#the beachy vibes..... are immaculate......

[cheriafreya]

Marcus' OG garment vs Insight II

[thealogie]

miss thea im visiting LA for the first time this weekend and i must please know if you have any recommendations…… especially for delicious things to eat and especially in the santa monica/culver city areas 🤲

Yes you’ve come to the right place because I love to eat my way across LA. I’m more of an East side girl but I do have some west side faves.

We are a reservation heavy city and it’s a little too late for that if you’re coming this weekend but here are non-reservation places:

For breakfast: do Layla bagels (for something quick and good) or destroyer (brunch spot in culver with really good brunch food). You can try to get into Elephante in Santa Monica and sometimes it works and other times they are very booked (it’s a beachy brunch spot with good food and great vibes but very trendy).

Lunch/dinner: I love love gjusta in Venice (very close to Santa Monica). It’s more of a lunch/brunch spot but you can also make it an early dinner. It’s a fancy deli with immaculate vibes. Seriously just trust me on this one. Also Great White is very basic LA girl and it does get packed with reservations at night but if you go before 5 pm it’s first come first serve and the food is good so it’s where I go whenever I don’t have a reservation and need somewhere good to go.

Sonoratown and Teddy’s red tacos are both iconic no frills casual Mexican places. I prefer sonoratown but they are both iconic.

Dan Tana’s is an old school Hollywood Italian place where the food is ok (the chicken parm is excellent) but the waiters are old stand up comedians and you just feel like you are in a movie. and they might be able to do a walk-in if you go super early.

Finally, you can go to sawtelle (a street/neighborhood near sant Monica) and just walk around and find amazing Asian restaurants. Killer noodles is a fave of mine but there’s just so much there to explore.

[huellitaa]

bee's record player, may edition 🎀𓂃 ࣪˖

──★ ˙ ̟🎀 INTRO

and here is the long awaited, albeit delayed arrival of bee's record player: may issue! ♡ (went for a slightly different theme this month, how do we feel about it?

this month there was not in fact many music releases or much going on in the music world, but we do still have a few things to discuss for this month's issue:

──★ ˙ ̟🎀 NEW ARRIVALS

risk, gracie abrahams

�� released may 1st, 2024

♡ pre release single

♡ running time: 3 minutes 12 seconds

take a bite, beabadoobee

♡ released may 9th, 2024

♡ pre release single

♡ running time: 2 minutes 39 seconds

you had me at hello, zerobaseone

♡ released may 13th, 2024

♡ extended play / EP

♡ best songs: have not yet listened! ♡

♡ running time: 20 minutes 48 seconds

dark moon "memorabilia", enhypen

♡ released may 13th, 2024

♡ EP / extended play

♡ best songs: have not yet listened! ♡

♡ running time: 19 minutes 48 seconds

hit me hard and soft, billie eillish

♡ released may 17th, 2024

♡ full length album / LP

♡ best songs: birds of a feather, lunch, chihiro, bittersuite, blue

♡ running time: 43 minutes 49 seconds

turn it up, pinkpantheress

♡ released may 24th, 2024

♡ single

♡ running time: 2 minutes 27 seconds

how sweet, newjeans

♡ released may 24th, 2024

♡ single

♡ running time: 6 minutes 59 seconds

sixth sense, kiss of life

♡ released may 25th, 2024

♡ single

♡ running time: 3 minutes 11 seconds

armaggedon: the 1st album, aespa

♡ released may 27th, 2024

♡ full length album / LP

♡ best songs: supernova, armaggedon, bahama, long chat, melody

♡ running time: 30 minutes 58 seconds

loop, yves

♡ released may 29th, 2024

♡ extended play / EP

♡ best songs: diorama , loop ft. lil cherry (♡)

♡ running time: 12 minutes 6 seconds

──★ ˙ ̟🎀BEE'S TRACKS: TOP 10

♡ 10. red wine supernova, chappell roan

CHAPPELL ROAN CHAPPELL ROAN CHAPPELL ROAN CHAPPELL ROAN LETS GO LESBIANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i've been SO obsessed w chappell roan this month and this song is. oh my gosh. the red wine sueprnova bridge changed lives idc everybody go listen to chappell roan right now !!!!!!!!!!! <3

♡ 9. midas touch, kiss of life

i love this song!!!! oh my gosh!!!!!!! i've been so into kiss of life the past month or so and i love love love this song so much, it's such a vibe u don't get it. i didn't like it at first but it's so cunty so that makes it all good in my books <3 also kiof vocals are no joke see 5th gen kpop this is what happens when you debut actual adults !! <3

♡ 8. telepatia, kali uchis

i don't know if it's just the pretty summer girl vibes this song has or the immense love i have for latina women in music but like oh my gosh this song?????? i'm so????????? i can't do this?????? definitely wasn't lured in by the pink on the cover nope nope nope but like i seriously need to get into her more u don't get it

♡ 7. turn it up, pinkpantheress

i do not often listen to pinkpantheress but she came up on my spotify and i'd heard good things about her and liked the pink on the song cover so i gave it a listen and u don't understand the chokehold she's had on me this month i'm so obsessed. her vibes r EVERYTHING

♡ 6. bahama, aespa

AGAIN. THE PRETTY SUMMER GIRL VIBES ARE IMMACULATE. alcohol free was THE summer kpop song for me before but aespa has overtaken this title i fear! their voices are so pretty and the whole summery beachy vibes are absolutely PERFECT <3 aespa u ate so hard w this one !!!!! <3

♡ 5. birds of a feather, billie eillish

i am so in love with this song and have been since it came out oh my gosh. the vibes are immaculate, her voice is literally angelic, the lyrics are everything to me and i want this song at my wedding. i do not take criticism case closed thank u very much

♡ 4. how sweet, newjeans

AHHHHHHH OH MY GOSH i just know this song would have been higher if it hadn't only come out a few days before the end of may but the energy is everything, and the prechorus?????????? hello??????? obsessed??????????? my girls still going strong despite whatever the heck is going on at hybe at the moment idk but ate as usual !! <3

♡ 3. take a bite, beabadoobee

OH MY GOSH I LOVE THIS SONG SO MUCH,,, I'VE BEEN SO HYPED FOR IT SINCE IT WAS FIRST TEASED ON SPOTIFY AND I ACTUALLY . I. IM SO OBSESSED U DONT UNDERSTNAD IT S= NOT EVEN FUNNY I'M SO EXCITED FOR AUGUST 16TH

