Wednesday, April 30, 2014

A Decade of Mean Girls Is So Fetch.

If y’all can believe it, Mean Girls premiered 10 years ago today. If that doesn’t make you feel like you’re entering/in adulthood (VOM), I’m not sure what will. In honor of today, we are going to throw it back to a time when Lindsay Lohan was in her prime and take a little time to point out several reasons we love Mean Girls will never get old.

Mean Girls is super quotable for everyday life.

http://fuckyeahmeangirls.tumblr.com/post/7035049475
Because this sounds so much better than just “Congratulations!”

Too-Gay-To-Function Damien (it’s only okay when Janis says it) has some of my personal favorite one-liners throughout the entire movie. I have 100% thrown out a “She doesn’t even go here,” to my friends if a rando walked in a bar/party/wherever. And you better believe I have said this to anyone who has come in my room too early on a Saturday:

http://fuckyeahmeangirls.tumblr.com/post/6645309003
Damien just gets me.

Also, I kid you not, I literally volunteered to do every calculus problem in front of the class senior year of high school in the hopes that I could channel my inner pre-rehab Lindsay Lohan and scream “The limit does not exist,” in front of the class. Side note: I totally made this happen. Like, where is my mathlete jacket, Kevin G?

http://37.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lycv12JQFo1ql289xo1_250.gif
http://37.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lycv12JQFo1ql289xo2_250.gif
When your friend calls and cancels plans you’re annoyed, but it makes you feel slightly better that you can pretend to be Regina George. “Boo, you whore!” *Bonus points if your friend is pulling a Karen and faking sick*

Okay, like this one is not practical for everyday use, but still hilarious.

http://fuckyeahmeangirls.tumblr.com/post/9262353431
 There is literally no way to include every quote from Mean Girls that we love. I think I could have conversations for an entire week with Gretchen Wieners quotes alone.
Even ten years later, Mean Girls has made the internet immensely more hilarious.

You combine Mean Girls with literally any other movie or television show, it’s going to be pure gold. My personal faves: 

http://meangirlsofpanem.tumblr.com/image/76367010229
http://lesmeangirls.tumblr.com/post/42670079366#notes
http://meanmadmen.tumblr.com/image/48135301195
And like, this tumblr is absolute perfection:
Mean Girls gets better every time you watch it. Yes, the movie was funny when you were 13, but it’s honestly gets even better the older you get. I guarantee I didn’t get half of the jokes in the movie when I was younger because they were borderline inappropriate for me to hear anyway. I have also come to appreciate the fact that there are multiple Saturday Night Live alums in the cast. Like no wonder the movie is so freaking funny. Amy Poehler alone, as not a regular mom but a cool mom, is worth watching the movie for.

http://thelostie.tumblr.com/post/19161618541
 For all of this, and much more, we want to give a big Modern Magnolias thank you to our girl Tina Fey. To show your appreciation, I hope you’re being super fetch, wearing pink (DUH IT’S WEDNESDAY) and eating tons of Toaster Strudels. I’ll be doing both, while performing Kevin G’s talent show act, because yes, I can rap the entire thing flawlessly.
Stay Grool,

P.S. Mean Girls is totally on Netflix now, so happy watching! Don’t even bother yourself with watching that Mean Girls 2 nonsense that ABC Family made.

Monday, April 28, 2014

Take It From A Man: On Monograms

Hopefully after my last articles (On Lilly PulitzerOn What Not To Wear) we sufficiently addressed the notion that things/stuff/possessions do not equal quality personality traits. Keeping this in mind, I feel it's fair to tell you that no one cares what your name is. I would apologize for my bluntness but who are we kidding here? Someone needed to say it and apparently I have no fear... or a death wish of some sort.


I'll wait while you undoubtedly reach for your monogrammed tissue holder that you keep inside of your monogrammed purse. You know, that cute purse that you got to match your monogrammed sweatshirt, Hunter boots, jewelry, school tote bag, bed spread, car decal...

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/52565520623688270/
Doesn't sound quit so ridiculous until you start rattling off every single item you have that is plastered with your name. I love you girls, I really do, but y'all are worse than the bro who got his own name tattooed on his back. We all know that guy and we all hate him. At least his precious monogram is covered most of the time by his Affliction t-shirt.

Monograms are classic in both their functionality and aesthetics. I have numerous personal items, both apparel and hard goods, that are monogrammed for me or have been passed down through the family, but you can always have too much of a good thing.

Many of you use monograms more than a Wall Street power broker had cocaine in the 80's. Let that soak in for a moment.
http://rebloggy.com/post/gif-swag-dope-cocaine-drugs-money-leonardo-dicaprio-jonah-hill-drugs-gif-the-wol/74021747682
Now, do you think you have a problem?

