2014 American Music Awards

This past Sunday, America’s eyes were glued to the TV screen for a three hour, jam packed award show otherwise known as the American Music Awards (I shamelessly got my fix in the midst of finals, no regrets).  During the show, there weren’t many shocker moments – One Direction won 3/3 awards they were nominated for, Lorde had some entertaining dance moves, and Taylor Swift won a huge award that basically signified her reign over the music industry. I thoroughly enjoyed a few of the performances: Taylor Swift opened the show with an overdramatic, theatrical performance of her newest single “Blank Space,” Imagine Dragons sang “I Bet My Life” with a full-on choir backing them up, and Lorde sang The Hunger Games: Mockingjay theme song “Yellow Flicker Beat” without missing a beat. However, there were a few performances I disliked. Sam Smith nearly put me to sleep, Selena Gomez gave a heartfelt 3 minutes of lip syncing, and Iggy Azalea performed her latest hits with a completely expressionless face. 

Although the awards show itself is rarely surprising, the red carpet definitely had a shock factor. Here are my red carpet hits and misses. Side note, Fergie's dress reminds me a lot of Taylor Swift's dress from the 2013 Brit Awards. Thoughts?

Hits:

Fergie, Bailee Madison, Charli XCX

Danica McKellar, Rita Ora, Julianne Hough

Kate Beckinsale, Kendall Jenner, Becky G

Misses:

Taylor Schilling-- The first thing I thought of was a napkin stuck under your belt at the dinner table.

Heidi Klum-- Usually she can do no wrong. i'm just not a fan of this outfit at all.

Zendaya-- I just don't get it.

Gigi Hadid-- Why would one who is so beautiful wear something so ugly?

Jennifer Lopez-- it honestly looks like someone accidentally ripped the entire dress apart.

Bleona-- Do I need an explanation?

 -Kristin

Sam Smith Appreciation

In the era of auto tune, electric dance music (EDM) and countless boy bands, Sam Smith 22, has been a pleasant addition to the popular music scene that no one saw coming. With reality television and Youtube being the primary avenues explored by tastemakers looking for the next pop star, some might be surprised that Smith was ever discovered. However, once you listen to his debut album, “In the Lonely Hour”, you will realize why he has recently dominated the music charts. It is second only to Taylor Swift’s “1989” as the highest selling album of 2014. 

Smith first emerged in the U.K.’s music scene when he was featured in Disclosure’s hit song “Latch” back in February 2013. Now, fast forward to a little more than a year and a half later. Sam Smith has the fastest selling debut album this year with over 100,000 in the first week, and a hit single called “Stay with Me” that took over the radio. 

This London born singer and Youth Music Theatre alum’s signature is his instantly recognizable voice, which is fitting, because he claims such greats as Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse as major influences. Smith, Winehouse, and Houston all have power house voices that can reach the highest and lowest of notes that most people can only dream of hitting. The passion and charisma that Smith embodies in his music contrasts refreshingly with today’s music world, which has lately been regurgitating one troubled pop star after another.

If you do not believe or agree with all of the praise that Sam Smith has rightly earned, I suggest you listen to his unique gospel twist on pop songs yourself. Smith is about to start a North American tour in 2015, and he will be at the UIC Pavilion on Jan. 23.

In the meantime, here are some personal videos of him covering the Arctic Monkeys hit “Do I Wanna Know” and performing his own song “Lay Me Down”.

-Kate

Hollywood Film Awards Red Carpet

This past Friday, the 2014 Hollywood Film Awards took place in Los Angeles, California. This year marks the first year for the show to be televised. Most of the awards are given to the recipients for movies that have not been in theaters yet, or for ones that are just being released. The mission of the Hollywood Film Awards is to begin the official launch of the award season. 

That being said, here are some red carpet highlights:

Kiera Knightly, Amanda Steele, Jenna Dewan, Tian Jing

Shailene Woodley, Emily Ratajokowski, Hilary Swank, Kristen Stewart

-Kristin

Pandora vs. Alex and Ani

Charm bracelets are typically seen on the small wrists of children that are made of beads and string that represent the symbolic “friendship bracelet”. Either way, charm bracelets have never been thought of as fashionable or stylish. However, within just the last 15 years charms and bracelets have grown in popularity for women of all ages. Companies like Pandora and Alex and Ani have made millions of dollars from this timeless and simple idea. So, the question is which company creates the best charm bracelet? I will put style, quality, price, and overall brand appeal into consideration.

