Must-watch: Alanis Morissette's "Ironic" redux

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From television to music: Any child of the '90s probably, at one time or another, belted out Alanis Morissette's "Ironic" into a hairbrush. You probably even loved the edgy video and even marveled at all those Alanises in one car at the same time. And then, you got a little older and realized those lyrics? They're not exactly all that ironic.

Well, enter Eliza and Rachael Hurwitz, the sister songwriting duo behind this clever YouTube video. The pair not only tweaks the lyrics into legitimate ironic situations, but they also re-shoot the video. I dare you not to get this song stuck in your head for the rest of the day. You're welcome... xoxo

[Via Buzzfeed]

NYC Diaries: 5 Things You'll See at a Taylor Swift Concert

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This weekend, I unleashed my inner 11-year-old and went with a couple of my closest friends to see Taylor Swift. I’ve been a fan of her music since I was 14, so I feel no shame in admitting that I’ll give up a Saturday night any day to sing along (at the top of my lungs) to some of the best breakup songs ever written. And I thought I’d prepare you for what you’re getting yourself into if YOU ever attend the famous Red tour. So without further ado, here are a few things you’re guaranteed to see if you decide to see Taylor live...

Costume changes
Taylor’s known for her sense of style, and she doesn’t disappoint at her concert. Be ready to see lots of preppy polka dots and stripes on her more casual outfits. As for the gowns, think fairytale princess, and that’ll give you a pretty good idea of her fashion choices. Swift is the queen of girl sparkles and glitter, and she always looks perfect in them. As an added bonus, the area just inside the stadium had a museum display of some of Taylor’s most memorable outfits, including the outfit above.

Crazy outfits
People really get into the spirit of the tour and dress up to support their favorite country-pop artist. Many of those who attended on Saturday draped LED lights over their clothes, donned over-the-top themed costumes (there were a few bridal outfits in the audience, which I didn’t really understand), and Sharpied their favorite Swift lyrics onto their skin. Among my favorite costumes were a boy covered from head to toe in red solo cups and a man dressed as a Teletubby.

Creative signs
As with the costumes, people go all out for this concert. So be prepared to see cute slogans like “Cray cray for Tay Tay” and huge posters with the number “22” written on them. There were also a few trios who each held up a letter of “red” and then lowered the “r” when Ed Sheeran took the stage.

Red
Yes, it’s the name of the tour as well as a prominent motif throughout the show. From red dresses to red fireworks to red instruments, you’ll be seeing a lot of this color. And you’ll be feeling all of the emotions -- from bitter resentment over tough breakups to fiery joy over falling in love -- right along with Taylor.

Talent
If you’re going to the concert for Taylor, you won’t be disappointed. She’s at the top of her game singing and dancing high-energy numbers across the stage. (It was super hot and muggy outside, so I kind of felt bad for all the performers sweating under the many stage lights). But Swift’s not the only one who shines under the spotlight. Opening act Ed Sheeran is AMAZING. I’ll admit that I’d only heard of his song “The A-Team” when I first saw him perform. But right after the concert, I added all his songs to my favorites playlist. If you haven’t heard “Lego House,” go listen to it RIGHT NOW!

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--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

[Top photo via We Heart It]

Fashion Friday: Taylor Swift for Keds Collection

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For the final day of Summer Week, I thought it would be fun to feature one of my favorite ladies. Taylor has perfected that effortless, laid-back summer vibe with her breezy dresses and vintage glam. And now, she's bringing pops of color to feet everywhere with her Taylor Swift for Keds Collection...

How cool are these shoes? So much fresh, eye-popping color. Now if only I could get a custom-made pair...I'd be set for summer!! What do you think, friends? Is this your style? xoxo

P.S. More Taylor Swift style.

MEMO TO MEN: On the power of the guitar as a wing man

FREE IMAGES MEMORANDUM
TO: Men all over the planet
FROM: Melissa
RE: Going gaga over a guitar
DATE: May 14, 2013

Heads-up, boys: I knew there was a reason behind my longstanding love-hate-turned-mostly-hate relationship with a certain Mr. John Mayer -- why I wanted to simultaneously call him out for being a faux hipster loser and kiss those faux hipster's lips while we walk down a quiet city street, getting lost in nothing but each other and feeling like we could take on the world with just our love...