If you think nothing's wrong or that you "totally have it under control" I can assure you that you are wrong. Furthermore, to whomever is sitting in their monogrammed nike running shorts and matching neon tank top saying that their Momma always said, "If it moves, monogram it" -you're a liar and no one believes you (chances are you never had anything monogrammed before sorority recruitment).

Love your name. Love your monogram. Just calm it down with the self-branding that's enough to makes Nike jealous.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

#Dreams Come True- Beyonce has new music. Again.


If you've been around the #ModernMagnolias for longer than 2.83 seconds, you know that we kinda, sorta love anything and everything about Beyonce. Like, you're welcome world... the South gave you the perfection that is Queen Bee. The rest of y'all can go home now...

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mlew15/17-majestic-beyonca-quotes-that-will-remind-you-t-h0se
Remember last year when out of literally NOWHERE she dropped a really, really, reallyyyyyy amazing album that led to her owning the #GRAMMYs/letting everyone know who was taking home all the awards at the next ceremony? Well she's gone and released even  m o r e  new music. It's like freaking Christmas.

Sidenote- some dude named BOOTS is actually who released the song... Bey is just a guest vocalist. Details...
And upon further investigation of this BOOTS dude, he a) produced the majority of her last album so the entire world owes him one massiveee THANK YOU and b) he will be remembered as a producer the way Pharrell and Kanye West will be remembered as producers... it was their day job before they stepped in front of the mic themselves.

It's worth noting that you should definitely go buy this track. Not only is it completely worth the dollar that it will cost you, but the proceeds are being donated to an organization that works to end teen dating violence. Check out BOOTS' explanation here:
https://www.facebook.com/bootsonboots






It's magical. I'm obsessed. I've listened to it approximately 94628 times today...
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mattbellassai/the-most-unbelievably-flawless-and-life-changing-moments

Enjoy y'all!

-C. xx
(a.k.a. Beyonce's biggest fan...)

#PinterestProbz

You know when you’re on Pinterest (follow me, I pin all the time), and you see the actual cutest outfit you’ve ever seen, and waves of joy come over you. You pin it to your Get In My Closet or Style board (obvi) and then start scrambling to find your credit card because you definitely HAVE to have it in your closet. So you click on the picture, waiting for your browser to redirect you to the Holy Grail of sundresses and it happen...


http://reactiongifs.me/computer-smash/
NO LINK to purchase that perfect outfit. Not even an online boutique for you to browse while you sulk in the fact that that perfect maxi skirt/crop top combo will never be yours. Just a link to some rando’s tumblr. Is there anything more frustrating? Answer: NO THERE IS NOT. The daily Pinterest struggle, y’all…

Since I can never find the outfits I see on Pinterest, I started playing around with Polyvore (you can follow me if you’re into that) and creating outfits similar to some of my favorites that I have seen on Pinterest. In honor of this cold weather hopefully getting out of my life, and Spring and Summer weather moving in, here’s some of my recent attempts. 


Disclaimer: I just started using Polyvore so like soz if the layouts of the outfits look sketch. Also, I’m naming these outfits because Polyvore makes me so sorry in advance if the names are dumb.

Gimme Gimme Mo Kimono
I am so on board with the kimono trend. Throwing one on over almost anything is my absolute favorite way to look put together and be super comfy at the same time. I already have several kimono-esque tops, but I am dying to have a floral one!


http://www.pinterest.com/pin/252905335299250166/
Gimme Gimme Mo Kimono



Soooo oops, apparently the kimono I used in the Polyvore picture is sold out and I’m like way too lazy to make a new set. But here are some links to some other options that I like: ASOS Maxi KimonoRiver Island Printed Kimono, and Love Kimono.




Holy Chic
Not entirely sure where I would wear this outfit, but I am absolutely determined to find an event. It’s too fab. I’m super obsessed with sequins in any capacity, but tbh I like the green skirt better than the silver. I probably definitely need it in my closet immediately.


http://www.pinterest.com/pin/252905335299250168/


Holy Chic



Neon Dreams I love neon. I love maxi skirts. This is literally my perfect spring/summer outfit. And spicing up any look with a great statement necklace is always okay in my book. Easy, fun, and fabulous!


http://www.pinterest.com/pin/252905335299250167/
Neon Dreams


FYI I’m aware that just because I put some outfits together on Polyvore, that it doesn’t make me a fashion expert. Actually nothing annoys me more than someone who starts a blog and begins listing fashion “rules” or whatever. Like, unless you’re Rachel Zoe, don’t tell me what to wear.