Pandora: 

Style: The bracelets can come in silver, gold, leather, or fabric. The charms are smaller and can come in a variety of themes-- such as but not limited to-- Christmas, Nautical, Disney, and more. The more charms the better for these bracelets. They look skimpy with only one or two.

Quality: Pandora began in Denmark around the 1980's, and the charm bracelets began around 2000. The company has rapidly grown and is present in malls all over the world. Their jewelry is not cheap and not easily breakable. The material that is used is authentic, whether it be 14k gold or real leather.

Price: The price can be up to you. Bracelets range from $35 to over $100 depending if you want sterling silver or fabric. The most costly part of the bracelet are the charms. These can also range from $50 to well over $100. If I saw a girl walking down the street with a gold Pandora bracelet with 5 plus charms, I would assume around $350 invested in that piece of jewelry. 

Brand Appeal: Pandora is a household name and is respected all over the world. It is a Danish business that started from nothing and is an example of the American Dream. It offers women the ability to customize their look. Pandora takes pride in its distinctive look and handcrafted jewelry.

Alex and Ani: 

Style: This Company is up and coming with a very distinctive style of its own as well. Alex and Ani is most well-known for its brass colored charm bracelets. These typically have a larger charm bangle with smaller charms on if desired. Since only being founded in 2004, Alex and Ani have introduced leather braided, Trove wrap, and beaded bangle bracelets.

Quality: These bracelets are typically of thinner metal than Pandora and do not have a clasp. Instead, these circular bracelets have no opening. These pieces of jewelry have a sliding mechanism that makes each bracelet entirely adjustable, making it "one-size-fits-all". These are not made to be from fitting, they are meant to be looser, so the charms can dangle.

Price: The average price can be from $38 to about $100. If you want to add other charms to the bracelet it can cost about $24. Typically, Alex and Ani bracelets are “stackable” opposed to buying multiple charms for one, girls wear many bracelets on one wrist.

Brand Appeal: Alex and Ani have become very popular in just short amount of time. I have seen girls wearing half a dozen Alex and Ani bracelets on one wrist. Perhaps it’s the message of empowerment this company wants to send, or the fact that it was founded and continues its production in America. Either way, more teenagers and women in their twenties are taking part in the fashion trend of the charm bracelet.

The winner is...

Alex and Ani, simply because they are the future of the charm bracelet. Their no clasp technology, cheaper price, and variety of choices make it a better option for people of all ages. This company continues to be innovative, and has not slowed down since its birth in 2004. Pandora is more of a commercial look, while Alex and Ani has that high fashion appeal with a reasonable price, which is something that is hard to pull off. Kudos to Alex and Ani. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this made in American brand.

-Kate

Winter Beauty

When it comes to the cold weather, especially winters in Chicago, it can be difficult to keep your skin hydrated and looking fresh. Here are some of my favorite products that help my skin in times of Chi-beria:

BUXOM Lash mascara is amazing because it applies so smoothly without clumping, and holds all day without flaking! I sometimes even wear it without any eyeliner because it wakes up even the most tired of eyes. 

However, my absolute favorite product right now has to be Bobbi Brown’s “Nude” Lipstick. It is infused with Vitamin E and Vitamin C, as well as Beeswax so your lips look and feel great all day! It is long -lasting while at the same time keeps your lips smooth and hydrated. 

Sometimes when I’m in a rush, aside from my basic foundation, I just apply this color on real quick and it is all I need for a fresh morning face. Bobbi Brown always says, “Lip color is one of the simplest ways to instantly change a look.”

With all of the holidays around the corner, as fun as it may be to dress up and reunite with family, it can be a killer on your feet in those new heels you just bought. I avoid this discomfort with this fashion-saving product called Sole Serum. Sole Serum is a blend of all natural and active ingredients and relieves foot pain for up to two hours! I just massage this on before I leave and when I get home and my feet feel great after being in heels all day! Trust me, your feet will thank you too!! 

