#MusicMonday - 09.29.14

http://www.buzzfeed.com/sheridanwatson/a-defininitive-ranking-of-every-high-school-musical-song-num?sub=3456332_3886960?sub=3456332_3886960#4hpj0um

Recently, it has taken more and more self-control to not constantly post song lyrics/just talk about music. Some of y'all got excited when you saw this tweet:

I'm about to change @ModernMagnolias to a music blog. It's allllll I want to talk about anymore.
— The Rules (@RulesForBelles) September 24, 2014

But after discussing it with some of the other Magz, they decided I could have one day a week. So here we go- the first (of probably many) #MusicMonday post.

#MusicMonday - 09.29.14

I'm not sure that this playlist has a theme, other than I cannot stop listening to these songs right now.

1. Moments by Tove Lo

Most people recognize the Swedish singer from her song "Habits" but that won't be all they know her for. Her debut album, Queen Of The Clouds, will be released in the US on September 30th and it could easily be one of your new favorites to dance around your room to while getting ready to go out for the night!

2. Shut Up and Dance by Walk The Moon

Literally, the catchiest song. Like, the chorus just BEGS to be belted out. This alt-pop group is primed to be a success on radio when their new album comes out later this year/early next year. 

3. I'm An Albatraoz by AronChupa

I'll just throw it out there- I don't know what an albatraoz is. I also have no clue what this song is talking about. What I do know is that it is fantastic. I don't know if this is considered EDM... but if so, I like EDM. However, I am kind of upset since this has now been inexplicably removed from Spotify.

4. Ex's & Oh's by Elle King

I'm not really sure if this is supposed to be country or not... but it is full of sassy, girl power so I'm for it. This is another full-length album coming soon one. *Fun fact- her dad is Rob Schneider and her mom's first name is London. That's cool in my book.

5. Jealous by Nick Jonas

I'm still getting over the fact that this song is not only by a white person but that white person is a JONAS BROTHER. Like, whaaaattttt?????? After you get over the first few seconds sounding very much like a Drake song, it is literally such a tuneeeeee. Even though the lyrics are pretty darn ridiculous, I have listened to this on repeat more than once in the past few days.

6. Fireball by Pitbull feat. John Ryan

While it's unclear whether this song is about everyone's favorite liquor to take shots with (and the liquor I hate more than anything), it is clear that this super catchy song will inevitably crawl into your ear canal and take root. Just like all the other Pitbull songs in existence.

7. Burnin' Up by Jessie J feat. 2 Chainz

Not that Bang Bang needs a follow up yet because it's still my  j a m  but Jessie J gave us one anyway. And this time, we get 2 Chainz. Like, thank youuuuuu. I feel like she's probably going to release an album pretty soon too...

8. Girls by The 1975

It is NO secret that I am obsessed with The 1975 and this song is one of the reasons. A super fun, super catchy, upbeat pop song, it just makes you want to dance. In the most amazing way. It's just SO good. *Fun fact- they are not about to release a new album, they released one over a year ago. Lolz.

9. Beggin For Thread by Banks

Honestly, I can't remember if this was on a playlist I posted here previously but if it was, it deserves to be posted again. Banks (a.k.a. the next Lorde) should be your next obsession. Seriously, her and Tove Lo are everythingggg. You need them in your life. 

Get excited y'all. I'll probably be doing this AT LEAST every other week, potentially every week. y a y y y ! ! ! 

-C. xx. 

Music Midtown 2014. Recap.

Sometimes, I forget how legitimately amazing my life is. Then I have a weekend like this past one, and I genuinely cannot help but sit back and reflect. Y'all get to reflect with me. So here we go.

Day One

After a truly obnoxious experience with traffic and hotels, I finallyyyy made it to Music Midtown. It genuinely felt like it took 17 hours. I missed Banks and Iggy Azalea (like, I can't even talk about it y'all...) but got there at the perfect time to get a pretty darn great spot for Lorde. Word to the wise: unless you are at the very front, go further back. You can actually see the stage instead of a bunch of people's sweaty heads. 

