Music Monday: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - "If You Didn't See Me (Then You Weren't On The Dance Floor)"

Today has been such a great Monday for me!  I accepted a huge internship that I will be able to share with all of you very soon.  But as for now I am checking off the days until I finish college and graduate.  Which is all very liberating and at the same time terrifying.  I'll be thrown in to the adult world with a great wardrobe and a piece of thick parchment.  Could be worse, right?

Let's not focus on all that now though.  I have been celebrating every success as I complete my last semester, no matter how big or small.  Seriously.  I made it to class on time (8 am) every day the first week and thought I deserved a new weekly planner.  And when the high of my small successes starts to waver or drop in any way I just find a good tune until I'm back.

As I accepted my job today my biggest cheerleader and best friends sent me a variation of lyrics to this song by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., the lyric he created "I swear if they didn't see you coming, they weren't on the dance floor".  This just reminded me if you want someone to see you, at any point in your life, you have to put yourself out there and be seen.  Also, don't worry so much what other people are thinking or worrying about, just dance!

Find your rhythm Pinheads!

XO

From the Handbag Narratives: Harrdos, London

 

There are not many things that can capture my undivided attention like handbags and whimsy can.  Handbags, because they are just perfectly designed to carry all of your essentials in a constructed pouch that allows you to show off your own personal style.  Me without a handbag is like a camel without it's hump.  In other words, I need it like camels need water to survive.  To drastic?  Maybe for some. As for whimsy it is a fanciful escape from the everyday through creation.  For me, this usually stems from visual or mental stimulations.  I'm that nerd who still annotes every book that I read and then I feel the need to share certain lines or paragraphs with thoes around me.  Obviously I find myself hanging out with lit fanatics or people who have learned to tune me out.

I am excited to share this post with you becuase it brings together my two attention getters and places them center stage, the highly trafficed Harrods of London windows.  As impressive as these windows are to me, they seem to have a different audience in mind.  Someone who spends on average $2,500 per visit.  We are in the midst of Ramadan, a holiday which doubles the spending of Harrods' Middle Eastern clientele.  During this time, Harrods is nicknamed "Harrods Hajj" as the store draws in Middle Eastern consumers because of the special limited-edition pieces offered. 

In celebration of Harrods' expanded luxry accessories department they have created the Handbag Narritives initiative.  The store has comissioned a number of limited-edition bags for this two-month event.  In-store events are slated to include bespoke services, personal appearances from designers, live art demonstrations and a pop-up photo-booth.  Below, I have posted photos of the windows on Brompton Road for you all to peek!

Do any of them make you want to hop a flight to Harrods? 

XO - APinhead

 

 

(Photos From: WGSN)

Music Monday: Bastille

Bastille - Pompeii

It is no wonder this song has almost 32 million views on YouTube.  Pompeii by Bastille won't stop playing in my head and on my car stereo as it was named the #1 song of the week on satellite radios' Alt Nation.  Not a well kept secret that Bastille has crossed the seas from London, England and gained a large following of fans here.  They rhythmic chanting in the beginning draws you in and hold on to you until the very end and you hit replay.  

Bastille is one of those bands that I want to see succeed because they break the mold of the typical pop band that is heavily overplayed.  They play what they want, and I for one love it!  I may be a music hoarder but I don't want to keep all the goodies to myself and I'm glad others have joined me with sharing and liking this band all the way to the top.  

Listen, Like, and share the Love

-APinhead 

Music Monday: RÜFÜS

RÜFÜS - Take Me

Before you press play, take a mental inventory and make sure you have time for another addiction.  If your like me and can re-prioritize something (I chose chocolate covered gummy bears) to make room for RÜFÜS.  Trust me, you won't regret it.

I found this song, Take Me, by mistake while perusing YouTube in my spare time.  And it has been one of my best finds to date!  Not only has this song quickly jumped to the top of my music rotation but I found myself looking and listening to EVERY other song they have placed on the internet.  I also 'liked' them on Facebook almost instantly - fan girl status.  This song, along with their others enters goosebump territory for me.  The future pop-tech makes you want to sway your shoulders while the chorus gives you an effortlessly feel good lift that is sure to draw you out of any funk.  

Still not convinced you should check this video out?  That's ok, you can watch it for the National Geographic-esque pictures from around the world and fall in love.  No matter what your reasoning, find any excuse to check this new Australian band out - I promise you won't be disappointed.  And if you are, go write a letter or something.

