And yes, I noticed a color pattern emerging in this collection--it's my subconcious telling me it's cool to look like a candy cane this time of year. Anyway, onto those covetous things!

Deux Lux Zipper Panel Satchel @ Urban Outfitters

Stripe Pocket Frock @ American Apparel (I like both colors, to be honest)

Converse Surf All Star Lo @ UO

Wool Herringbone Babydoll Jacket @ Plasticland

Houndstooth Chair @ Horchow.com

Tiered Strapless W/ Belt @ Forever21

Alexander McQueen Double Wrap Skull Charm Bracelet @ ShopStyle

Miu Miu Jersey Ruffle Dress @ TheOutNet

Large Raygun Space Glass Ornaments @ Plasticland

BDG Boxy Stripe Pullover Sweater @ UO

UGG Classic Cardy in Black @ Zappos

(I actually saw a girl in our building wearing these with leggings and a sweater like the one above and she looked so cute)

Element ECHO Knit @ Elementskateboards.com

Soneed Check Tweed Mini-skirt @ Yesstyle.com

Sergio Rossi for PUMA Satin Lace Up Sneakers @ Net-a-porter.com

One of these cool ReBound Journals from Rebound Books

Phillip Lim Ruffle Detail Dress @ Mytheresa.com

Poetic License Fresh Bloom sandals @ Zappos

Rosette Crinkle Dress @ Charlotte Russe

Bottoms Up Stainless Water Bottle @ Plasticland

Chinese Laundry Twist Tote @ Chineselaundry.com

Striped Shawl Collar Cardigan @ AE

Lined Birdie Notepads @ Plasticland

Tea For One set @ UO

Stay minty fresh, mah darlings, until next time

Leave a comment on this journal with your questions you want us to ask for you!

As you know, the band has a new album coming out on December 8th (fyi: that's also my b-day. good day. good day in general) called Heaven Can Wait so we bet you have a bunch of questions regarding that morsel of a masterpiece.

Fire away!

And which of you enthusiastic SoCal WTK fans are going to be in attendance on Monday night at The Mint? You can buy tickets here.

See you there!

[/cut]

Music: Say Anything

When was the last time you got a taste of an album that was so pungent and perfect and addictive that you wanted to slather yourself in every atom of it? This is a different experience than I have from Fall Out Boy albums—with Folie and IOH and FUCT I just found myself having torrid relationships with each song. “27” and I spent days in bed pawing through old journals; “XO” and I took more than a few aimless drives looking for places we’d happily overthrow and call home (yea, Goodnight Moon reference WHAT). But this Say Anything album is something else entirely. “Do Better” makes you thirsty for the next track—should you just skip to it now? No, no the lyrics are too good right ‘til the end. You want to ingest the next track before you’ve even really put your toes in the current one. And you start wishing songs were like marshmallows you could just stuff in your face all at once. Oh, bet your bottom dollar that every individual track is worth savoring but which one first? They’re all terribly interesting children you want to dote on, endlessly. Oh, God. It’s just THAT GOOD.

TV: Lie To Me

This is a hard category for me, seeing as that I don’t own a working TV or cable or anything of the sort—HOWEVER, I will give props to Fox’s Lie To Me because full episodes are available shortly after airing so I can get my fix of non-verbal manipulation and decoding in all it’s complicated glory. The Lightman Group are the world’s leading deception experts and are called in to catch BS on a variety of cases. The program is based on the very real work of Dr. Paul Ekman. Another cool feature of the network website is a regularly updated collection of real-world stories with a bit of commentary on bodily expression.

Also, I couldn’t put Criminal Minds here because of one of my other Buzz Guide picks. Wouldn't want to overdo it.

Book: Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer

I haven’t read this, but I’m basing this recommendation on “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” being one of my favorite fictional novels and I know a lot of you are vegan/vegetarians who hate being preached to—from what I can tell, this is a non-fiction exploration from a man who just rules at storytelling, point blank. Plus, Natalie Portman likes it. And who am I to argue with Natalie Portman?

Blog: Life Lessons From Andrew WK

Well of course Andrew W.K. is a motivational speaker. I think he’s single-handedly starting a new wave of “posi” music. It could even be a religion. Yes, everything IS a party!

Boy: Matthew Gray Gubler

I’ve had a crush on MGG for awhile, since he plays adorkable Dr. Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds, but you know how sometimes you’re more in love with the character and you feel like a foray into their personal life might leave plenty to be desired?