♡ 2. good luck, babe!, chappell roan

I CANNOT. I HAVE BEEN SO OBSESSED W CHAPPELL ROANB THIS MRONTH SHE ISW MY EVERYTHNIG. HER VOCALS IN THIS SONG I FEEL LIKE I'M ASCENDING TO HEAVEN EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE I'VE SPENT WITHOUT CHAPPELL ROAN FEELS LIKE EVERY DAY WASTED CHAPPELL ROAN IS LOVE LIFE CHAPPELL R

♡ 1. bubble gum, newjeans

alright anyway anddd onto number one,, the song that has been on loop since release, bubble gum by my favourite girlies newjeans!!! <3 my best friend has been BEGGING me to listen to this for weeks now and oh my gosh i felt so stupid when she finally made me listen to it because it is a literal work of art. maybe i'm a sucker for summery songs at the moment, maybe it's the fact the music video makes me violently sob from how sweet it is and danielle's curly hair and hanni's short hair makes my eyes turn into hearts but like i adore this song. i think one of my favourite compliments i've ever gotten is that i look like this song 😭<33

──★ ˙ ̟🎀ALBUMS

♡ 1. rise and fall of a midwest princess, chappell roan

woahhhh this is sooo surprisinggggg ahahahahaaaa!!! this album is everything to me u DONT get it i LOVE chappell roan i LOVE cunty lesbians i LOVE music i EUAHHRRRRRRRR

♡ 2. super real me, illit

i am still not over this debut i fear......... midnight fiction was #11 on my top tracks of this month and the chokehold these girls had and still have on me since march is ridiculous. best kpop debut quite possibly ever i rest my case

♡ 3. beatopia, beabadoobee

BEABADOOBEE I LOVE YOU so basically i've been listening to bea a lot more since i got my bsf into her too and the amount of times i've relistened to beatopia and our extended play in this month alone is absolutely ridiculous. i adore her so much oh my gosh what i would GIVE to hear 10:36 live !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <3

♡ 4. hit me hard and soft, billie eillish

i've listened to this album so many times since it came out oh my gosh. i'm obsessed. i am not a big billie eillish listener, i liked her when she was super popular but since then i haven't really listened to her, but i love love love this album oh my gosh she ate so bad

♡ 5. armageddon, aespa

i was so excited for this album !!! especially as it's their first full length one after four years of being one of THE most iconic kpop girl groups in my honest and humble (and completely correct) opinion, and though it was not as amazing and perfect and fantastic as i hoped it's a pretty solid album and the more i listened the more i liked and it's really grown on me honestly !!!!

──★ ˙ ̟🎀ARTISTS

♡ CHAPPELL ROAN (the fact she even overtook tubatu in this column just tells u how obsessed i am. it's not even funny anymore.)

♡ TOMORROW X TOGETHER (everybody act surprised again !!! )

♡ BEABADOOBEE (bea ily forever)

♡ ARIANA GRANDE (yes i'm still on my ari shit!!!!)

♡ AVRIL LAVIGNE (quick guys pretend you can't tell i'm emo)

──★ ˙ ̟🎀SPECIAL MENTIONS

♡ bea announced her new album,, "this is how tomorrow moves"!! everybody go presave her new album IMMEDIATELY <3 releases august 16th !!!!!! <333333

──★ ˙ ̟🎀 EDITOR'S NOTE

aaaaaand that wraps up this month's issue of bee's record player! once again i'd like to apologise for making u whole month to actually get this month's edition but you're getting a double edition to make up for it so we're all good. thank you all for your patience and i look forward to seeing you again very soon! ♡

all my love, and until next month! 💘🫶🏻🎀

[dhr-ao3]

Everything Is Romantic

Everything Is Romantic https://ift.tt/OGQndzm by cherrycygnus It's July, 2004. Hermione just ended her engagement with Ron after years of bland fights and postponing. She is ready to leave behind her immaculate image, along with all the expectations about marriage, motherhood and good wife policies. Pansy has the perfect oportunity for this: a Bachelorette's weekend in California, away from London and any exes Hermione wishes to avoid. It's Los Angeles, land of the sun and unexplored territory. The air is warm and salty, possibilities are all around, sex is everywhere and there's no one there to stop her. In reality, Draco Malfoy — bestman of the bride — hopes to do the exact opposite. Words: 8204, Chapters: 1/5, Language: English Fandoms: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: F/M, Multi Characters: Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, Astoria Greengrass, Theodore Nott, Blaise Zabini, Padma Patil, Daphne Greengrass, Ron Weasley, Harry Potter, Ginny Weasley Relationships: Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy Additional Tags: romcom vibes, Mutual Pining, Draco Malfoy is Good at Sex, Hermione Granger is a Tease, theodore nott hooks up with everyone, beach vibes, Wedding plot, there's no ron bashing, just ron boring, No Angst, Minor Astoria Greengrass/Pansy Parkinson, Minor Padma Patil/Blaise Zabini, british wizards in america, Inappropriate Use of Malfoy Signet Ring (Harry Potter), Draco Malfoy Talks Dirty, Hermione Granger Has a Praise Kink, Explicit Sexual Content, Explicit Language, Consensual Sex, i don't know each one of them is thirstier, basically just a smutty beachy little fic via AO3 works tagged 'Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy' https://ift.tt/x6wNPsB August 24, 2024 at 06:39PM

[mirandagoing4baroque]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I quite enjoyed The Drowning House, so I was very excited to see that Cherie Priest was writing another haunted house book, and absolutely thrilled to get the opportunity to review an advanced copy. If anything, I liked It Was Her House First even better! Priest delivers on every level you’d want a haunted house book to deliver on. The vibes are immaculate, and the rising tension as the characters get more entwined with the house is very well paced.

Priest is working with a limited cast--we have Ronnie, who has inherited some money after her construction contractor brother Ben died. She uses it to buy a decrepit old mansion at auction. As she and Ben’s fiance begin work on the house, they learn the story of the starlet, Veronica, who lived in the house in the 1930s with her husband, child, and a mysterious detective houseguest. By the end of the story, all four of them were dead, and some of them...well they never left the house. After all, it was Veronica’s house first, and why should she give way to a millennial just because she bought it at auction? Something evil happened in that house, and in addition to a new roof and plumbing upgrades, this house may also need an exorcism.