Anything you think I need to check out? 

Please let me know!

Have a great week, Pinheads!

Music Monday: Cold War Kids

Cold War Kids - Miracle Mile

 

Monday evening and I am already exhausted.  I already have a to-do list longer than I am tall and it all seems a little overwhelming.  That was until I hear this song by Cold War Kids on my way home from work.  It's a song I've heard before but today it had new meaning for me.  Getting pumped up for the week ahead and knowing it is possible to accomplish all that needs to be done if I just breath and come up for air. 

Thankfully this song delivers the message I needed in a fast paced tune that keeps me interested and the music turned up until the very end.  Exactly what I would expect from the band who put out Hang Me Up to Dry.  One lyric from the song really hits home for me.  As forgetting mistakes is a hard lesson I need to learn and sometimes I tend to dwell over what I could have done differently, but I promise myself this week I will let that go.  

Do you have any songs that are helping you get through the week?

I'd love if you'd all share!

Love, APinhead

They've Cuffed Me!

 

Overalls, jelly shoes, oversize boyfriend jeans and now... ear cuffs!  That's right Pinheads, the 90's is back and in a big way.  My only question is, how did we let these trends fall by the wayside for an entire decade, because they are awesome.  To me the resurgence of this old-school trend is more than welcome.  I just hope it comes back with a shout and not a whisper. 

Before you make an appointment at the closest tattoo parlor for a new hole look below at these statement cuffs where needles are not a requirement.  These pieces are anything but dainty, covered in gemstones to wrap around bars there is something for everyone. 

{annelise michelson}

{ryan storer}

{grace + scarper}

{nastygal}

{zara}

{windsor}

{flotsam & jetsam}

{mania mania}

{hirotaka}

Browse these styles here:

Annelise Michelson 

Urban Outfitters

Hirotaka 

The Grand Social 

Browns 

 NastyGal

Farfetch 

 Shopbop

Zara 

 Windsor

So go ahead and get cuffed!

Locked up, APinhead

 

Music Monday: Empire Of The Sun

Empire Of The Sun - Alive

Empire Of The Sun - Alive (Zedd's Remix)

We are finally in the heat of summer (or living on the surface of the sun if you are close to the equator).  This week is one of my favorite holidays of the year.  We celebrate our freedom, explosives and patriotic covered everything.  It also reminds me how indecisive I can be when I can't decide what my favorite festivity of the day is.  I love to BBQ outside with friends and family enjoying the sun, snacks and stories.  Then the other half of me loves when the sun goes down, while the sky continues to stay lit with the sparkling blasts of mortars cracking high above our heads.  

This Monday I succeeded in finding a song that incorporated all of my favorite aspects of this iconic American holiday; but I should have guessed that I wouldn't be able to decide!  So this week I am leaving it up to you to pick your own flavor.  The song, Alive, by Empire Of The Sun gives me the warm feeling of sun on my face but excites me like running through the backyard with a handful of sparklers.  I have also added the Zedd Remix, which I have fallen just as much in love with as it adds a extra shot to an already stellar song.  I plan to listen to the original during the day and play the remix at night, to add the perfect finale to my 4th.  

What about you, Pinheads?  Will you be listening to one or both as you celebrate your freedom?

Love,

APinhead

Music Monday: The Spinners

The Spinners - Working My Way Back to You

Monday has arrived!  Here we are, celebrating another Music Monday, that I hope your ears will appreciate.  Since we last met I have noted quite a few songs to share with you, but I really want to post what I am listening to at the moment.  Without that, I feel like I am just frivolously sharing my favorites from days gone by and that's not what this music post is all about.  This is why when I began to think about what I wanted to share with you today this song by The Spinners immediately popped into my head.  Presenting the perfect message wrapped into a brightly colored and larger than life 80's masterpiece.  Don't believe me?  Take a listen.

First of all, it's about the message.  I realize I have been tied up in other ventures and allowing my blog duties to slip to the wayside.  I just wanted to say, I'm sorry and I promise I'm going to work my way back into all of your hearts and blog feeds with some pretty great stuff planned.  With my summer filled with a few internships and over committing myself I recently had some time to reflect and found that I have a burning desire to make this one of my top priorities for myself and for all of the Pinheads out there.  

Look out for a lot of new and exciting content coming your way!