-Julia

Wang for H&M

IT’S HERE: Alexander Wang’s collaboration with H&M—that was announced what seems like FOREVER ago—was finally released this morning. I’m excited, you’re excited, we’re all excited. With prices ranging from $18 to $350, my wallet is (incredibly) happy. Take a look below at the collection and click here to change your life. 

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Find me at H&M crying.

-Leah

Fall Essentials: Boyfriend Jeans

My favorite purchase from my mini back to school shopping spree is without a doubt my boyfriend skinny jeans. If you have a boyfriend or not, they are the perfect combination of trendy and comfortable. I personally like the casual distressed look best because they can be dressed up or down as needed.

The first outfit is fairly casual, pairing the jeans with a graphic tee, floppy hat, and simple sandals. To finish the look off, I added some statement earrings, a bigger purse and sunglasses. I love how simple the look is to put together, yet it looks effortlessly chic. Next, I chose darker boyfriend jeans without the holes for a more polished, dressed up look. I paired them with a nice top, blazer and strappy heels. The look wouldn’t be complete without a small over the shoulder bag, matching earrings, a nice watch, and lipstick. I would wear this outfit out to dinner or even to a business casual interview. The third look is more summery, but I like the added elements of edginess. The overly distressed jeans with a lace crop top and flannel scream edge and comfort. The buckle booties, circle sunglasses, and leather backpack complete the look which could work perfect for a concert.

The versatility of boyfriend jeans really make them worth the investment. They can literally be worn in so many different ways that you can never run out of fall outfit combinations!

Here are some of our own fashionable members, wearing their favorite boyfriend jeans.

Lindsey Wehking pairs her denim with trendy black booties.

Julia pairs her black denim with strappy
sandals and a sweater.

Perfect for fall weather, I paired them with suede grey booties.

Photography credit to Julia Daoud.

-Allison

Fall Scarves

Every fall brings the opportunity to break out your favorite cozy scarves. In the past, light weight scarves with various prints and patterns were worn to accessorize an outfit while staying warm. This fall, scarves are all about being big and chunky, while shielding you from the cold. So keep yourself warm and fashionable in something thick and heavy. Opt for a big chunky knit in a neutral color. Sticking to the neutrals will allow you to wear your scarf with any outfit or coat, or try a fun twist and opt for a faux fur scarf! The fur will definitely keep you protected from the cold while giving you a fun statement piece to wear all winter.

            A fun twist on the scarf trend is a poncho or a cape. These are super cozy and stylish. You can never go wrong with black, and the poncho or cape instantly transforms your look to chic while staying warm.

            Check out these chunky scarves, ponchos, and capes to add some texture and warmth to your fall/winter wardrobe.

Topshop:

Left, Right

Zara:

Left, Right

-Kimberly

Album Review: 1989

Buy 1989 on iTunes or the Deluxe Album at Target!

If you haven’t been living under a rock since Monday, you know that Taylor Swift has released her fifth album. It sold 600,000 copies within the first TWENTY FOUR HOURS of its release. I’ve been a huge T.Swizzle fan since the beginning and have spent a ridiculous amount of money to see her in concert (5 times I’ve seen her, to be exact). She’s one of my fave artists, and I hope you take the time to listen to her new album and see what all the fuss is about. Here is my track by track review of “1989.” If you take the time out of your day to read this entire thing, I extremely like you and think we should be friends. 

1. Welcome To New York – I thoroughly enjoy the first twenty seconds of this song or so – then it somewhat goes downhill for me. I don’t hate it, but I don’t necessarily like it. I think this is a great opening track for the rest of the album, and I think that’s due to the production. When Taylor originally announced that this album was going to be inspired by 80’s pop, this is the kind of vibe I imagined.  Love the synth. I really like the bridge, but the chorus doesn’t quite cut it for me. The more I listen to this song, I like it. On the other hand, you definitely have to be in a specific mood to listen to this song. I can totally see myself walking to class and awkwardly walking/dancing, or twirling around in Times Square, but that’s about it…

Favorite Line:  “Everybody here wanted something more, searching for a sound we hadn’t heard before” 

2.  Blank Space – I am obsessed with this song. I read somewhere that this song originally started out as a joke. If it’s a joke, I’m laughing the loudest. I love how you can hear Taylor’s sarcasm and sass in this song. It’s up to you if you take her lyrics seriously or not or realize that she’s playing a joke on everyone by writing a song that plays into her image as a “serial dater.” Either way, it’s genius. The click of the pen before “…And I’ll write your name” is just ridiculous in the best way possible. Also, when she sings “gotta long list of ex-lovers” it definitely sounds like she’s saying “Starbucks lovers” (Once you notice, you’ll never hear it the same way again).  This is also her next single!!!! Who’s excited to hear it on the radio?!