If you are a fan of Mexican Gothic, Isabel Cañas, or scrolling through cursed looking houses on zillow, you’ll also enjoy this beachy summer read.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for this honest review.

[burnoutsyndrometheseries]

just finished itsay and bruhhh that was an experience. gonna be a bit of an ass here but i don't like bl dramas (not gonna get into it too much but jesus they are often such trash IM SORRY- i'm sure you can come up with a few reasons), so i had a few reservations. i only ended up watching it because i came across some gifs randomly and the cinematography was immaculate. i need to just express why i love itsay so much.

the positive female/side characters, there is no misogyny and the love triangles aren't made to make you hate anyone, they get you thinking. everyone in the show acts like an actual normal person lol I just love them all and want good things for them. the guys in the friend group not all pairing up like this is matchmaker. the cinematography. the certain realism and simplicity, between the filming location, script and editing (no slowmo and same 2 ballads repeated every 5 minutes god bless). the chemistry between the two actors and lack of awkwardness that generally make me cringe in these shows, cause some of those actors look like they want to be anywhere else lol

you just know this show wasn't created to pander to cishet audiences, even if it's overshadowed by the BL drama label (not saying bl dramas can't be good like itsay but they get lumped in with the many other bad ones sadly). you can just tell the creators set out to make something good. you see companies pumping out these like (im sorry) porn-quality (though full respect to those on a budget, it's more @ those who dont put in effort) low-effort dramas simply because it's what gets views.

this is not some bl drama it is a piece of art and i wish it wasn't marketed as such because i would love to recommend it to other people and not be associated with fetishisers. i would LOVE to see it be given the same respect/hype as films like call me by your name. to you know, see some mainstream lgbt rep that is not white and doesn't have a gross age gap. speaking of which the MELANIN thoughhh omg and it's not presented as a flaw or made fun of by any of the characters i love it, just adds to the realism.

now i know a lot of people criticise the crying in this show but it honestly made sense so i didn't mind it, it wasn't like a constant thing. mind you this is coming from someone who legit cannot take tears seriously in films/shows like i have to look away 95% of the time because i will laugh lmao. during the first few episodes i was like huh? is this just a wholesome trauma-free gay story? which can definitely be good!! but i think a lot of these dramas just get it so wrong so i was like ehh, i think this show found a good balance though personally.

i think my favourite episodes were 2 and 3.

1/2. SORRY HAHA.

TLDR; WATCH THIS SHOW I HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT FOR IT AND IT HAS SO MUCH RESPECT FOR THE PEOPLE IT'S REPRESENTING.

I also just want to talk about how this show resonated with me personally.

1. ya girl's actually a first year uni student studying communications so i was like ayy. tbh the series made me kinda find passion for one of my study units (film studies) because damn i understand what it is to appreciate cinematography and good direction now.

2. my signature scent is coconut as well!

3. i am in love with the filming location. i love those beachy towns with colourful buildings and kids running around/biking. it's truly my aesthetic and the type of place i want to live.

4. this show really made me kinda think about my sexuality. like i don't identify with any label i'm just vibing (leaning on the male side though). watching the two yearn for eachother and be confused was kind of comforting? definitely helped me paint a clearer picture regarding how i feel about girls.

5. listen childhood best friends to enemies to lovers is my shit so that being the basis of this beautiful show is just *chef's kiss*

i just enjoyed the series a lot and as i said i wish it wasn't labelled as a bl drama because i feel that it got so many things right, a lot of people could benetit from it.

Okayyy it's over im sorry hahaha

2/2

my face when I saw your long ass message lmaooo, I didn’t even know you could send messages that long :’) okay so this is gonna be a long ass response as well. as a bl drama fan, let me just defend bl dramas for a minute jiduiudedsj! so while bl started out as a genre for straight women, today I’d say a great majority of the fandom is lgbtq+, meaning that the writers have started to realize that people want actual representation. and don’t get me wrong, while a great majority of bl dramas are mediocre as hell, some even trash, more & more have started being REALLY good. so I understand your reluctance but for me it’s not bl that is tainting itsay with its label but itsay that is showing what bl truly is & can do. at the end of the day bl is still mlm representation no matter the quality of the show & it still promotes love and equality for all. yes there’s a long ass way to go for every show to be good but I believe we’ll get there someday lol. NOW, I agree with everything you say about this show, I won’t go back on every point you made but yes everything was genuinely immaculate. I must admit I freaking laughed at the ‘porn-quality’ shows reference bc a few shows popped into my head jknshnjqhb. also when you say ‘it’s not a bl drama it’s a piece of art’, I just have to answer: why can’t it be both? at this point the definition for a bl drama would be ‘a show that focuses on a love story between men.’ it’s said or written nowhere that bl shows are bad, or can’t be art. again just bc the majority of bl shows are bad doesn’t mean the whole genre is synonym with being bad. it’s like saying that bc most horror movies are trash the whole genre is trash. also the bl label is what made itsay so big, if it was just labeled as a gay series or idk what else it wouldn’t have been as seen & appreciated. which now that I think about it could not happen bc any thai gay series falls under the bl label. the crying on the show was a lot, but it’s what made it special in my eyes. it wasn’t crying for the sake of crying, it wasn’t angst for the sake of angst, it was all there for a reason & to show us that those are teenagers who are growing, learning & evolving. and that usually comes with some tears. my favorite episodes were also 2 & 3! also my signature scent is also coconut as well lmao, I never realized :’) and yes the childhood best friends to enemies to friends to lovers trope........... PERFECTION. anyway it was fun to receive such a long ask lmao, but I do hope I can change your mind about bl, bc at the end of the day you can decide not to watch it or to dislike it, but at least know that itsay being associated with bl is not a bad thing by any means. it doesn’t lower its quality at all, yet it increases the percentage of good shows there is under this genre. have a good day!

xxx

[allyredlover]

My thoughts about folklore

Cardigan MV: MAGICAL, the water scene? So cool, I love the piano being the lifeline

The 1: piano? I love her,, TAYLOR SAYING SHIT,, chill vibes, lover but like this love kind of, “roaring 20s tossing pennies in the pool” , “if my wishes were true it would’ve been you,,” I love the background vocals, the lyricism are incredible. “The greatest loves of all time are over now” “in my defense I HAVE NONE” background vocals again! Bridge! Persist and resist?