NOT THE CASE FOR MGG. He is a special prism of eloquence and cuteness and you kinda want to shrink him down to a pocket-size version and keep him forever BUT he also kinda gives you jello knees because you know he makes every girlfriend he’s ever had feel like a princess and then you read this interview that Mademoiselle Robot did with him and it makes you melt like butter (OMG THE DISNEY PRINCESS PART!) and THAT makes you think of how jealous you are that he has a Twitter-relationship with Vicky-T of Cobra Starship and oh, you are head over heels in love with the idea of him. You wish this was elementary school so that you could spend months figuring out which valentine and what candy conversation heart to drop in his hand-made mailbox. OH IF ONLY.

Do you think if I made a youtube video titled “MGG, please go out with me” he’ll go for it? I mean, it worked for prom-date-turned-boyfriend. (Who may or may not read this, but if you are, just know I grant you the same gushing leniency for Regina Spektor. Have at it.) And I'm pretty much Belle, with all the book-reading and whatnot. We could make this work. DM me. Wink wink.

I should stop now.

Until next time,

-Bree

Celebrity DJ Space Cowboy teamed up with labelmate Natalia Kills to put a fresh twist on Edgar Allan Poe's creepy classic narrative, The Raven. And they made exclusive for us and stuff. Hauntingly awesome, no? [cut=Listen...]

A little about the artists involved here: Space Cowboy has worked with Lady Gaga ("Starstruck" on The Fame), Cinema Bizarre, Feist and is much-loved by Idol runner-up Adam Lambert. Yeah, Nick Dresti (real name) is hot sh*t. Just by dropping those names, you can imagine the kind of glitzy mesmerizing glam-rock he rolls out. Did you hear the song he sneaked in at the end of The Raven? You can hear some more of his creations here.

The narrator, Natalia Kills, is a Cherrytree Records artist as well. For some more eerie tunes, check out her video for “Zombie.” It's the first song she recorded for her forthcoming debut album, expected in early 2010.

And Edgar Allan Poe... well, I don't really need to school you on that, do I? If you wish to read along or enact your own dramatic performance of the poem, here's a transcript.

Oh, and I did say I had a gift, didn't I?

Download a shorter version of the reading right here.

Happy Halloween, and enjoy.

[/cut]

I've been a fan of Andrew McMahon since the Audioboxer EP (2001)—I don't say that to one-up anyone, but rather to lay the foundation for my reactions to this film. For those not familiar, Andrew is the front man for both Something Corporate (disbanded in 2006) and Jack's Mannequin.

In May 2005, just as Andrew was ready to release Jack's Mannequin's first full-length, Everything In Transit, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. The documentary, produced by Corey Moss and Josh Morrisroe, is a very raw, intimate navigation through his illness and recovery. Eerie coincidence and foreshadowing are interwoven, but not to the point of being gimmicky and forced. In the Q&A session that followed, a fan asked if some of the things he sang about on Everything In Transit made it all seem pre-determined—Andrew said it somehow validated the experience, "I was talking about things before they happened—that made me feel like there was a purpose for it."

It's been a few years since he recovered and got back in the full swing of the music scene, so naturally some were curious as to why they chose to release the film now (it will be available to the general public on November 3rd).

"I really wanted The Glass Passenger to have a life of it's own," McMahon answered. I think he did the right thing. I think because the difficulties of that life experience we're kept in the confines of family, friends, and that film, listeners were able to digest Jack's 2nd full length without trying to connect it to his experiences with hospital room walls or chemo or hallucinations and so on.

I can't honestly say I know what every person who watches this is going to take away from it. It tugged on my heart strings especially hard during footage where Andrew didn't know if he'd make it through the ordeal, and said so. He wasn't sure if he should make a will, or if that was giving in; he wasn't sure if Everything In Transit would conclude his life's work. Although we've seen him pound that piano and create great things since he said those words, the way its presented pulls you back to those very fragile, uneasy moments. The fact that the ending of this movie could've turned out very differently sits with you the entire time, along with that lump in your throat.

Be ready for a scene in which he takes a lint-roller to his head and his hair just comes off in clumps--it made me feel so helpless and pained. The needle-wary may want to mentally prepare themselves—even the spinal tap is on tape.

I don't know that it'll touch non-fans as much, but I definitely recommend seeing it as a subtle message on how music can be an incredible motivation and inspiration. "My body came back quickly and I think the music had something to do with it," Andrew said last night after the screening. Amongst the many my-record-label-sucks stories you have your pick of these days, this is a tale that will regenerate your hope.

