend One-ers get to see the acts flaws and all, which only betters the experience.
The first act I saw? Vampire Weekend. Anyone who knows me knows I was #DYING over the fact that I was finally able to see my favorite band play live, and there was no disappointment in their set. I headed over to Kaskade next, and was able to squeeze to the front and dance my heart out. My group then headed to see Muse, a band which put on a great performance. We left ACL that first night exhausted, but ready for what the next day had to offer.
That next day, our group split up and I went down early with a friend to catch Portugal. The Man. Instead of sitting through the show, we waited in the super long line for the ACL Fest frame picture (totally worth it) while waiting to meet up with everyone else.
We had an hour in between Portugal and Passion Pit, so we explored the food truck tents. Passion Pit, famous for songs like Sleepyhead and Little Secrets, had the crowd going with a more chill vibe, which was perfect seeing as Kendrick Lamar was performing right after! Kendrick killed his set; I wasn't a huge fan before, but after seeing him live, I’m a changed #MM! We ended the night at Kings of Leon, who teased the crowd by taking exceptionally long break before their encore performance, which ended with Sex on Fire.
The final day of ACL consisted of starting off at Paper Diamond (who’s going to be HUGE y’all, I can feel it), catching the first thirty minutes of Grouplove’s set, then running over to Franz Ferdinand, heading back to Toro Y Moi, seeing Eric Church (an odd choice for ACL, but great nonetheless), running to Phoenix, and ending the night at Atoms for Peace. It was exhausting, but definitely worth it to try and get our last fill (for those of us not coming back for Weekend Two) of all that is ACL.
Will I be back? You better believe it. I highly advise that if you live in Austin (or will be visiting), you make sure to check this off your list. You definitely won’t regret it!
(ACL 2014 is definitely on my bucket list y'all!! Amelia has me dying to go. -C. xx.)
Did you go to ACL?? What was your favorite act? Let me know!!