Cardigan: percussion in the back? second part of first verse talking about rep? Levi’s and the iiiiii part? Hand under my sweatshirt?? miss TAYLOR! the BRIDGE, “stars around my scars but now I’m bleeding” the parts about knowing what would happen, the sweetness of nostalgia

The Last Great American Dynasty: tension——the DRUM beat, upbeat? This is a story? Feeling like starlight, who is this about? Is this that mad woman from the later bit? Pool in champagne, like TIWWCHNT! It’s picking up! I kind of really like the chorus, like really really like it. MARVELOUS is my new favorite word I think

Exile: piano! And this is a feature, so chill, like I want to float in a pool with this playing like the feeling of contentment this is giving me.”I think I’ve seen this film before, and I didn’t like the ending” the bridge, is so cool and it’s very pretty, Taylor’s voice is so so so pretty in this, very like the chorus after the bridge in Treacherous. “We always walked a very thin line” HAUNTED REFERENCE

My tears ricochet: the background! And it stops! It’s traveling earbud to earbud! Why do I feel like I’m going to cry? “Even on my worst day, did I deserve all the hell you gave me...I loved you...til my dying day” Cold as You who? “Same jewels I have you as you buried me” the word and imagery of this ALBUM “CURSING MY NAME WISHING I STAYED” YES YOU CAN GO WHERE YOU WANT “BUT JUST NOT HOME” OH MY GOD I-“BUT NOW IM SCREAMING AT THE SKY” “YOULL HEAR MY STOLEN LULLABIES” I love this “BATTLESHIPS” AND IT PICKS UP “you had to kill me but it KILLED YOU JUST THE SAME” good god this song is so good like

Mirrorball: please man I need a pick me up,, 70S VIBES FROM THE VOCALS, what is a mirror ball? Ah, thank you Taylor. “Hush, when no one is around my dear” is so pretty “on my tallest tiptoes, spinning my highest heels, love, shining just for you” so pretty the vocals on that part. “I CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING ABOUT ME JUST TO FIT IN” yes taylor you ARE A DISCO BALL GET INTO IT 💃🏼 SHINING JUST FOR YOU is so happy it makes me so happy, this is such like a happy song but like at the same time so freaking sad, so bittersweet

Seven: Aw this is so sweet, ah the snaps in the back is so cute! This is about her childhood! How cute!! “SWEET TEA IN THE SUMMER CROSS YOUR HEART CANT TELL NO OTHER” SLAPS this the second VERSE oh my god I’m gonna cry from that “why your dads always mad...you won’t have to cry” “I love you to the moon and Saturn” 🥺

August: chill and beachy vibes from the lyrics,!! THE CHORUS! AH! LOVE IT! “Cuz it was never mine” “CUZ YOU WERE NEVER MINE” “for me it was ENOUGH TO LIVE FOR THE HOPE OF IT ALL” “CUZ YOU WERE MINE TO LOSE” is so beautiful!! Yes taylor bring back the OUTRO yesss outros make me so damn happy “meet me behind the mall” “cancelling my plans just in case you called” STRINGS IN THE BACK I REPEAT STRINGS IN THE BACK IM SO HAPPY I LOVE ORCHESTRAL THINGS

This is Me Trying: ooooooh I like it so far the beat and instrumentation “but I’m here in your doorway” THAT WAS FROM BEFORE IN THE ALBUM (I’m too tired to remember which song but IT WAS THERE IM NOT SLEEP DEPRIVED) “at least youre trying” sounds HEAVENLY DIVINE IMMACULATE MARVELOUS the movie references! That was a thing! THAT WAS A THING! “At least I’m trying✨”

Illicit Affairs: guitar! Guitar! Taylor! With a guitar! “Ends with meetings in parking lots” “born with just a single glance but it dies and it dies and it dies a million little times” leaving no trace behind? Oooh is she the other woman or something man this is sad

“LOOK AT THIS GODFORSAKEN MESS YOU MADE ME” “LOOK AT THIS IDIOTIC FOOL YOU MADE ME” “and you know damn well for you I would ruin myself” the pain, the anguish, death by a thousand cuts

Invisible String: interesting backing, we’re doing some fun rainbows,, I love how “clues” sounds I want that repeated until my death, ahahahaha Taylor yes reference yourself, SHE SAID I LOOKED LIKE AN AMERICAN SINGER; dive bar? Delicate who? Too many references that this isn’t about her and joe, DEEP BLUE BUT YOU PAINTED ME GOLDEN!

Mad Woman: please tell me this is about the last great American dynasty? Or is it an allusion to the Kanye and the scooter stuff? TAYLOR SAYS FUCK! AH! “And you find something to wrap your noose around” and also the piano? can you tell yet that I like piano? “AND WOMEN LIKE HUNTING WITCHES TOO” omg THIS IS about KANYE AND KIM, IDSB, THIS IS ABOUT KANYE AND KIM. “COUPLE SIDE THINGS” THROW THAT SHADE THROW IT THROW IT THROW IT! MAATHBP but like make it about 2016s snakegate

Epiphany: track 13! SO CHILL, SO CHILL, LOVE THIS, LOVEEEEEE LOVE LOVE LOVE, LOVE LOVE LOVE. The vibes are IMMACULATE, the LYRICS, love it love it LOVE IT. WHAT oh my GOSH this is high key so SAD “DOC I THINK SHES CRASHING” DONT DIE NO ‘only 20 minutes to sleep?’ WHAT DOES IT MEAN? “Watch you bleeding OUT” NO, the background vocals I love this though, good god, HEARTBEAT BACKGROUND MY GOD NO THEYRE GONNA DIE ARENT THEY? It’s fading? Are they dying? Am I reading this wrong? Idc I love it

Betty: this is written with that William guy who doesn’t exist. HARMONICA, folkkkkkkk. “The worst thing that I ever did was what I did to you” HOLY SHOOT, mentioning summer! is this the guy that CHEATED? OH NO THE POOR OTHER GIRL AND POOR BETTY THIS IS SO SAD also the guiTAR! KEY CHANGE KEY CHANGE KEY CHANGE! oh my god the CARDIGAN,