I have always been obsessed with shopping (like who isn’t) and putting together outfits. There’s nothing more frustrating to me than wanting an outfit and not knowing where to buy it, or either it being like $1000 (not about that), so I hope this post was helpful for someone!

Happy online shopping!
Mary Lauren xx

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Cover Songs That Actually Don't Suck

 I hate movie sequels.  I loathe remakes.  
And for the most part, I really, really don’t like song covers.  I’m that obnoxious friend who says “this is actually a cover” when everyone else is loving the new song on the radio.  If the song was great to being with, it doesn’t need help from new voices.  That being said, I’m not too much of a music snob to recognize when the cover is actually good and, in some cases, even better than the original.  
http://www.buzzfeed.com/bradesposito/leonardo-dicaprio-dances-like-your-dad
Put on a band tee, try not to have a snarky, “but the original is better” comment, and enjoy some covers that actually don’t suck.




Honorable mention goes to Ed Sheeran. If his cover of "Drunk In Love" was on Spotify, you best believe it would have made the list. 



http://buzzfeed.com/giffeed/2809285
(We included the video for your viewing pleasure, though. You know we always take care of you!!)

The best part about a good cover is when the artist knows they are truly covering a legend. They view it as an honor. Who am I to deny listening to musicians covering songs from those they idolize? It's fangirling at its finest.


"Who I am as a guitarist is defined by my failure to become Jimi Hendrix."-John Mayer

xx, T

Thursday, April 10, 2014

The #Masters: A Tradition Unlike Any Other




The time has come my friends, it is the coveted week of men and women across the South… it’s Masters Week. For me, this is a week I highlight and circle all over my Lilly Pulitzer planner. I get goose bumps when I see the commercials on CBS. I cry every time I see old footage of past winners. It’s not just a golf tournament to me, it’s a lifestyle. I have had the privilege of attending the Masters for the past 10 years (it would be my whole life but ya know... that whole ban on women thing…) while my family has been going for over 25 years. My dad works for a golf company and introduced me to a world that I revolve my entire spring around (and I have no shame in that statement what-so-ever). 
In the past 10 years, I have encountered many DOs and way too many DON’Ts from spending my time on the clubhouse grounds people watching. For those of you attending at some point this week (or maybe in your dreams…who knows), I am writing this list not just to give you advice, but to take you from being a rookie on the course to…. Well, a Master J. From style advice to the incredible food you can consume, I’ll break down the best and worst I’ve seen at Augusta National. (I might even include some cute Southern golfers to keep an eye out for!)
  • #1. DO—find a way to attend a Practice Round. Practice Rounds are the best way to score an autograph, and even pictures (they have a less strict ban on electronic devices. Cameras are permitted these days but I do believe the cell phone ban is still in effect.) Players are much more relaxed and this is the best environment to be around them in.
  • #1. DON’T—hound a player. Just because it’s the Practice Round doesn’t mean you can become Sally Stalker. Security is still in effect, and they are not afraid to use it. Trust me, I’ve seen people thrown out because they just wouldn’t leave Phil and Tiger alone. Chill out y’all… eBay is full of autographs.
  • #2. DO—Find a way to snag an Azalea. And NO I do NOT mean the flower (see below). The Azalea is the signature drink of the Masters. The only snag to this DO is that you have to convince a clubhouse member to get you one, because hard liquor is not served on the grounds. (If you’re there Sunday, let me know. I’ll try and get you the hook up.)
  • #2. DON’T—DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT pick the flowers or any of the greenery on the property. I mean it. The security guys that will kick you out for being a stalker will also find great delight kicking you out for picking the grass or a flower (if they catch you).
  • #3. DO—eat a Pimento Cheese sandwich. It will change your life. I mean it. Plus food at Augusta National is super cheap. You can snag a 12 oz beer and a Pimento Cheese sandwich for $8. EIGHT. That is not a typo.
  • #3. DON’T—be sassy to the staff at Augusta National. They are the most amazing people on the planet. They come from across the world (no joke) to work at Augusta National and for some of them it’s their biggest job for the year. I’ve seen one too many “Southern Gentlemen” treat the workers at Augusta National like the help. Hey dude—they’re being paid to be there AND they get to meet players AND they get to be there the entire week. So I think they win.
  • #4. DO—snag as much Masters apparel as possible, but go towards the end of the day. They begin to re-stock inventory each night before the gates close, and the lines tend to be shorter.
  • #5. DON’T—snag the apparel at the beginning of the day and be THAT person who walks around with THOSE bags all. freaking. day. I dislike people like you because your bags make noise and take up good standing room. Also… don’t look frumpy. You’re at the MASTERS for crying out loud. Bust out the good clothes, and act like you’ve got some class. We all know your mama and daddy would prefer if you did.
  • #6. DOenjoy every second on those sacred grounds. This might be the only time in your life to be there. Soak in the cheers and jeers, cheer for a player you don’t even know, and if you’re there Sunday stay for the Green Jacket ceremony. It will be something you’ll never forget.

