Tuesday Tuneday: L.L. Loves & Some Pre-Holiday Cheer

Even though Halloween isn't until tomorrow, I think it's about time for me to officially admit (warn you) on the blog that I am a Christmas freak (for lack of a better word).

Yes, I'm that girl that starts listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving (okay, before Halloween...damn you Zooey Deschanel). I have to hold back my squeals of delight when the holiday displays start going up in storefronts (damn you, Pottery Barn), and it takes a serious amount of internal strength to not wear my favorite holiday tartans before November (November's acceptable, right?).

I'm not sure if this being holed up inside a la the winter snow days of my school years is what put me over the edge, but it's official: I'm in holiday mode.

Don't worry, I refrained from making you a Christmas playlist (it was tough). These are some of the songs that get me in the mood for snowy trees, hot cocoa and hours spent by the fireplace - preferably after a snowball fight or a winter walk bundled up in these L.L. Bean goodies:

(left to right, top to bottom): Scarf | Shirt | Fair Isle Sweater | Slippers (currently wearing; best slippers ever) |  Shirt | Fisherman's Sweater | Shirt | Scarf | Tote | Sheets | Boots | PJs | Booties

Joni Mitchell – All I Want
Jack Johnson – Posters
Counting Crows – Perfect Blue Buildings
Jack Johnson – Flake
Dispatch – Carry You
Counting Crows – Colorblind
Jack Johnson – Inaudible Melodies
Rusted Root – Martyr
Dave Matthews Band – Christmas Song
Joni Mitchell – A Case Of You
Rusted Root – Back To The Earth
Counting Crows – Sullivan Street
Dispatch – Hey, Hey
Dispatch – Out Loud - Live
Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds – Say Goodbye

(go to playlist on Spotify)

Can you tell I'm all about tartan right now? Thought so.

Are you an early Christmas cheer-er? What gets you excited for the holidays?

Tuesday Tuneday: Currently Spinning

Most people that know me well would tell you that I have a lot of obsessions. Many of them are fleeting (snake print, neon peach, gold skulls) and some are lifelong (nail polish, stripes, Orbit Sweet Mint gum) – and music is no exception.

I go through crazy phases with certain bands, albums, or even a singular track that I will listen to in repeat for 5 days straight (most recently, Rihanna – Diamonds, but one of my worst attacks of all time was with Jose Gonzalez’s cover of Heartbeats; basically single-rotation for all of winter 2006).

I (unfortunately for my wallet) have the same problem with shopping, whether it be clothing, housewares, beauty products, etc, I’ll get reaaaally into nauticalia for a few weeks and all of a sudden decide that I actually want my living room to be Hollywood Glamour instead (sound schizophrenic? It’s possible…).

Here’s a peek at what I can’t get out of my mind lately:

Tuesday Tuneday: Wedding Essentials

On this gloomy Tuesday Tuneday, let's talk weddings.

I have very serious wedding outfit anxiety. As in, I had a wedding this past weekend and I ordered 3 dresses from Rent the Runway and tried on 5 others of my own before I could decide what to wear. There's something so final about a wedding (even when it's not your own...am I crazy?) and I feel this crazy pressure for everything to be perfect.

So, maybe this board is cheating a little bit because this is exactly what I wore to a fall wedding in Salem, MA this weekend (after a very tumultuous decision process and all 3 dresses returned to RTR, regrettably). It really was the perfect ensemble for a fall wedding - the longer sleeves kept me warm during the ceremony outside but the lace was light enough to be breathable for dancing.

But to make up for it, how about some photos from the actual wedding?

Posing with the foliage.

And more posing  with the trolley.