Love,

APinhead

Music Monday: Tom Petty

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers - Mary Jane's Last Dance

Happy Monday!  I apologize for my absence recently, but between finishing finals and moving it's been a hectic few weeks.  This Monday I am brushing up on my Tom Petty in preparation for Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  I am so excited to go later this week because it will be my first large music festival and a much needed week vacation with a special guy.  I have already made a playlist for the ride consisting of only the band playing at the festival.  I can't be the only one who likes to sing-a-long to every single song at a concert, right?  Looking forward to sharing with you all pictures from our trip and my festival style.  Let me know if I will be seeing you at Hangout! 

Peace, Love, and Great Tunes, 

 APinhead

Hangout Music Festival

Music Monday With A Love Drunk Delay : A Silent Film

A Silent Film - Driven By Their Beating Hearts

Hello Pinheads, I know it's already mid-week and Music Monday has been on a sever delay, but I promise it was a little out of my control.  You see, I had been soaking up all of the love I could since Sunday evening and fell into a love drunken stupor.  My palms were clammy, my stomach was filled with a million butterflies that couldn't seem to find an escape, and my heart was racing a million miles an hour.  A little bit of a back story, on Monday myself along with my phenomenal music loving boyfriend celebrated our 2 year anniversary!  He rode in from South Florida on a stallion with his adorable lab and pitbull mix as a co-pilot, to spend a few days here with me.  And now that he has left the building, literally, I have been shoved back into the reality of school and finals quickly approaching!  But my heart and ears are still stuck on L-O-V-E as I bring you this weeks new music.

This song, 'Driven By Their Beating Hearts,' is a song that has been symbolic to my relationship for some time but as my boyfriend put it on yesterday I heard it in a completely different way.  With all that has been going on lately in the news I find it so important to search for any sliver of love and light we can in our day.  The lyrics reference that everyone is going out of their minds but the lead singer professes that he only wants to be with his true love.  Take a listen and I hope your beating hart compels you to let all of the love you can into the universe each and every day!

Love, APinhead

Inspirations from Hong Kong

I have always been really inspired by fashion photography and for me the funkier the better as it makes my mind swell with all of the possibilities out there.  I usually find something I want to incorporate into my style, from hair to make up and even the color pallet.  This set of photos comes from a mix of young Hong Kong- based fashion and portrait photographers who have infused visual art direction and contemporary Chinese aesthetics with bare, ethereal, urban splendor and theatrical fantasy. 

 

Photos from : WGSN

Are you currently gushing over any inspirational pictures?  Please share them with me!

Love, APinhead 

Music Monday: Grimes

Grimes - Vanessa

Hooray, Music Monday is here again to help you start your week off right!  This past weekend I spent studying for my upcoming finals and working on projects and with a special thanks to Pandora Radio I was able to discover this gem.  This Canadian born, experimental music artist, Grimes, caught me off guard from the moment her voice came on the track.  With a soothing sound that can put you in a trance if you're not careful this song will soon be playing on your iTunes on repeat - trust me.  Upon further investigation I was surprised to have never heard any of her music before as her album was hailed by The New York Times as "one of the most impressive of the year so far," and that was at this time last year.  Not to mention, when I saw the video for the first time my eyes were mesmerized - so much fashion, so much art, so much style.  Enjoy Pinheads, I hope this leaves your ears happy!

 

Breaking the Mold

I find it necessary to break trends and step out of the box to express your individual style.  I recently purchased these black ankle books (on SALE) and am in love with them.  So instead of hiding them in the back of my closet until fall is upon us, I have decided to wear them proudly through the spring months.  I encourage you to do the same with items you are dying to wear now, show them a little love and put them on!  And yes, it is a-ok to walk around in the privacy of your own home with knee-high leather boots on (we all do it) and I won't tell.  Excited to show you all how I styled these for the spring season - stay tuned!

Boots : Michael Antonio (similar here)

Photography : Ashley Morgan Photography

 XO, APinhead

Music Monday: Young Galaxy

Young Galaxy - We Have Everything

Happy Monday, Pinheads!  As another week begins I want us all to sit back and realize everything we have at this very moment.  And the most important possessions aren't always tangible things but more often health, a friendship, a pet, a partner, a memory, an inside joke, the list goes on.  Our individual personalities and differentiators that make us each unique are one thing you have that can never be taken away.  I just heard this song, 'We Have Everything' by Young Galaxy, over the weekend and the lyrics caught me off guard, juxtaposed with the animated video the words are strong and weighted.  My favorite line, "In poverty, my love, we have everything", is the mantra I want to live not only this week but my life by.  Too often we get caught up on material things and other items which we worship with great importance.  I challenge you to step back and realize even if you were left with no possessions you could still be happy because that is truly when you have everything - you have you.