Now for the good stuff… the eye candy J (this list is SOLELY based on my personal opinion. I’ve probably left some out sorry I’m not sorry.)
Southern Players to Watch:

  1. Harris English: thank God we aren’t related because this guy is a total babe. Between his good looks and the fact he’s a UGA grad make him a great catch but apparently he’s a pretty good golfer too. I’m down with all of those things. Harris, if you’re single and you’re reading this.. call me. I wouldn’t even have to change my last name.
  2. Dustin Johnson: sadly DJ is now engaged to Paulina Gretzky (yes daughter of THE Wayne Gretzky) but he is a true Carolina boy. Raised in Columbia, and a graduate of Coastal Carolina University, we know he must be one heck of a party boy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the leaderboard at some point… his time is coming.
  3. Bill Haas: another Carolina boy, but Bill holds a special place in my heart as he is a Greenville, SC native and still calls Greenville home today. Growing up with his sister, I would love nothing more than to see Bill walk away with a Green Jacket come Sunday evening. Plus he’s a Wake Forest grad so you know what that means ladies… he’s smart too.
  4. Webb Simpson: another great product from the Carolinas, but this guy calls North Carolina home. Also an alumnus of Wake Forest, Webb has looks and brains too! He is sponsored by Polo Ralph Lauren, so look out for classic outfits making their appearance at August National.
  5. Jordan Spieth: A native of Dallas TX and a former University of Texas golfer, I’m a big fan of Jordan for more reasons than one. Minus the fact that he isn’t quite 21 yet (he’s only 20.. its totally fine.), he’s a good looking guy with a GREAT chance of winning. I’m pulling for him but don’t tell my dad.
  6. Last but certainly not least… Bubba Watson. He might not be “eye candy” to some, but seriously, how can you not love that guy?? From his new Bojangles commercial, to the footage of him crying his eyes out after winning in 2012, Bubba is my kinda guy. Plus he has the replica of the General Lee and honestly that makes him the coolest of all the PGA Golfers. I dare you to disagree.

So there you have it kids! Whether you’re trekking the greens of Augusta National this week, or watching from the comfort of your own home, you’ve now been given some insight on just how things roll at the Masters. If you’re there, come find me. I’ll be the one having a hell of a time. 

Find me on twitter and let me know what you think and if you have any do's/don'ts to add to my list!

Anna Catherine

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Take It From A Man: On Lilly Pulitzer And Personal Style

(This post is guest written by our good friend, Taylor Eubanks, who is responsible for this controversial post about what trends women love and men hate. Like that post, this post is in no way supposed to deter you in your future outfit choices, just to give you more perspective.

Lilly, Tory & Kors- oh my!

It appears that once again, I have been tapped by the lovely ladies of #ModernMagnolias to face the firing squad in the name of gentlemen everywhere. Some are called to lead their communities, states or nations but, clearly, I have a higher calling. Continue reading as I sacrifice myself for the entire male population (ok, at least on the East Coast...).

I digress...



Although I did not make it Carolina Cup this year, which leaves me with very mixed feelings as a post-grad, I have had more than my fair share of Lilly for the season. You know, the spring season that has literally been here for a week. Ok, maybe two if you're blessed enough to live in Charleston, SC (calm down Florida people, it's always warm there and no one cares).

Recently, I was walking down King Street on a Sunday afternoon and couldn't tell if I had woken up in Palm Beach (admittedly, not the worst place to wake up after drinking on a Saturday night) or if a White Girl convention (sponsored by Lilly Pulitzer) was in town. I ended up mentioning this mildly terrifying, extremely colorful experience to a handful of (male) friends to seek their opinion on this particular trend. Notice, I use 'trend' to avoid using 'cult'...


http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/11/fashion/remembering-lilly-pulitzers-bright-summertime-designs.html
Let me very clear up front, Lilly Pulitzer is an icon and someone whom I respect and revere. Lilly Pulitzer carried herself as a lady in the same token that the women who first wore her wears- Jackie and Caroline Kennedy, the Rockefeller's, the Vanderbilt's, carried themselves. Much like these women, Lilly developed a very distinct personal style, a style that is emulated and attempted by many to this day. This led the conversation with friends to the point that Lilly herself made in a 2004 interview- "Style isn't just about what you wear, it's about how you live."