As usual, the weekend made me pretty emotional and got my mind turning on wedding music - something that has always been extremely important to me. Over the years, I've come up with a few songs in my head that I know I just won't live if they're not played at my own (eventual) nuptials:

Fleetwood Mac – Landslide - Live Album Version (the bride danced to this song with her father at this wedding – there wasn’t a female dry eye in the house)

The Beatles Recovered Band – In My Life (my dream father-daughter dance song)
Van Morrison – Into The Mystic (one of my all-time favorites and a personal first dance contender)
Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe (absolute dance party essential for any wedding in the next few years – this past wedding had props to go with!)
Katy Perry – Firework (the boy’s favorite song – totally calling him out. Katy is always a crowd pleaser)
Jimmy Buffett – Margaritaville (the boy’s family and friends are all huge parrotheads, so this is a must)
Johnny Cash – Ring Of Fire (anything Johhny & June is wedding apropos in my book)
Barry White – Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe (sort of silly, sort of entirely true – and who can forget Freddy Prinze and this track?)
Hall & Oates – You Make My Dreams (the scene from 500 Days of Summer with J. Gordon Leavitt sealed the deal on this one – and nothing’s better than Hall & Oates)
Taylor Swift – Mine (the boy and I are both huge Tswift fans (I’m really throwing him under the bus this week, huh?) and the words to this one are just perfect)
Taylor Swift – Love Story (I’m 99% positive I want this to be my entrance song – to the point that I’ve planned which moment the bride and groom will enter after the wedding party. Judge me)
Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody (classic dancefloor jam)
Mariah Carey – Always Be My Baby (this will undoubtedly be the David Cook cover from American Idol – again, the boy’s fav. It should be clear who has the better taste in music at this point J )
Bruce Springsteen – Dancing In The Dark (it’s not a party without the boss)
Simon & Garfunkel – Cecilia (this song has always made me extremely happy, and Paul Simon is one of my mom’s all-time faves)
Ray LaMontagne – You Are The Best Thing (pretty sure I have yet to post a playlist that doesn’t have a Ray song on it – which accurately describes how I feel about his music, I’d say)
Iron And Wine – Flightless Bird, American Mouth (if you can separate this from the Twilight scene, it’s still super romantic)
Bright Eyes – First Day Of My Life (another first dance song – this one has always made me tear up)
Ben Folds – The Luckiest (so much truth in this pretty little ditty)
Dave Matthews – So Damn Lucky (more luck – there were a lot of coincidences and fateful events that brought the boy and I together, so this is very appropriate)

Get the whole playlist on Spotify here.

Tuesday Tuneday: Date Night In

While moving in with the boy has had its hefty share of benefits, we’re not exactly living the picture-perfect “drop your briefcase and catch up over dinner and a bottle of wine” lifestyle – yet. His 2^nd-year MBA schedule is full of night classes, so my little overachiever decided to stay on at his internship, work during the day, and then jet off to class 4 nights a week.

There are clear benefits to having the apartment to myself most nights (yoga in front of the TV, Say Yes to the Dress, too much wine – the list goes on), but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t rather be spending at least some of that time cooking and sharing a meal together  - and a little non-solo vino never hurt nobody.

I spent last night in making this Paleo Pumpkin Turkey Chili via Danielle’s blog and soaking up the autumn-y scents and flavors while listening to my fall playlist – all by my lonesome. In the back of my mind, though, I was imagining a quiet night splitting a hearty meal with the boy over a bottle of pinot noir.

I don’t always dress up for a date night in – I have always taken advantage of the opportunity to be comfy. But, as much as I love dressing up for dinner on the town and with how little time we get to spend together, enjoying our new place, I’ve been dreaming of a fancy little night in, wearing something of this nature...

 

J.Crew Tippiweater / Carven twill skirt, / Dolce Vita high heel shoes / Irene Neuwirth diamond drop earrings / Emilio Pucci brass ring / J. crew pave bracelet / J. crew tuxedo bows bracelet / Essie nailpolish / PYRAMID VALLEY Angel Flower Pinot Noir 2009

Of course, no date night in would be complete without a little soundtrack. This soft (and okay, a little sultry) mix of new and old classics is my go-to when I need a quiet, comfy, but sophisticated mood - just hit shuffle and go.

What are your favorite date night traditions?