Peace: ooh I’m anxious. THE GUITAR RIFF? Love IT, “If your cascade, ocean wave blues come//All these people think love's for show//But I would die for you in secret” “sit with you in the trenches” GIVE YOU A CHILD? SEE YOUR BROTHER AS MY BROTHER, THIS IS ABOUT TAYLOR AND JOE :))))) “you have a friend in me” vs “it’s nice to have a friend”. She could never give him peace because she’s a celebrity obviously, which is what I think this about

Hoax: last song on standard,, PIANO? LYRICS? I’m literally not even going to list them they’re all beautiful, but the vocals on “Stood on the cliffside screaming, ‘Give me a reason’ Your faithless love's the only hoax I believe in” slight of hand? Card sharks playing games? please this is so sad, she sounds so SAD in the BRIDGE god, “but what you did was just as dark”

The Lakes: how do I listen to it? Lmao can’t find it and I’m tired

Wow Taylor outdid herself with the lyrics on this album, absolutely incredible, and the vibe is so chill but like sad and it’s like if Safe and Sound and Lover (the album) had a baby, but like with the sad songs on red, like Sad Beautiful Tragic fits right in here. Anyways I love it to pieces. Good night y’all 💗

[music-catalogue]

Summer Coastal Beach Road Trip Vibes Mixtape

I have never traveled much, really. I guess my family just couldn't afford it growing up. My Nanna used to have a caravan up the coast when I was a little kid, which we would stay in over the summer break, but otherwise, I've never really even left the state.

My dream is to travel. I have always loved the idea of travelling the world; meeting new people, experiencing new things, trying different foods, and experiencing different cultures and styles of music. So, early next year, my sister and a couple friends of ours plan on going on a 4-day coastal weekend trip to another state. It's a starting point. We've planned out where we want to go, what we want to do while we're there, we've even made Pinterest board about it to manifest those immaculate beachy summer vibes.

Now of course, as soon as the discussion of this trip began, my mind went to music. What music was going to soundtrack this new exciting adventure? I immediately created a playlist and started curating a playlist full of the ultimate summer, Australian, coastal, beachy vibes. There is a little bit of variety in there. Some great indie sounds, some pop vibes, some rock vibes. Here is a taste!

SUMMER COASTAL BEACH VIBES MIXTAPE

Border - Years & Years

Solar Power - Lorde

I Did It! - Kitten

Lucky Strike - Troye Sivan

Think Of You - Bleached

Malibu - Hole

Leave Me Alone (I'm Lonely) - P!NK

Blister In The Sun - Violent Femmes

Golden - Harry Styles

West Coast - Lana Del Rey

Summerboy - Lady Gaga

Blossom - Emma Blackery

Lay All Your Love On Me - ABBA

Are You Old Enough - Dragon

I Touch Myself - Lime Cordiale

Live Forever - Nasty Cherry

Chemtrails Over The Country Club - Hayley Mary

I Really Like It - Adore Delano

Valerie - Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse

Hard Times - Paramore

Go The Distance - Emma Blackery

Religion (u can lay your hands on me) - Shura

I Love LA - Starcrawler

Reblog this and share your summery coastal beach vibes with me!

[930club]

ALBUM REVIEW: Kendrick Lamar - DAMN.

After a 3 Platinum Run and earning a handful of Grammys, Kendrick Lamar proved to the world that a cap couldn't be put on this cutting-edge thinker's talent. Artists like Frank Ocean, J.Cole, Joey Bada$$, and now K. Dot continue to prove that RnB and rap can't be defined as a simple shower of b*tches, drugs, and violence. Instead, these philosophers have created a monsoon of controversial musings. The songs don't just groove and grind, but go on to change minds. When Lamar’s latest, DAMN., dropped after two kick-ass singles and a magnificent, religiously-laced music video, I dropped my Arabic homework immediately to focus all my attention on the banger after banger that it contained. The self-proclaimed introvert offers listeners a complete journey through his meditations, complete with metaphors and a hype rebuttal to Fox News' Geraldo Rivera. The first song, “BLOOD.,” opens the thematic pattern that envelopes the album: wickedness or weakness representing the nemeses of success, whereas success obviously stands on the other side of that dichotomy. Kendrick’s life in fame has inspired a discourse on what he faces in his cathartic journey as a self-proclaimed prophet (a term quickly adopted by other sources). Each song represents something he either sees as helping him make it, or those things – like the apple and snake in the garden – that bring a messenger to an end. Via religious symbolism, Lamar explores his spirituality, even recreating the Last Supper in his video for “HUMBLE.” and consistently deploying religious allegories in his verses.

“Wickedness or Weakness?” is asked immediately, in psychedelic technicolor, quickly rolling into a simple lulling base and soft but dramatic violins while Uncle Kendrick tells a story. Of course it’s a metaphor: helping the blind woman represents the seemingly innocent and recommended path towards stardom. Kendrick watches her “for a while,” as he must have with the rap industry, seeing her “struggle...as though she had dropped something and was having trouble finding it.” The rap game lagged in the mid-2000s, focusing on superficial topics (such as women’s appearances, getting money, and gang violence). The superficial topics replaced hard hitting content of institutionalized racism and gang violence that filled the 90s. Thus, the industry blindly followed the ‘easy path,’ which Kendrick represents with a blind woman wandering down the street. Kung Fu Kenny, being the mover and shaker he is, decides to help this blind woman: he enters the scene. He quickly, with a gunshot, loses his life. The woman ends up being wicked, or, rather, the fame ends up twisting the rapper in ways he couldn't see from the outside. This metaphor is furthered song by song, as Kendrick laments the pains of living his dreams. It's not struggle-free, and as though his life wasn't truly ended by the old lady's shot, words of a real-life Fox News clip criticizing Lamar's words coming swirling into sonic perspective. Almost as though the first thing he hears in his new reality is the criticism from the press, when Lamar was just doing his thing. An “immaculate conception,” the second song kicks in and builds the old Kendrick in a new environment, starting with the base: DNA. Coming out strong, with "hustle, flow, ambition though, inside [his] DNA," K. Dot is sure to let everyone know he means business. The double entendre being that DNA is what you leave behind at a crime scene--it's a reminder of where you came from and what you have done. Forget the new reality, Kendrick is ready to push strong with his roots dug deep. There isn't a single person who will make him forget that. The repetition in the beginning represents the repetitive nature of DNA. After the first verse, the bridge is interrupted with Giraldo Rivera’s commentary on “Alright,” where the flow changes. The original groove rolls through the first verse, then, as if stopped in his tracks by the commentary, it’s gone. A new, aggressive groove takes its place, and K. Dot addresses his haters directly. In the back, a voice shouts “Gimme some ganja” as if begging Kendrick to slow down and chill out.