Favorite line: “Cause darling, I’m a nightmare dressed like a daydream” 

3. Style – The intro of this song is SO GOOD. If you aren’t entirely convinced that this song (and most likely the entire album) is about Harry Styles, you need to re-evaluate. I really like this song, but it’s not one of my favorites. I like how there is this mellow yet excited vibe throughout the entire song and then she screams “TAKE ME HOME!” at the bridge. It’s a line you’re waiting to hear her scream, the build-up is awesome.  Clearly I like other songs more than this one because I don’t have much else to say about it. It’s definitely a jam, though.

Favorite line: “I should just tell you to leave cause I know exactly where it leads but I watch us go round and round each time”

4. Out of the Woods: When Taylor released this two weeks before the album dropped, she said that she wanted to release it early because she believed it was an overall representation of the album. I agree. This is easily one of the best songs on the album. I may be bias because I’m obsessed with Jack Antonoff, who co-wrote and produced it (you can hear him singing the “oooh’s” and the “are we out of the woods yet are we out of the woods yet” at the bridge). I think this song metaphorically is one of the best on the album; it’s so heartbreaking yet you want to dance to it at the same time. The bridge is one of my favorites she’s ever written. 

Favorite line: “We were built to fall apart, then fall back together” 

5. All You Had to Do Was Stay: To say I have mixed feelings for this song is a massive understatement. I guess I am just confused. It sounds like a 2007 Nelly song to me. I’m kind of confused with the vibe she was going for. I don’t dislike it, but I don’t love it either. I suppose I am indifferent. I like how she says “STAY!” It’s like lightning! I like the lyrics more than the production. I think it’d be cool if it was an acoustic track or played on the piano. 

Favorite line:  “You were all I wanted, but not like this” 

6. Shake It Off: When this song was released in August as the first single, I really liked it. It’s a slap in the face to everyone who makes fun of Taylor or calls her names. I like the overall message of the song. I like the trumpets a lot and after hearing the rest of the album, I wish they were present in the other songs. However, there’s no signature Taylor lyrics in this song at all. This song sounds like any other pop star could be singing it, and that’s what is a little disappointing. It’s a fun song, but it’s definitely one of the most lackluster songs on the album for me. 

Favorite line: “I’m dancing on my own, I make the moves up as I go”

7. I Wish You Would: I originally kept mixing this song up with “All You had to Do Was Stay,” but after listening to the album on repeat for the past four days, I’ve recognized the difference. I really like this song! It reminds me of high school (in a good way).  I like how throughout this album, she’s sped up the majority of the tracks, and she usually had slower songs. I like the production on it a lot (S/O to Jack Antonoff again), and the chorus has such a groove. If you’re a huge T.Swift fan like I am, you've noticed her consistent habit of saying “2 AM” in her songs. It’s in this one too!  

Favorite line: “I miss you too much to be mad anymore” 

8. Bad Blood: WOW LETS JUST BLAST THIS SONG AND HAVE A DANCE PARTY. I am so obsessed! I personally really like this song because EVERYONE can relate to it. It’s so vague but it works for everyone. It can be at a boy, a friend, etc. It’s such a good song to chant with your friends in the creepiest way possible. The HEY! In the chorus gives me life. I was skeptical about this song because critics were comparing it to Hollaback Girl…enough said. However, it’s one of my favorite songs on the album. I think it gave Taylor a chance to really SANG.  Music is supposed to lift you up and make you feel better, and this is the biggest FU to anyone who’s messed with you.