So let's talk Lorde. This tiny girl is unreal. I don't know why but I didn't think she could sound better live than she does in her recordings. I was wrong. Her dancing was just as flawless as one would imagine and she killed two different sets of wide-leg trousers. #KillingIt. Also, I think she enjoyed herself...

had theeeeeee best time at music midtown, thanks atlanta! also my tour manager finally let me go on a ferris wheel so success all round
— Lorde (@lordemusic) September 20, 2014

The headliner that I was most looking forward to was Jack White. And I was  n o t  disappointed. Though I've never been to Glastonbury, I think it would feel similar to this. You can't see it in this picture but there were lots of flags and LOTS of guitars. It made me forget I was in Georgia. And Jack White is an unbelievable performer.

I stole this picture from my friend on facebook. Thanks!

So many feels for John Mayer right now I can't even. #MusicMidtown
— mary lauren (@LaurenReddeck) September 20, 2014

I left Jack White in time to see a few of John Mayer's songs. I don't know how this happened but I literally walked up as "Slow Dancing In A Burning Room" was beginning. My hands down favorite song of John's. I was in heaven. And then this happened...

And then "XO" and "Neon" ?????? @johnmayer has officially killed my heart. #MusicMidtown
— The Rules (@RulesForBelles) September 20, 2014

It was literally the best experience. (Not to mention, made it back to Jack in time for Seven Nation Armies. UNREAL.) And as we were leaving, we walked to Gravity. #PerfectMoment

After this many years I should stop being surprised, but Atlanta, you filled my heart tonight. As always. See you again soon.
— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) September 20, 2014

Day Two

After a lazy morning and a very greasy breakfast at my favorite Midtown diner, we made it to the park for Third Eye Blind. However, we decided to go exploring. Literally, SOOO happy we left. We caught the majority of the Twenty One Pilots set and it was by far the surprise of my weekend. THEY WERE SO FREAKING GOOD I CANNOT EVEN TELL YOU. (I have a video I will be posting at some point and y'all are going to die.) I'm officially a HUGE fan. 

They're also a little bit crazy. See below-

Twenty one pilots #MusicMidtown pic.twitter.com/chGja1iqCb
— Kena (@Makena10120) September 21, 2014

Casual. Not.

Then we have Atlanta's own, B.O.B. who was extremely entertaining in a funny way. You can't exactly tell but in the picture below, he had five girls from the crowd on stage twerking. It was definitely an experience.

After B.O.B, we saw Lana Del Ray but I got zero good pictures and was unimpressed with her performance. So moving on...

Bastille. I love you. This set was magical. They are as entertaining as they are talented. They also like to speak in precious British accents in between songs. #yummy. A video of them killing "No Scrubs" will be coming shortly. Seriously, I died.

Who's heading along to #MusicMidtown today? Can't bloody wait to watch Eminem later.
— BASTILLE (@bastilledan) September 20, 2014

Also, their lighting engineers are legends. I was mesmerized. 

And last but certainly NOT least, we have Eminem. Let me just say, I don't think I would be very likely to buy a ticket to see him in concert but given that I was already there, and he was already there, I wasn't going to miss this opportunity. OH. MY. GOD. Y'ALL. His set was unreal.

And, like, a couple of people showed up.

There are approximately 750,000 more people at #MusicMidtown today.
— The Rules (@RulesForBelles) September 20, 2014

All in all, my first Music Midtown experience was a massive, massive success. I am counting down the days until Music Midtown 2015.

From Lorde to Jack White to John Mayer to Lana Del Ray to Bastille to Eminem, thanks for an amazing experience #MusicMidtown.
— The Rules (@RulesForBelles) September 21, 2014

Were you at Music Midtown? Who was your favorite performance??

-C. xx.

All images were taken on a Samsung Galaxy S5 except for the John Mayer one. 

Music Midtown 2014.

When most people hear "music festival" they think of Coachella, Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, etc. While the South is home to well-known festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits (both in Texas), there is one that is gaining popularity and notoriety very quickly- Atlanta's Music Midtown.

What a night pic.twitter.com/HZXAuNU60K
— Music Midtown (@MusicMidtown) September 21, 2013

This year boasts a reallyyyy strong lineup- with Eminem, John Mayer, Jack White and Zac Brown Band headlining (not to mention my girls Lorde, Iggy Azalea and Lana Del Ray rounding out the lineup).