Damn, there I go again. Do you see the power this guy has over me, boys? And, well, if I'm being completely honest here, it's not just John Mayer who has the power to reduce me to a romantic puddle of love. It's all John Mayers (read: any guy with a guitar slung over his shoulder and the ability to woo me with words in the form of love songs). After all, remember Facebook Flirt? I didn't think.

So yes, I've got a bad track record when it comes to those musical men. Apparently, I just can't resist their alluring charm. BUT! Guess what? None of this is technically my fault. And even better? Science is here to back me up! A recent French study revealed the hypnotic effects of the instrument...

One sunny Saturday afternoon, in the shopping district of a medium-sized French city, this good-looking guy approached 300 young women (aged approximately 18 to 22). He introduced himself, declared “I think you’re really pretty,” and asked for her phone number so they could arrange to have a drink. For one-third of these brief encounters, he was carrying what was clearly a guitar case. For another third, he was holding a sports bag; for the final third, he was empty-handed. The implication that he was a musician dramatically increased the actor’s appeal. When he was carrying the guitar case, 31 percent of the women gave him their number. This compares with nine percent when he was carrying the sports bag, and 14 percent when he was carrying nothing.

The conclusions? Musical aptitude is a sign of male fertility, since testosterone fosters the growth of the right hemisphere. Who knew the guitar could make a better wing man than, well, an actual man?

But, this does raise some questions, like "how would women musicians be viewed?" And, "would other instruments work the same way?" For example, I'm not so sure I'd find a guy playing a tuba nearly as sexy as Keith Urban. And an accordion-playing Casanova? Yeah, I'm pretty sure my knees wouldn't be buckling. At all. Now the bagpipes... xoxo

[Via Jezebel; photos via We Heart It]]

Must-watch: Sara Bareilles' BRAVE

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I love the message of this video, don't you? I want to see you be BRAVE, friends! xoxo

P.S. A new Open Letter is coming up this afternoon. :)

Man Candy Monday.

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Good morning, friends! You do know what week it is, don't you? It's only just the best week ever (well, besides my birthday week, of course...)...wait for it...it's Blog Redesign Week!! I've been waiting for this week for months. I'm set to roll out the new blog design tomorrow morning, but for now, I've got one of my favorite guys from my childhood. He told us, coincidently, that we were his favorite girl. He had moves that rivaled MC Hammer. And I wouldn't mind being a guest at his family reunion...

DONNIE WAHLBERG!!!!!!!!!!

"I had to learn how to become a real actor, I had to suffer and be rejected and face that 100 times just like every actor. It wasn't like someone handed it to me."

Johnny Cash postage stamp

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How neat is this new Johnny Cash postage stamp? The stamp is part of a new Music Icons series, and its design is meant to look like a 45 rpm record sleeve!

 

What other 'musical icons' would you like to see immortalized in this series, friends? My vote goes to Davy Jones and Freddy Mercury! xoxo

 

P.S. Fun fact: The United States Postal Service receives roughly 40,000 suggestions for stamps every year! Yikes!

 

P.P.S. Remember these Roald Dahl postage stamps and these cute animal stamps?

 

[Via Snippet & Ink]

Man Candy Monday.

FREE IMAGES Happy Monday morning, friends! Are you ready for a new week? I've always been in awe of today's guy -- his staying power alone is something worthy of respect. He's got the music in his bones. He recently had a heart-to-heart with Oprah. And I'd love to sit down with him and get his amazing style tips...

LL Cool J!!!!!!!!!!

"Stand up and face your fears, or they will defeat you."

Man Candy Monday.

FREE IMAGES Happy Monday, friends -- and happy Martin Luther King Day! Are you having a good day so far? Well, today's guy is sure to put you in a good mood. He's an international charmer. He's got a soft-spoken charm about him. And his new judging gig is bringing him to a TV near you this year...

KEITH URBAN!!!!!!!!!!

"I think it took me a while to convince Nashville that what I do is genuine and my heart's in the right place, and I love country music."