Tuesday Tuneday: An Ode to Mumford & Sons

This post is going to seem like a total cop out - and that's half true. But, as I'm sure most of you know, THIS came out today:

What you might not know is how much I have been anticipating this release. Their debut album "Sigh No More" honestly changed my life, and yes, I know how dramatic that sounds. It took me through a really dark time and I think I will always feel an intense connection to their music.

I couldn't wait for Babel to come out; I was literally up at 6:30 today downloading it to get ready to take it to work with me. And so far, it has not disappointed. This might not be a playlist (and no Spotify link yet - sad), but this album (and their music in general) has a very distinct mood for me. It's dark, it's broody, it's woodsy - it's very fall.

Fur lined coat / J. Crew Buffalo Check Shirt / J.Crew cord pants / Jack Rogers Wedge Booties / C. Wonder Zippered tote bag / Tribal jewelry / Madewell Twig Ring / Recover iPhone 4 Skin Walnut Case / C. Wonder Signature Studs Calf Hair Skinny Cuff

So, how about we all go for a long drive into the woods, do some leaf peepin', and blast some Babel the whole way? Yeah? Great.

Tuesday Tuneday: Dary & Stormy

It’s a gloomy and somewhat brisk Tuesday up here in Boston – one of the first rainy fall days we’ve had.

As much as I love a clear, sunny day, I need my dreary days to not only make me appreciate the picture-perfect ones, but also to get me to slow down and snuggle up. When the weather’s gorgeous, I put an immense amount of pressure on my schedule to get out and soak up as much as I can, whether it’s a cool morning run on the water or an afternoon of apple picking, farmer’s markets and tons of baking; I just can’t let myself relax and let it pass me by.

It’s days like these that get me to rest a little and indulge in more quiet moments, of course accompanied by a hot mug of cinnamon tea, and preferably a cozy blanket. But when you must brave the outdoors, there are some cozy and protective essentials…

Jack Wills Pheasant Sweater  / Alexander Wang Honeycomb Sweater / Barbour Bedale Jacket / J.Crew pixie pants / Longchamp tote / Timex watch /  Burberry duck handle umbrella / Hair ties / Hunter Boots Pillar Box Red 

Always need a good cozy sweater, an umbrella (just in case), a water-resistant bag, and some handy hair ties for when your hair inevitable loses the battle to the moisture (just me?).

Grey days always put me in a very specific mood. Aside from just general somberness and introspection, I gravitate toward very specific songs/albums that have always created that same feeling for me. Some of them have accompanied me on long, rainy drives - others bring the same sense of warm sadness that I so love about this weather. Either way, they are always the backdrop to my dark days and help me to slow down and soak them up.

Dark & Stormy

·         Counting Crows – Omaha

·         Dave Matthews – Dodo

·         Damien Rice – Amie

·         Coldplay – Warning Sign

·         Dave Matthews – Trouble

·         Nick Drake – One of These Things First

·         Bon Iver – Holocene

·         Iron & Wine – Resurrection Fern

·         The Civil Wars – My Father’s Father

·         Counting Crows – Perfect Blue Buildings

·         Iron & Wine – Flightless Bird, American Mouth

·         Bon Iver – Perth

·         The xx – Heart Skipped  a Beat

·         The Civil Wars – Poison and Wine

·         Dave Matthews – Stay Or Leave

·         Counting Crows – Colorblind

·         Damien Rice – The Blower’s Daughter

·         The xx – VCR

·         Bon Iver – Beth/Rest

Open in Spotify

Down to the Wire, and a Belated Tuesday Tuneday: Autumn Leaves

I know, I know. I’ve been a bad little blogger this week.

With the move on Friday (OMG!) I have been legitimately losing my mind. Also, note to self: do not schedule a long weekend trip to Atlantic City the weeks before you move (or ever, for that matter…3 days is two too long…). I haven’t slept more than 4 hours in a night since last Thursday and even as I sit “calmly” in my cubicle trying to cram a week’s worth of work into 2.5 days (dumb, Carolyn, dumb), my heart is racing and my head is nowhere else but “You forgot to pack up the shit under your bed” and “How the hell do you plan on getting that 150-bottle nail polish collection into packaging?”.