Chilled, Kung Fu Kenny slips into the smooth and sugary beat of the next song, “YAH.” The spacy groove creates a floaty vibe, simply and innocently slipping through Kendrick’s thoughts. The contrast between “DNA.” and “YAH.” is the relaxed nature Kendrick takes on when expressing his opinions and beliefs. He mentions a radar in the chorus, metaphorizing his awareness in the world—the buzzing noise is what a radar makes when it encounters an object with his waves. With “real n**** conditions,” “theories and suspicions” guiding him through in a cognizant manner. The song carries an elated tone, representing his enemy’s defeat on the last track by sitting back and ignoring them. The radars just keep buzzing – yeah, yeah, he knows; yeah, yeah, he doesn’t react. Buzzing also plays on the slang buzzin’, which infers a state of elation or happiness. As long as he keeps the family close, keeps his head straight, and focuses on work, he stays buzzin’ and makes it through. It’s another perspective of the radar, under the dichotomy of the nemesis.

“ELEMENT.,” the next track, pulls the audience back into the hustle. After the breath in on the last song, he rolls into the aggression with wicked chord changes, sounding nothing but sexy. Throughout the album, inhales and exhales act as the driving force in the tone. After focusing, meditating, and taking a sweet break, K. Dot hops back on the track aggressively. I compare the pattern to breathing, as the album is reflective of the rapper’s life. His mental health tries him, but he uses cognitive behavioral therapy exercises that people with anxiety and depression can use: breathing with meditation. Kendrick seems to bring this mentality into this album, directly mentioning meditation in “DNA” and calling himself Kung Fu Kenny. The mentality behind Kung Fu is about controlling one’s capable element—which Kendrick is attempting to do in his life. Chronicling the struggle of staying real, keeping family in site, and staying true to ones’ self while still fighting the battle in the music industry, through meditation and breathing, Kung Fu Kenny makes it look sexy while staying in his element. This song is one of my favorites on the album, sliding smoothly but hitting hard like “DNA.”

The slow-motion-esque ending to “ELEMENT.” provides an interesting transition to the weaker side of the dichotomy. As if meditating on the mantra and fighting forward became exhausting, Kendrick falls out of his element and reveals his worries and struggles: his feelings (FEEL.). The repetition in the verse tells the story of anyone with depression or anxiety; the snowball of rumination, with thoughts that start at the personal level, then spirals to societal issues entirely out of his locus of control. Sealing the jar of anxieties is the lid that nobody is praying for him, meaning he has to do everything alone. This is still the same, self-made Kendrick – just a tad more sensitive, revealing his weaknesses.

Fading into perserverance and strength, the shimmery beginning of “LOYALTY.” is a “sped up, chopped, reversed, and pitched sample of the intro to Bruno Mars’s song ‘24K Magic,’ sung by Mr. Talkbox,” a fact confirmed by Terrace Martin, who did part of the production work for the track. Rihanna is featured and the topic of the track relates back to the motif of Kendrick having his homies with him since day one and the importance of loyalty in his life. Loyalty, especially with Kendrick’s trust issues, is something that keeps him flowing. He mentions again the problems of having people trying to become closer after he became famous – trying to be around the money – which he sees as fake.

Bēkon interrupts the silence between the groovy, three-part harmony by warning about pride in a highly produced vocal chord. Almost like the song’s announcer, a beachy guitar riff pulls the song through a slow, rolling melody. This song rests on the weakness side of the dichotomy, as pride is something you give into, preventing you from producing strong and innovative work. In this track, a few things become evident. The dichotomy is linked from song to song, as the wicked and weak songs represent the demise to the powerful quality mentioned in the song before. By way of example, “FEEL.” follows “ELEMENT.” as feelings represent the weakness that can pull one out of their ‘element.’ Thus, “PRIDE.” is the death to relationships that ousts the “LOYALTY.” from the last song, leading to the motif of cold. Pride is defined as “a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority,” which obviously is problematic in terms of growth, as a prideful person sees themselves as top-notch and without room for growth. It quickly isolates one from their own feelings, their relationships, and creates someone who is more interested in the appearance of greatness, rather than the feelings and true relationships attached to it.

In the first line (“Love’s gonna get you killed, but pride’s gonna be the death of you”) of “PRIDE.,” Lamar differentiates from body and spirit, as love kills you, in body, while pride represents the death of a spirit. He means acting as the epitome of famous-person problems. Kendrick struggles against spiritual death in the personal changes he has gone through since becoming famous. There is an interesting interaction between the chorus and the bridge, where he initially states, “in another life, I surely was there,” but when he hits the bridge, he isn’t so sure anymore, stating “maybe I wasn’t there.” It’s almost as if he is convincing himself that there are situations and things he still doesn’t know. If he cares, which he claims he does, then he must only remain grounded and truthful. Finally, Lamar’s voice changes speed, register, and tone-quality throughout the song, which I believe is a sonic representation of the warping of mind that occurs when pride takes over. Nothing is straight anymore.

The internal battle continues as Lamar’s conscience yells at him: “B****! Sit down! Be humble!” If you haven’t caught the video for “HUMBLE.,” it’s definitely worth a watch. Lamar, initially dressed as a pope, thrusts his admirable rap qualities that put him at the top of the charts. The irony in this song is that by flaunting his paystub, his links with former president Obama, and his godliness in bed, he is falling to wicked demise. The way the verse is framed with the chorus, it is as if the rapper is speaking to other rappers in the game to be humble and not cross him, which paints a perfect picture of how dangerous the industry can be. Living out the sin, Lamar acts out falling for pride that seems appropriate. In a battle for fame, it seems only natural to be proud of ‘real’ accomplishments (cash, connections), but that’s when the warping of mind (foreshadowed in “PRIDE.”) begins. When released as a single, quickly climbing charts and collecting hype, the aggressive banger contextualized the pride held by most rappers. However, in the context of the album, one is begged to ask whether the chorus is simply addressed to his adversaries, or whether it might be a reminder to the rapper’s own conscience, begging “the Sandman” to slow down with his verse – to be HUMBLE.