Fashion Friday: Rolling Stones style

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Let's take a little trip back in time on this first Friday of 2013, shall we, friends? Start Me Up by the Rolling Stones has always been one of my all-time favorite songs. The British lads recently celebrated 50 years of rocking and rolling, so I immediately smiled when I came across this New York Times slide show of some of their most stylish looks...

...and they just keep on rocking, don't they? Are you a fan of Mick and co., friends? Have a favorite song or a favorite style moment? xoxo

I Hate You, I Love You

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I wrote this one this morning when I got to thinking about that guy. You know, that one guy you've always loved to hate -- and hated to love. We've all encountered them a time or two in our lives, and it doesn't matter how long you go without seeing them...when you see them again, it's almost as if no time has passed. Has this ever happened to you, friends? xoxo

I saw you for the first time in awhile yesterday
And I won't lie, it took me right back to that place
Of fumbling over my words, of not knowing what to say

But feeling like I was home again

 

What is there left to say
When you've never said anything?

I locked up my heart, but you somehow found the key

I hate you, I love you and everything in between

I know you're with her now

And it's not my place to ask you to walk away

But what am I supposed to do when "I hate you" really means "I love you"?

 

I've talked myself out of these feelings a thousand times before

When all I really wanted was to see your smile at my front door

And maybe I should have just kept walking
But my heart wanted to hear your voice

 

What is there left to say
When you've never said anything?

I locked up my heart, but you somehow found the key

I hate you, I love you and everything in between

I know you're with her now

And it's not my place to ask you to walk away

But what am I supposed to do when "I hate you" really means "I love you"?

 

Your warm smile, your captivating gaze

You reminded me of my favorite song

Did I ever tell you how much I want to sing along?

 

What is there left to say
When you've never said anything?

I locked up my heart, but you somehow found the key

I hate you, I love you and everything in between

I know you're with her now

And it's not my place to ask you to walk away

But what am I supposed to do when "I hate you" really means "I love you"?

 

What is there left to say
When you've never said anything?

I locked up my heart, but you somehow found the key

I hate you, I love you and everything in between

I know you're with her now

And it's not my place to ask you to walk away

But what am I supposed to do when "I hate you" really means "I love you"?

 

Maybe I should have just kept walking
But my heart wanted to hear your voice

[Photo via Le Love]



An Open Letter To Taylor Swift

FREE IMAGES Dear Taylor:

So, I think it's important that we get something out of the way first: I'm not one of those crazy-obsessed super fans -- the Swifties, I think they call themselves. Don't get me wrong -- I think you're pretty awesome, but not in that creepy, stalkerish way. I mean, it's not like I have the lyrics to all your songs memorized...well, not all your songs, anyway.

But I digress. I suppose I'm writing to thank you. I know how you feel. You see, I can identify with your struggles over the years, especially when it comes to how people perceive you. You want to show them exactly who you are, but you know it's not always pretty. You know it's not what people want to hear sometimes. And, yes, of course people may disagree with it sometimes. But you know what? It's real. All of it. The good. The bad. The in between. Like you, writing about my life -- and yes, that most certainly includes the people, places and things in it -- has always been a part of who I am. It's just not something you can strip away easily. And the more I do this thing called writing, the more I realize how very much it is an inseparable part of who I am and who I will become.

Now, I understand that you turn 23 today. A lot of people are trying to hold you to this high pedestal; they want to somehow make you older than you are. They've said things, whispered rumors and even printed stories about you and that Kennedy kid. And all the while? Well, you've handled it all with grace and class. You've stood firm. You've stood your ground, never wavering. You know who you are. You don't compromise anything. In this day and age (Oh, wow, I sound like my mother...), that is such a refreshing thing to see. Granted, I didn't agree with some of the beaus you've dated (Read: John Mayer. We both know how I feel about him...), but that's part of growing up. Heck, at 23, I never would have been able to do that; let's just say that I was a huge fan of hiding in the deep, dark shadows back then. But, please remember this: You aren't older than 23. I hope you never forget that. You're just a young woman who's trying to figure it all out. You just happen to be doing all of this growing up stuff in front of quite a few people. Take it from an older (just a little older...) lady: Stay true to who you are, and there's no way that you can go wrong.