Girls today, much like their male counterparts, feel obvious social pressure to wear the right things and look the right way. Much like when boys give up graphic t-shirts and cargo shorts for Sperrys and polos, many girls quickly adopt new closets full of Lilly dresses, Jack Rogers sandals and Michael Kors accessories as they prepare for college, particularly sorority recruitment. 


www.lillypulitzer.com
Whether we don specific brands and styles to aspire to be like personal style icons or simply to fit into a social group, we do ourselves a disservice. Many times I have heard girls say that they can't wait to wear their Lilly dress and pearls because it makes them "classy" or "Southern" (Editor's note: there is nothing Southern about Lilly dresses y'all It's time to accept that.). This is just as obnoxious to hear as some pimple-faced high school wannabe bro talking about how 'fratty' he looks in his new pocket tee. Clothes cannot make you anything you already are not, except foolish. Lilly Pulitzer, Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy- these women were not classy because of the clothes they wore. These women were classy because of the way they carried themselves; the way that they wore their clothes, not the way that their clothes wore them. These women were able to speak through their wardrobes because they knew exactly who they were and had something to say about it.

*It also helps that they almost certainly didn't throw up on themselves in their "classy" clothes a few hours, and mimosas, after putting it on.

Personally, aside from being a poor cook, there are few things worse than having no personal style. Though there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing Lilly, Tory and Jack, wearing them to fit in with a social group or to achieve some level of status in one's mind is untrue to oneself and worst of all, boring. I think even Lilly would agree with me on that.

-T. Eubanks

"I didn't set out to be unusual or different. I just wanted to do things my way."   
          -The Queen of Prep, Lilly Pulitzer

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Listen to this. Seriously. #April


If y'all haven't caught on, we really like music here at #ModernMagnolias. And hashtags... but that's another story.  Anywayzzz, we try to do playlists fairly regularly- usually made by the infallible, Ms. Taylor. But soz y'all, for this one, you're stuck with me. That being said, I'm obsessed with this playlist. And you will be (should be) too. Because April showers don't bring Mayflowers, it brings NEW MUSIC. Yayyy!!

So here we go:
  • Chandelier by Sia. Ok y'all- this is the song the entire playlist revolves around. I. CANNOT. STOP. LISTENING. TO. IT. It's literally  s o o o o o o o  good. 
  • Airwaves by Ray LaMontagne.
  • Say You'll Be There by MO.
  • Stay High (Habits Remix) by Tove Lo.
  • All Is Fair In Love And Brostep by Skrillex. I'm not even going to lie to y'all, I added this one because of that ahhhhmazing title. I usually skip this one.
  • Fancy by Iggy Azalea, Charlie XCX. Not only is this song amazing but the video is actually perfect. 
  • Ghost by Sir Sly.
  • Heaven Knows by The Pretty Reckless. Ohhhh hey, Little J gone cray cray.
  • Dirty Vibe by Skrillex. I NEVER SKIP THIS ONE.
  • Free (feat. Emeli Sande) by Rudimental.
  • Odd Look by Kavinsky, The Weeknd.
  • Somebody Loves You by Betty Who.
  • Everything Is Embarrassing by Sky Ferreira.
  • 3005 by Childish Gambino.
  • R U Mine? by Arctic Monkeys
  • Party Girls by Ludacris, Wiz Khalifa, Jeremih & Cashmere Cat. This song kind of samples "Barbie Girl" and it's fabulous.  
    http://www.neverunderdressed.com/fashion/news/all-saints-reunion-triggers-a-1997-fashion-flashback
  • Word Up! by Little Mix.
  • Shot Me Down by David Guetta, Skylar Grey
  • For A Minute by M.O.
  • Turn Down For What by DJ Snake & Lil Jon. Side note, my new motto is #TurnDownForNothing because I literally can't be bothered...
  • C O O L by LE YOUTH.
  • Rollup- Baauer Remix by Flosstradamus.
So there you go. I hope y'all enjoy this completely random, not really related to spring in any way playlist! Listen here:


Enjoy!

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

#WreckingBall 2.0

Like any good #ModernMagnolia, I grew up OBSESSED with The Dixie Chicks. Don't even try to act like Wide Open Spaces wasn't your J A M.

http://gifsoup.com/view/1468950/dixie-chicks.html
Even though we had our issues (read: that whole George Bush thing...),
http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2007/dixie-chicks-not-ready-to-make-nice/
I will forever love their music. I will especially love it when they take a song that is not my fave and make it ahhhhhmazing. The harmonies. The fiddle. Natalie's voice. I. Just. Can't.

Best part? They're fully clothed.



Enjoy!!