The song’s lust, centered around the sin of bowing to physical desire, explores lust towards any system and falling into a grind that looks fine from the outside, but truly causes a death to spirituality. Giving into physical desire is to give into the beastly nature of the human being, one that is attached to the Earth. Lamar states “Lately, in James 4:4 says; Friend of the world is enemy of the Lord,” referring to operating well in the devilish systems (‘the world’) created by society. Lust is essentially giving into any desire; once you lose the spark and fall into a pattern, even in the world of fame and money, you lose individuality and the soul dies. “Wake up thinking about money” is lust towards a material good, and the distaste towards the grind is a lust for freedom. Furthermore, Lamar mentions “making it count” multiple times. What to make count is unclear, but the metaphor of time in this song is strong. The reason it’s murky is because sins like lust distort what one should work towards and what counts. It’s a distraction. The alternating guitar notes are reminiscent of the Jeopardy theme and the drum machine clicks like a clock.

The conqueror of “LUST.” arrives in “LOVE. FEAT ZACARI.” The countdown flies into the cloud, as the next song floats through dreamlike clouds on strong synth-chords and an open beat. Zacari carries a tonality like Justin Bieber in this track, but the tonality is not a dancey and is instead reminiscent of a slow dance at a prom. Though not bouncing and blowing up like on “HUMBLE.” or “DNA.,” this song represents one of the strong, ethereal qualities, battling the wicked and weak in the dichotomy. Partially strong musically, the music gains strengthens when you dive into the celebrity gossip, looking towards Kendrick’s beautiful friendship, now-engagement, with his high-school sweetheart. Many of the lines in his verse reference feelings for his lady and, about desiring trust over love. The biggest line in the song? “Look what you made, Told you that I'm on the way, I'm like an exit away, yep.” Look at what you made?! Forget engaged – might K. Dot be expecting with his best friend?!

From “LOVE.,” the enlightened profit runs with this strength into a discourse on racism and violence in the United States. The U2-featuring track, “XXX.,” depicts the story of Kendrick recommending revenge as the top response to gang-related violence when his friend asks for his advice. In the story, Lamar shuns religion, turning towards chippin’ n*****, gangs, and blowers. Multiple interruptions of thought occur in this verse, as though Kendrick lost his cool because of institutionalized racism that is aided by the government and systems in place. “X-rated” or “XXX” is a term that he explained in an interview with Zane Lowe as “organized” and “complete chaos.” This idea explains the lack of melodic consistency and the constant changes in tone throughout the song. The track ends on the line “America's reflections of me, that's what a mirror does,” which sums up the vibe. Some see Kendrick as violent, encouraging of violence, and so on, but it’s the mirror that America holds that makes him look like that.

“FEAR.” stands as one of the most experimental tracks on the album. It samples the 24-carat Black’s “Poverty Paradise,” a voicemail from his cousin Carl Duckworth, and reverse samples from the song. The song carries some of the heaviest religious denotation and connotation on the album, analyzing Deuteronomy 28:28 to relate problems in life with sinning and not following the commandments. “The Lord shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of the heart,” says the Biblical verse. Madness and blindness were carried in songs like “XXX.,” “LUST.,” and “HUMBLE.,” but when it comes to astonishment of the heart, this song is the quintessence. While love softly hints at this curse, “FEAR.” recites Kendrick’s life, rewinding to age seven (hence the track reversal). The harshness of his life had him thinking, “I don’t think I could find a way to make it on this Earth,” which led to extreme surprise when he made it big, depicted in verses three and four after the sample disappears from the end of the chorus. The first verse paints fear from situations in a rockier lifestyle, but when he becomes famous, the fear changes. The weakness still exists, but instead, he fears losing what he has as well as  peoples’ opinions of him. In general, Lamar seems to live in fear, which is why it is the final thread of the wickedness and weakness represented in the song title. Fear is the strongest of the weaknesses and truly can dictate someone’s life and actions, preventing them from growing big and strong. Faith is a lot of peoples’ answer to that fear. It’s sometimes hard to have faith in yourself and what is going on around, but it’s easier to believe something outside of oneself. This is why, to some, conquering this wickedness, following the pattern, is GOD.

To conquer that feeling, a beautiful groove in a major key sweeps up to reassure Kendrick that he’s in the good—feelin’ like God. This is the final tie in a prophetic metaphor, where instead of a gunman as before, he ends by comparing his feelings to that of a God. He doesn’t draw a direct line, and though he compares himself to luck with an 8-ball and Midas, these things still have flaws and curses. He remains human, but celebrates his success. I think in the line where he says this is what God feels like, he is simply sitting back and saying, “DAMN,” look at what he’s done. More importantly, the album doesn’t end on this pompous (though deserved) track. The fact that it follows “FEAR.” attaches the double entendre that God, or religion, will fix the problems that weakness like Fear brings you. Following this track, “DUCKWORTH.” brings the tone back to reality -  almost like the reminder voicemail from Carl Duckworth on “FEAR.” - bringing out the good.

After all, “Remember what happens on Earth stays on Earth,” which Kendrick paints a picture of perfectly, specifically intertwining stories from Compton, California. Lamar sums up the struggles discussed on the album with the statement “I always thought it was me against the world, until I realized it was me versus me.” He commented on these lyrics, saying when he played it for Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith (who started Top Dawg records) and whose true story is included in the track, that Anthony wanted to sit back and cherish the moment. The idea that chance can bring two characters so close, good actions and good karma keeping them alive and allowing for the “greatest rapper alive” to grow out of “coincidence.” What happens on Earth stays on Earth is not just a reminder that some things don’t matter, but also a reminder that choices not to rob, to give extra biscuits, your actions have an impact on the future. The chances that Kendrick had ended up dead from gang violence, a non-rapper in Compton were high, due to the system in which he grew up, but he made the right choices and ended up where he did for a reason. Still, starting with a metaphoric story, Kendrick grounds the album ending in a story, complete with a gunshot and rewinding to the original story.