I wish you all love and light this week!

XO, APinhead

Ethereal Hosiery On Trend

Tokone tights by Makikio Sugawa

seen at: Fashionsnap.com

Now that it is time to take those leggings off and slip into something a little more sheer I have been looking into hosiery trends that deviate from the mundane nude.  I have posted some of my favorite ranging from wacky Donald Duck to more work appropriate versions.  If you on board to try this trend you are bound to find one to fit your personality!  This leggy trend emerged in Tokyo, creating a clean look with a strong focus on prints and pattern.  Delicate line works look simple in black or vivid tones.  Prints can be seen featured on the backs of legs, instep and the bottom of the feet for those seeking a private happiness.  Tattoo motifs, as shown above and below, give a bold effect on the soft background colors and can be deceiving to those at a distance.  The unexpected motifs are my favorite and can include anything from botanical designs, hands, mustaches and even fish!

Tights by Cheesy's

Tokone tights by Makiko Sugawa

Poem by Rabbit

Tokone tights by Swimmy Animal Lab

Sister Original

Proef

Fashionsnap street shot, Tokyo

Are you ready to try this trend?  If so, which is your favorite?

XO, APinhead

Music Monday: Leagues

Leagues - Spotlight

Happy April to all!  This Monday is about happiness and our cyclical friend, Karma.  I am a strong believer in the phrase, "you get all of the good you give".  In other words every good deed you do doesn't go unnoticed and will come back to you in another shape, form or fashion.  At first this song, 'Spotlight' by Leagues had me singing along because it was upbeat and bubbly and then when I finally actually listened to the meaning of the lyrics I gained a new perspective.  The song is about a romantic relationship and not giving up easily but fighting tooth and nail.  I interpreted it a little differently though, as I am about to finish school and currently looking for an internship, I molded this song to fit never giving up on your goals and really digging down deep to accomplish them, even after everyone else has thrown in the towel.  Everything you do will come back to you so create positive habits in your daily life and create your own happiness.

Stay Inspired! 

APinhead

Spring Into: A New Leaf

Keeping with the theme of Spring, I found this great place to shoot and fell in love with this little green vine growing on the side of the house and working its way indoors.  This is the definition of spring to me.  It creeps in slowly with its fresh green newness and starts to take over the entire world with lushness as well as rich colors, scents and scenery. 

Blazer : Zara (similar)

Cami : Hale Bob

Denim : Jag - Reece Skinny

Shoes : DV by Dolce Vita

Watch : Swatch 

Photography : Ashley Morgan Photography

Have a great weekend!

XOXO, APinhead

Spring Into: Hot Music

Blondfire - Walking With Giants

This Monday, like always, is all about the music but with a small twist.  Yesterday I explained I will be doing a series of posts to celebrate Spring, so I decided to allow Music Monday to be reflective of the spring vibe.  I chose this song, 'Walking With Giants,' by Blondfire for it's soft, poppy, melodic sound; not to mention, the colors and whimsy of this video are helping me stave off those winter blues.  This is a song I actually stumbled across while listening to Blondfire's hit 'Where The Kids Are' which I have had on repeat for several weeks now.  Since finding this gem I have been inspired to dump (carefully put away in a desktop file) my go-to playlist.  Spring cleaning perhaps?  I am excited for all the new music patiently waiting behind the tulips to be discovered and will be sharing my finds with you soon!

Love, APinhead

Sping Into: New Make-Up

Now that we have officially entered into the first few days of Spring, I thought I should do a new feature called 'Spring Into'.  These posts will be all about stepping out of our Winter rut and emerging ourselves in every essence of this season.  I hope you enjoy and feel free to let me know if you have any ideas for a post - I love any suggestions!


Rainbow Bright

Shu Uemura and the Make Up Store prove that you can go fun and youthful this season with vibrant multicolored eyes.  Don't be afraid to pair red, yellow, orange, pink and blue powder eyeshadow all over the eyes to create this great rainbow effect. 

Shu Uemura spring 2013

Make Up Store The Cocktail Collection

Matte Mouths 

Chantecaille, Chanel and Burberry Beauty showcase bold matte lips in their spring campaigns.  Eyes are kept simple, enhanced only with soft shadow in natural tones and a single coat of black mascara, allowing the lips to stand out.  Lip color ranges from a fuchsia pink at Chantecaille to bright pink at Chanel and true red at Burberry Beauty.  