FRIDAY

1. Who you should be excited to see but you've never heard of her- BANKS. 

http://somebodytodiefor.tumblr.com/post/93205961346

This California girl is poised for a huge breakout following the release of her debut album, "Goddess." With her "dark R&B" style, she garners comparisons to Ellie Goulding and Lorde. Luckily, she's opening for Lorde from 5:45 to 6:45 on the Honda Stage. 



2. Scheduling conflict to end all scheduling conflicts- John Mayer or Jack White.

http://caprifolium.tumblr.com/post/89810207077/x

http://majorcurators.com/post/87923359706/jack-white-lazaretto-music-video-gif-rock-star

The conflict- while it might seem like this is not a very difficult decision, personally, it's what keeps me awake at night. Both insanely talented guitarists, both heavily influenced by the South, both playing from 9 to 11 pm on Friday night... I'm borderline distraught. 

The solution- for some reason, I have a feeling Jack White is going to stop touring before much longer. I think I absolutely have to see him while I can. (But this might come down to a gametime decision.)

SATURDAY

1. Who are these people playing for the first few hours??

http://harryloveshisbeanie.tumblr.com/post/97232298282

From 12:45 to 4:45 pm, there is one band that I have heard of... this could be my ignorance but I've been told I have a pretty diverse library of music. I don't know what time I'll get to the park on Saturday- early and just wander or wait until the headliners. 



2. Headliner probz. Again.

http://houseofdxwn.com/post/64713153167

http://sexymotherfucker-shakinthatass.tumblr.com/post/42120668484

The conflict- The two most different acts ever... I have seen ZBB before and they are amazing live. I would love to see them again. More than once, to be honest. But I've never seen Eminem. And I probably wouldn't pay to see just him. But I wouldn't mind seeing him in this situation. 

The solution- Literally no idea. It will just depend on my mood at 9 pm on Saturday night. 

UGH.

Here are a couple of playlists to listen to while you're pondering what to do/who to see. 





Are you heading to Atlanta for the festival? Who are you excited to see?

Enjoy!

-C. xx. 

#NYFW : Billy Reid SS15 Recap

http://misces.tumblr.com/post/84136556843/louis-vuitton-menswear-ss14-finale

With the world converging on New York City for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, I must admit that it makes me proud to know the South is being so well represented through the work of designer Billy Reid.

http://nymag.com/thecut/runway/2015/spring/new-york/menswear/billy-reid/32/

In true Billy Reid fashion, the Alabama-based designer combined clean tailoring with the use of earthy fabrics and tones for his SS’15 menswear collection. From blazers and knits, to packable outerwear, this collection feels like the perfect coastal summer waiting to be put into a suitcase and enjoyed. As always, Reid’s attention to detail is clear and focused on exactly what the man he designs for wants in each piece. Although the vision and detail were classic examples of Billy Reid, the pops of color from the blues, reds and mustards found throughout added a youthful feel to the collection.

One of my favorite looks of the collection included a printed white blended linen blazer paired simply with a soft blue t-shirt and khakis, perfect for keeping cool during high Summer. Lucky for the girls, Reid designed this collection with the hopes that you would steal it from your boyfriends and find your own ways to make it yours, so use this as the perfect opportunity to have your guys looking good next Spring and Summer!

http://nymag.com/thecut/runway/2015/spring/new-york/menswear/billy-reid/8/

http://nymag.com/thecut/runway/2015/spring/new-york/menswear/billy-reid/19/

http://nymag.com/thecut/runway/2015/spring/new-york/menswear/billy-reid/7/

http://nymag.com/thecut/runway/2015/spring/new-york/menswear/billy-reid/16/

http://nymag.com/thecut/runway/2015/spring/new-york/menswear/billy-reid/21/

Because every girl’s crazy bout a sharp-dressed man, am I right ladies?

http://octopussoir-.tumblr.com/post/43159778525

Exactly.

http://marcusmelb.tumblr.com/post/80053218500

- @STEubanks

#ThrowbackThursday- Tibi X Hampden. Pre-Fall 2014.

All images were taken with a Samsung Galaxy S4 so don't complain about the image quality, k thnx bai.

Back in May, I was lucky enough to attend the Tibi X Hampden Pre-Fall 2014 runway event in Charleston, SC. Now y'all know I like to consider myself a "fashion-y" type but this was the first time I was able to see one of the lines I stalk every #NYFW actually walk in person. I thought it was a pretty big deal. And not only did I get to see the show, I got to meet the designer (and Georgia native), Amy Smilovic, and one of my favorite bloggers, Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes.