-Erin Jones

[eclatdesignsbycrystin]

Mermaid Wall Hanging/Decor

Antique window up-cycled into a mermaid-inspired wall decor. A smoky mirror surface and ornate frame with handmade moulds and seashells covered in patina gives it a sea-aged look. Whimsical, this is the perfect piece of coastal decor for a beachy vibe. Solid wood frame and immaculate glass surface. A sturdy wire on the back allows for easy mounting.

19W x 28H

Mermaid Wall…

[tamibruce121]

The 10 Best Bridal Salons In Los Angeles

Let’s face it, whether you’re lucky enough to reside in sunny Southern California or are currently wrapped up in plenty of blankets up the North – you and your gals deserve a girl trip to LA. And what better reason could there be than to hit up all the best bridal salons for that monumental wedding dress shopping trip?!

Grace Loves Lace

While we New Yorkers hide from the winter weather cramming wet shopping bags into yellow cabs from Manhattan to Brooklyn & back (find our list of best New York City bridal salons here) Los Angeles brides can cruise top down between some of the best bridal designers the world has to offer.

In Los Angeles, brides will find spacious & luxurious salons with velvet couches, champagne & big mirrors for your “say yes to the dress” moment. And contrary to popular belief, quite a few designers hold their flagship stores in LA rather than NYC (we can’t imagine why!) spoiling brides to full collections of some of our very favorite designers.

Without much further ado, let’s get to the list!

For the Bohemian Bride

Grace Loves Lace

Grace Loves Lace – Hip beachy rays spill into this Venice Beach flagship and we can’t think of a more fitting place to try on Grace Love Lace’s free-spirited, boho designs. Find off-the-shoulder styles, sexy lace numbers, iconic GLL custom laces and twirl-worthy gowns. Prices range from $600 to $4,000.

Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California graceloveslace.com

Dreamers and Lovers – Dubbed as “dresses for laid-back brides” Dreamers and Lovers’ collection of easy-going gowns feature enough all-over lace, relaxed silhouettes and 1970s vibes to woo any boho bride. Visit their Los Angeles boutique and you’ll find the full collection ranging from a cool $1,100 to $2,200.

Torrence, California dreamersandlovers.com

For the Fashion-Forward Bride

My own A La Robe gown stocked at Loho Bride, photographed by Corinne Graves

LOHO Bride – My first recommendation to any of my own next of kin shopping for their wedding gown in LA, LOHO (or League of Her Own) caters to the fashion-forward bride. Owner Christy Baird has arguably one of the best senses of style in the wedding business it’s no wonder her own wedding was recently featured in Harpers Bazaar. Find an incredibly fashion-forward curation from sleek and sexy styles by A La Robe, avant-garde pieces from Danielle Frankel and luxe goddess goodness from Dana Harel. Prices range from $2,000 to $9,000.

West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California lohobride.com

For the Classic Couture Bride

Kinsley James Couture Bridal

Kinsley James Couture Bridal – Two words: VIP appointments. Have the ultimate wedding dress shopping date at Kinsley James Bridal where you can – get this – rent out the entire space for your own private shopping experience. Regardless of how baller you book your appointment, Kinsley James Bridal curates from so many of the world’s classic & cutting-edge couture wedding dress designers: Anne Barge, Marchesa & Rivini just to name a few. Prices range from $2,500 to $15,000.

West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California kinsleyjames.com

Claire Pettibone – Romantic, lace, ethereal, royal – if these ring a bell as your “bridal keywords” then gather your girls for an appointment at the celebrated designer’s Beverly Hills flagship bridal salon where you will ooh and ahh over each divine creation. Collections range from $3,000 to $10,000.

Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California clairepettibone.com

For the Indie Bride

Laudae Dress photographed by Mattie C. via Bridal Musings

Love and Lace – It should be no surprise that you can find one of the best indie bridal salons in LA in the hip & trendy neighborhood of Echo Park. Gowns by Made With Love, Anais Annette, Laudae and more find home here with prices ranging from $1,400 to $2,000.

Echo Park, Los Angeles, California loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Lovely Bride – Alexandra Grecco, Rue de Seine, Theia & Jenny Yoo are just a few of the culty independent designers you’ll find in the Lovely Bride’s Pasadena salon. The self-proclaimed “OG indie bridal shop” offers styles from modern & sleek, wild & boho, classic, ethereal and more ranging in price from $1,200 to $5,800.

Pasadena, California lovelybride.com

For the Budget Bride

Watters Gown | Photo by Sunshower Photography via Bridal Musings

BHLDN – Bookmarked so many fabulous & trendy BHLDN wedding dresses on Pinterest you can’t narrow it down? Well thankfully, you can try them on in person in their chic Beverly Hills salon. It’s no secret what a steal of a deal you can snag at BHLDN – with dress prices starting in the low hundreds and sales often running deep, you don’t have to sacrifice style for price! Prices currently range from $220 (seriously, check out this Meghan Markle-inspired gown!) to $4,000.

Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California bhldn.com

Glamour Closet – Where do last season’s designer wedding gowns go? Sample sales, and Glamour Closet is one of the biggest selection of barely worn designer dresses in Los Angeles. With a little TLC & tailoring you could score a major deal on a designer wedding gown – up to 75% off retail price. Even better, each year the shop donates a portion of their profits to benefit finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.

West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California glamourcloset.com

For the Custom Bride

Trish Peng photographed by Claire Eliza

Trish Peng – Have you been sketching your dream dress since childhood, or want something totally one-of-a-kind? Couture designer Trish Peng holds flagships in both Los Angeles and her native Auckland, New Zealand working with brides and giving a once-in-a-lifetime experience to create the custom wedding gown of their dreams. Taking a gander through past designs brides will find immaculate beading, figure-flattering silhouettes (a major benefit from getting a made-to-measure gown!) luxurious tulles, laces, silks & colors a-plenty!

Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California trishpeng.com

Find all the bridal inspiration you need from our wedding dress section & make your shopping experience a flawless one with these essential tips. Thinking of shopping in the Big Apple? Find our picks for the 10 best bridal salons in New York City.