Favorite line: “You say sorry just for show, if you live like that, you live with ghosts”

9. Wildest Dreams: HANDS DOWN MY FAVORITE SONG ON THE ENTIRE ALBUM. HENCE THE CAPS. This song is so Lana Del Rey, but better. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this song.  I think it’s one of her best ever. Love the beat in the background. The lyrics are perfect. The production is awesome. I’m absolutely obsessed with this song. I cannot get over how good it is.  I just need a music video this song. I personally enjoy when she sings in her lower register, and that’s really evident in each verse of this song. UGH. BRAVO.

Favorite line: “Someday when you leave me, I bet these memories follow you around”

10. How You Get The Girl: I love everything about TayTay, but I absolutely hate this song. I can’t even get myself to listen to the entire song while writing this. All I think of is a Disney Channel Movie, primarily “Stuck in the Suburbs.”  I can handle the chorus…until it goes “And that’s how you get the girl” I shudder. 

Favorite line: I don’t listen to the song often enough to have one

11. This Love: My second favorite on the album. I hear Taylor’s signature style in this song. I really like the acoustics. I want to float in a pretty dress in water while listening to this song. I love when she sings with a breathy tone, and the “oooh” in the chorus. This song is utterly beautiful.  The bridge is my favorite part of the song. It’s so hauntingly gorgeous. I love it!

Favorite line: “When you’re young, you just run, but you come back to what you need”

12. I Know Places: I really love the edginess in this song. It sounds like it should be on the Mockingjay soundtrack! It’s really unique to the rest of the album and I applaud her for that. I like her pronunciation throughout the song; I think she’s gotten better at that on this album, probably because she’s singing at faster paces. I like at the bridge there’s a solid beat in the background like something CRAZY is coming! It’s so fierce.

Favorite line: “Loose lips sink ships all the damn time” 

13. Clean: First of all, I was so unbelievably excited to hear this song because of Imogen Heap. I love her. This song is so so sad, but it’s so good. I think it would get a lot of people through hard times. You can really hear Imogen’s style in it, and I think their collaboration was a perfect way to end the album. Even though Taylor experimented with a lot of new sounds for this album, I think this song is an example of why so many people fell in love with Taylor as an artist when she was just sixteen. You believe what she is saying. 

Favorite line: “When I was drowning, that’s when I could finally breathe” 

BONUS TRACKS:

1. Wonderland: Again, one of my favorites on the album, and quite possibly one of my favorites she’s ever written. I love the contrast between the verses and the chorus; it’s so quiet and sweet, then becomes so aggressive and confident. I can’t get over how much I love this song. I wish it wasn’t a bonus song because many people tend to buy the normal versions without realizing there’s a deluxe edition! (Find it at Target). This song is so unique to her style that it’s hard for me to even describe it. I hope you listen and enjoy it as much as I do!

Favorite line: “Didn’t it all seem new and exciting? I felt your arms twist around me. It’s all fun and games until somebody loses their mind” 

2. You Are In Love: This song is so ridiculously cute. Like, so cute you feel sick. I like how she’s writing it about two other people, not herself. Lyrically, you can definitely here Taylor in it. I love that about it. It’s the kind of song that puts you to sleep (in a good way). I originally really liked it the first time I heard it, but I definitely prefer the other two bonus songs over it, but I still like it!

Favorite line:  “You understand now why they lost their minds and fought the wars, and why I’ve spent my whole life trying to put it into words” 

3. New Romantics: This song makes me SO happy!! It’s so fun and upbeat and catchy. I think it could really be a hit on the radio. The beginning of the chorus sounds SO much like Foster the People to me! My dream is to have a dance party with Taylor to this song. I wish this song was on the original album! To me, this song is the “22” of 1989. Favorite line: “I could built a castle out of all the bricks they threw at me”Overall, I give this album a 4/5 stars. There are a few songs that aren’t my favorite, but there are more than a few that are definitely some of Swift’s best work. She took big risks with this album, and I think it paid off!

Favorite song(s): “Wildest Dreams,” “Blank Space,” and “This Love”

Favorite tear jerker: “Clean”

Best song to jam out to: “Blank Space” or “New Romantics”

Best lyrics: “Out of the Woods”

Best production: “Style”

Best “awww” moment: “This Love” or “You Are in Love”

Luv u Tay.

- Kristin