Chantecaille spring 2013 campaign

Chanel Les Printemps Précieux de Chanel campaign

Burberry Beauty sping/summer 2013 campaign

  

Lilac Eyes and Bold Lips

Think of purple as the new black, particularly for eyes this season.  YSL, Bourjois and Clarins all showcase lilac eyes in varying intensities and tones.  YSL has created a sultry look mixing it on the eyes with soft green and blues.  Bourjois displays a smoky bright purple eye.  The look is teamed with bold lips and flushed cheeks.  Nails are painted in either a mint green or grey.  

YSL spring look 2013

Bourjois Aristo Clash

Clarins Rouge Eclat campaign

 Tuxedo Pink

Here girly pink eyelids are toughened up with black eyeliner and mascara for a look that's feminine and fierce.  Color is applied over the crease line and up to the brows for a smoky finish.  Guerlain created a dramatic look with long defined lashes, while Dior goes for a more classic appearance with thick black eyeliner.  Nars successfully showcases a tougher look with heavy black-rimmed eyes.  Laura Mercier focuses on a daytime look with dusty pink eyes enhanced with a fine black line.  

Dior Cherie Bow campaign

Nars spring 2013

Guerlain spring 2013

Laura Mercier campaign

 Aqua Eyes and Natural Lips

This season aqua blue eyes gain popularity, ranging from smouldering and smokey at Estée Lauder to luminous and bright at Lancôme, and soft and iridescent at bareMinerals.  Eyebrows can be penciled in and defined to intensify the look.  Fresh skin with a pop of peach on the cheekbones adds a healthy glow to the face, lips are kept simple in nude or pink.  

Estée Lauder Pure Colour Pretty Naughty campaign

bareMinerals Remix campaign

Lancôme In Love spring colour collection

Flesh Toned Pinks

Soft dusty pink is a key color for eyes, lips and cheeks and is a great daytime color to complement all skin tones.  Lipsticks shown have a semi-sheer finish, while eyeshadows and blushers come in semi-matte textures. 

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lips Color in Arabesque

Dior Cherie Bow 3 Colors in Smoky Rose

No7 Ballerina Beauty Blush Palette

Chantecaille Lip Chic in Daphne

Coral Orange

Traveling to the other end of the spectrum, bright saturated orange is prominent this season.  This bright color is seen with a matte finish, adding a pop of color to the face.  This color is ideal for olive skin tones.

bareMinerals Remix Loud & Clear Lip Sheer in Tangerine Trance

Nars Single Eye Shadow Persia

Clarins Rouge Eclat

Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric in High Density Orange

Go Green

Pantone has named emerald green the color of 2013, so expect to see it appear in make-up.  For spring, green is key for eyes, with Guerlain, bareMinerals and the Make Up Store all releasing different variations of this shade.  Guerlian's eyeshadow compact comes with three tones - a khaki, pea green and a deep green-grey - while YSL has created a creamy jade nail polish I can't wait to paint with!

YSL La Laque Couture in No.34 Jade Imperial

Guerlain Ecrin 4 Colors Collector's Palette in 502 Coup de Foudre

bareMinerals Remix Flawless Definition Mascara in Aqua Blast

Make Up Store Microshadow in Mint Juelp

Aquatic Blue

The Body Shop, Nars, bareMinerals and Giorgio Armani all feature blue tones this season.  Popular for eyes, the color varies from bold and matte to shimmery and iridescent.  

The Body Shop Color Crush Eye Shadow 510 Something Blue

Giorgio Armani Face & Eye Bliss Palette in Coral Bliss

Nars Duo Eye Shadow in Mad Mad World

bareMinerals Remix Ready Eyeshadow in The Wild Thing

Think Pink

Hot pink is another popular bright this spring, dominated by lip and nail products.   Lancôme, Bourjois, bareMinerals and Paul & Joe offer bold fuchsia lipsticks with strong color pigments.  Dior and Make Up Store have created pink polishes fit for a spring time princess.

Dior Cherie Bow Nail Glow

bareMinerals Remix

Make Up Store Nail Polish in Mirjam

Lancôme Baume in Love in Rose Macaron

What make up trend are you looking forward to getting your hands on to get you out of the winter blues?

Spring it on! - APinhead