The only things pulling me through right now are:

1.      There was a decidedly autumnal chill in the air this morning, and my iPod seemed to know it. She and I have this sort of telepathy thing going – and even though she was shuffling through 25K songs (yes, I’m serious), I got to hear 3 of my go-to fall songs and I think I am officially ready to let summer go.

2.     After two more nights, I will be sleeping in a bed with my best friend in the entire world. I’ll be putting on my makeup in OUR apartment every morning. I won’t be packing up a bag 3-4 nights a week and trying to figure out how to fit in my grocery shopping and gym sessions around our nights together. I’ll be cooking with my best friend every night. I’ll be lounging with him watching How I Met Your Mother on OUR couch. I’ll be waking up every morning in OUR bed (which, sadly for my 6’ 3” bestie, is still a queen). And I’ll be doing this forever. I realize that’s something that most people say when they get married, but for us – this is decidedly it (no, really, we had a conversation to decide it). Neither of us has ever imagined living with more than one person, ever – and I can’t bear the thought of splitting furniture and pots and lamps and the age-old “album collection” (all of the vinyl is mine, thank ya very much) in addition to a heart-wrenching breakup. We knew we were ready when we knew that this was IT. For good. This should give me at least a tinge of anxiety, but the boxes barricading my kitchen and the 3 rolls of packing tape I’ve killed already aren’t allowing for it yet – only room for excitement. Check back with me at week 2 when I’m already stuck doing all of his laundry…

Both are equally keeping me afloat. If that doesn’t give you an insight into how much I love autumn, I don’t know what will.

And with that said, I know I missed Tuesday Tuneday – but how about a Wednesday Whistleday (cause there’s Andrew Bird on the playlist – get it? No? Sounds like you need to listen to more Andrew Bird)?

These are the songs that always, always, always make me feel the first chill down to my bones and bring back images of the trees turning along the roads I drove every day and the fallen ones swirling around my car. And picking apples at home and the smell of nutmeg when they’re baking. And above all else, absolutely everything pumpkin-flavored. All while wearing these comfy buggers below:

How good is that tortoise ring?!

Tuesday Tuneday: Fancay Schmancay

It's official: I've got the AC bug.

The boy and I are headed off on Friday for a much needed long weekend in Ocean City, NJ at a good friend’s summer home. I am beyond excited to soak up the sun, cruise the boardwalk, maybe invest in a few bro tanks (my YEAH BUDDY one from last year has fallen off trend…tear).

We will also be making the very short journey to Atlantic City for dinner at Amada in the Revel hotel. I am not a big gambler and have never been to AC. I guess unsurprisingly, I have also never been to Vegas. 

pretty swankster, no?

As a perpetual, somewhat intentional over-dresser who loves nothing more than throwing on heels and lipstick for a weekend dinner out (which is sadly borderline “too much” in Boston), I am beyond excited for the rare opportunity to go all out (and dare I say, a little slutty?) for our Sunday night dinner. 

There’s nothing better than a perfect dinner ambiance, and for me, that almost always means music. Here’s what I’d want to hear whilst sipping a swankay drank (my first dirty martini, perhaps?) in a trendy lounge in good ‘ol AC, trying to hold on to my last shred of summer…

Tuesday Tuneday: The Summer Wind Down

It may still be over 80 degrees and humid up here in Boston, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hankering a little for some cooler weather – even just a chilly breeze at night would do the trick (preferably with me on a beach wrapped up in a cozy blanket watching the sunset).

Though I am a HUGE autumn girl, I’m not ready for summer to go. I’ve noticed this shift in my mood as of late; I think it’s more of just a general winding down rather than being “over” summer – and it’s apparent in what I decide to wear every day and even moreso in the music I’m drawn to.

I’ve always been a huge music lover, but hadn’t really noticed how much the mood I feel from it also plays into what I’m wearing – or maybe it’s a recent change for me. Either way – this first edition playlist of Tuesday Tuneday (hopefully) encapsulates the slowly growing chill of summer’s end.