On a Whim

Lenka, Self-titled, Epic Records/SonyBGM

Every month or so, iTunes features an artist (or group) on their Single of the Week promotion that I absolutely fall for. This month happens to be Lenka and her debut solo self titled album that is so sweet and so catchy, you’ll have to a robot — not of the sad variety — to not enjoy it. Plus I would like to believe my use of a run-on, wordy sentence helps illustrate this fact!

Her album begins with the ever-so adorable and lead single The Show. With lyrics like “I’ve got to let it go/And just enjoy the show” and a simplistic melody, you can easily find yourself humming along, with or without musical accompaniment, after a stressful day. Soon after, you get to tracks like Bring Me Down and Don’t Let Me Fall. The former about a relationship ending; the latter, helping each other when down. The album ends with the romantic We Will Not Grow Old which states that no matter what, as long as you are with the one you love, you’ll stay young. While that message may be a tired cliché, Lenka manages to make it as airy and flowery as her linear notes.

Overall, I personally enjoyed the album for what it is — a whimsical, childlike daydream. It makes perfect background music for afternoon tea, and possibly rainy days and snow-ins. I highly recommend picking this album up at your local music stores or iTunes Music Store. Cheers.

1. AAC - Don’t Let Me Fall
2. AAC - The Show

Grade: A
Website: Lenka Music

I’m a little behind the rest of the fashion blogging world. I realize that. New York ended a few days ago; London wraps up on Friday — Only now am I thinking about my favorite collections so far. And unlike the rest of the fbw (o hai, i created a new acronym. amirite?), I truly only have fallen in love with one collection so far : L’Wren Scott. Still like all races, there is always at least one runner up; that is Peter Som. Though like all runner-ups, I may show of my favorite pieces from his collection but it does not mean I’m going to explain why I like them.

l’wren scott spring 09

Ah–! Let’s talk about how lovely the hair and makeup is before I move on to the clothing. I have been growing out my hair since I last cut it because I miss the body/texture and style opportunities my longer hair gave me. I have found the perfect cut for me but now it has me wondering if I should get contacts to help pull of the fringe. Also smoky eyes are always elegant; well, as long as you don’t over do the rest of your look — light, natural lips + cheeks and it seems like minimum foundation. Simply lovely.

Yes I do realize there is nothing “revolutionary” about Scott’s collection but that idea never appealed to me. Everyone gets what they get out of fashion. Some people like to be trendy or cutting edge; others prefer the classic cut of pencil skirt. And about her collection? It’s made of classic shapes and emotions, and I completely adore it because she embraces what she does best — she knows how to style. Take the dresses on the top row, they are definitely items we have seen over again in fashion. Still, there is something about them that makes them new. I love how there is enough white in the neckline and sleeves that manages to break up the monotone feel. Also look at how they hug the models’ bodies in all the right places — simply sexy.

I have always been a fan of white trousers/denim/etc etc, and wow she made me desire them more. I did not buy a pair last spring/summer but this upcoming season they will definitely be on my Must Purchase First™ list. I do love the light cream-ish — what color would that be? — graphic camisole she paired it with. Plus the light scarf is absolutely to die for. I wish more people would incorporate airy scarves in their spring wardrobes. It’s my ideal. Finally, I must state how lush I think that jacket is. I don’t have much more to say about it expect lush and maybe … no … of course–! how fierce it is. The buttons, the cut, the belt, the color: oh my goodness, it’s splendid and sublime. Dies.

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MP3 - The Promise

If anyone told me a year ago I would fall completely head over heels in love with a Britpop girl group created on a reality show, I wouldn’t know what I would say. Maybe I would have laughed it off, called the person “absolutely mad”, then go on my merry way. Nevertheless, my love for Girls Aloud is real and still going on strong — Well, strong enough to devote yet another entry about this record-breaking, platinum record selling pop phenomenon.

Today, Girls Aloud’s nineteenth single, The Promise, premièred on Switch on BBC Radio 1; it quickly reached my favorite gossip blog — Oh No They Didn’t — via YouTube where I had the chance to listen. At first, I was a little taken back. When I was first listened to Girls Aloud, it was by their futuristic and “edgy” single Sexy! No No No…” that really made me see how overwhelmingly catchy, yet talented these women where. In fact, their fourth album Tangled Up is easily my favorite.

Anyway… I have to say that The Promise is literally the best pop track I have heard in awhile. Katy Perry’s I Kissed A Girl was too purposeless for a pop song; something I didn’t even know was POSSIBLE. And Rihanna’s monotone singing in everything she releases isn’t something I truly enjoy. I know it sounds like I am trashing those artists, I’m not — slightly with Katy Perry’s case — and while The Promise doesn’t push any boundaries like Sexy! No No No did, it makes a fun track to listen to no matter what you’re doing! (As a side note, I have listened to this song 11 times according my iTunes play count! I am truly addicted. Is that sad?)

Grade: B+
Release Info: 27 October 2008 in United Kingdom. An exclusive remix will be available on iTunes and limited edition picture disc will be available through Girls Aloud’s official store.

Lula #7 recently came out last (this?) month, maybe approximately last week; I just do not know the exact date which should not matter in the scheme of things. Anyway, it seems that Lula is heading towards a new, different direction! The last six publications all had the dreamy, whimsical point-of-view. That really stood out to me because it wasn’t the typical fashion magazine aesthetics. It is going to take some time to get used to the darker, edger spreads but in the end it’s the same old Lula.

(scans from the fashion spot)

Another magazine I just cannot wait to get my hands on is the new issue of Frankie magazine — #25! We all know how much I adore this publication. I missed the last issue (#24); I am very disappointed with myself. Now I have to go through the troubles of ordering it through their back-order service. Of course, the only increases my desire for a subscription but oh gee god the price! It’s $125.50, and I don’t even get the free gifts. Hahaha! Maybe for Christmas.