Check out the low-quality/blurry snaps I grabbed on my phone (rookie mistake, my bad) and to get you excited for their #NYFW SS15 presentation this weekend! YAY SOUTHERN DESIGNERS!!!!!!!

I die for this pink coat y'all. 

I love that Hampden worked so tirelessly to make this fabulous event happen. I love when the South supports southern designers and southern designers support the South. It genuinely warms my little black heart. 

Enjoy!!

-C. xx. 

Southern In The City

With #NYFW swiftly approaching, we find ourselves dreaming of hoping on a flight and heading to the city that never sleep. A few weeks ago, Lanie went to NYC and she recaps some of the highlights of her trip. If we can't be there, at least we can pretend like we were there with her!

http://alex-quisite.tumblr.com/post/80681353209/via-the-absolute-photography-blog

Southern in the City

A few weeks ago I had the exciting opportunity to travel back to one of my favorite cities, New York. As a born and raised southerner, it’s easy to get used to the slow pace of the South and forget the hustle and energy that’s found in big cities. Spending time in NYC gave me a venti-sized jolt of inspiration and I had a wonderful time exploring new (to me) places all across Manhattan.

I’ve put together a list of the best places I ate, shopped, and played during my time in the city that never sleeps. Each one is uniquely amazing in its own right and I highly encourage you to check them out if you find yourself in NYC!

http://theultralinx.com/2012/04/19-spectacular-cinemagraphs-gif-photography.html

EAT

The Smith //

This Upper West Side restaurant is just about as classic New York as you can get. Black and white penny tile floors, cafe chairs and white subway tiled walls give the space a sleek, yet traditional vibe. I visited The Smith for breakfast (which was divine), but I’ve heard it’s a great place to go for lunch or dinner as well!  

The Butcher's Daughter //

We stopped here for an afternoon snack during an exhausting day of exploring and it was the perfect mid day treat. Their laid-back, natural decor and fresh options were beyond refreshing. Definitely recommend any of their smoothies or juices!

Grey Dog Cafe //

A fun, casual place to grab dinner and drinks if you find yourself near Union Square. The cozy (read: small) restaurant was buzzing with activity when we arrived and it felt like a neighborhood watering hole where everyone knew one another. The staff was super friendly and the tuna/avocado taco was out of this world good.

SHOP

Club Monaco SoHo //

Y’all, I’m not kidding when I say I would 100% move into this store tomorrow if given the chance. Picture this- white marble, mirrored fixtures, pops of lush greenery, beautiful clothes, a mini-library and a boutique coffee shop. It’s even prettier than you could imagine and I give a standing ovation to whoever designed and curated this perfect space.

The Strand //

Basically a book-lovers dream come true. I’ve read about this historic store for years and visiting the real deal did not disappoint. It would be super easy to spend an afternoon here browsing the endless aisles of reasonably priced books. If you’re a bibliophile like myself I’d recommend at least stopping by!

Kate Spade Madison Ave. //

A must do for any Kate fan. The store is a girly haven full of bows, bright colors and cheeky decor. Each of the store’s four stories houses a different collection of goodies - be sure to take the elevator when traveling between the floors (trust me!). Even if you don’t find anything to take home (which is hard to do) just being able to marvel at the store’s pretty decorations is worth the trip alone!

PLAY

The Highline //

If you’ve read any recent NYC ‘must do’ list, I’m sure this green space was included, and it definitely lived up to its highly praised reputation! We visited at night and the views of the city all lit up were nothing short of gorgeous. If you’re feeling weary of the concrete jungle this elevated garden is the perfect escape.

The Brooklyn Bridge //

Wow. Wow. Wow. You absolutely must do this on your next trip to the city. We walked across the iconic bridge at sunset and it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced. The city as seen from the bridge is nothing short of spectacular and will make you never want to leave. I’m still dreaming of the views!

The MET Rooftop //

A perfect way to wrap up a visit to this famous museum. The 360 degree views of Central Park and the city are lovely. Go in the late afternoon (before it closes at 5pm), grab a cocktail and enjoy a moment of relaxation in a picture-perfect setting. You won’t regret it!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/95983035782431474/

If you're heading to NYC, let us know if you go to any of these places!

-Lanie