The film will be available in-stores, on the Jack’s Mannequin website www.jacksmannequin.com and via digital download through iTunes. He's booked for solo shows through mid-December—go get your tickets if gigs near you aren't yet sold out!

Andrew joins Stand Up To Cancer’s team of celebrity ambassadors in December, joining David Archuleta, Kirsten Dunst, Mandy Moore, Marcia Cross, Sally Field, Sharon Osbourne and others in rallying the public around the fight against the disease in addition to raising funds to fuel groundbreaking research. As part of their Holiday '09 line, Macbeth Footwear is also involved in a studio collaboration project with Andrew McMahon, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Dear Jack Foundation.

In 2010 Andrew plans to live a life he can write new music about.

We are so glad Andrew McMahon is still here and we're forever fans of his.

[/cut]

In case you're a little lost on this, it started when Pete made a promise to Gabe Saporta that if the first single from their sophomore release Hot Mess went to platinum, he would get a Cobra Starship related tattoo on his body to commemorate the achievement.  Well, as you know, the single "Good Girls Go Bad" exceeded all expectations.

And Gabe chose an image of himself with the phrase "Gabey Baby Made Me Go Bad" for the occasion.

Discuss.

[/cut]

After I found a lot that cost under $30 to park, I still had to ask for directions twice. Displeased Bree was displeased. The GOOD news is I got there in time to see The Maine, and that was swell. They opened with "I Must Be Dreaming" and rolled right into a cover of "Pour Some Sugar On Me" which kinda made me feel like I was at dive bar karaoke or something. Except Club Nokia is no dive. It's sleek and has fancy lights and flat screen TVs so you don't miss anything no matter where you're standing.

"They Way We Talk" was next, and since I didn't know that song all to well, I admired John Ohhh's haircut and noted that he looked less emaciated than usual. Is it possible the camera actually SUBTRACTS 10 lbs from him? Regardless, John commanded everyone to put their cameras down and put their arm around the person to their right, because, alas, it was time for "Into Your Arms." Following an apology to parent's for dropping some F-bombs, they played "Everything I Ask For", "Life Like This", and "Girls Do What They Want." They brought a fan on stage for the last song, which would emerge as a trend for the rest of the night. STAY TUNED FOR PICS FROM KAYLA (simplekindoflovely)!

Cobra Starship was next even though in my mind they deserved the headlining spot, but whatevs. They opened with "The City Is at War" and just before the ever-popular Wentz made an appearance on stage, I got a text from the photo pit that he was in attendance. I tried to send her a message back but apparently Verizon reception in a Nokia building ain't so hot. Go figure. So yeah, Pete came out for his song ("Pete Wentz Is The Only Reason We're Famous") or maybe it was for "Nice Guys"? My notes are illegible.

Pete is the blur in the black hoodie.

Can I just say I adore when Ryland talks? Gabe said something like "Make it rain on those hoes--what does that mean?" and Ryland goes, "Ah, it's a garden reference. The fertilizier is already there, so.. oh, me and my botany jokes!" Can he just become the mouthpiece for Cobra from now on? Please? Because after they played "Smile For The Paparazzi" there was hullabaloo about Ryland getting a wireless guitar system. He was so stoked on it.

After they played "Wet Hot American Summer" Gabe razzed Victoria's mom a bit, because she was sitting front row in the balcony but she was sitting down. A Decaydance family shoutout had Kayla and I hoping for some badass guest appearance for Snakes On A Plane, but no. Instead they pulled  a fan up to rap for Travie's part (and the guy did a realllllly excellent job). Gabe's mic went out after that, so Pete came out again and started talking for Gabe, which was pretty comical. They closed out the set with "Guilty Pleasure", "Hot Mess" and "Good Girls Go Bad."

What can I say about Boys Like Girls? I'm not a huge fan, nor am I a hater. They opened with Love Drunk. Everyone seemed pumped enough for them. They travel with a lot of lights. Kayla commented that they seemed to make up for their lack of stage presenece with those lights--and after seeing Mayday Parade's stage antics, I have to agree a bit.

"Two Is Better Than One" stood out because Sierra from VE came out, and that gave it a very "Whole New World" (yea, the Disney movie) feel.

The end of BLG's set was half predictable (The Great Escape) but half AWESOME because they started pulling everyone who could fit on stage.

See:

Fin!

[/cut]

Hayley Williams explains, "Brick By Boring Brick is about not accepting reality and understanding that you don’t have to make everything frilly or pretty-sounding for it to be interesting. Life doesn’t have to be some grand production, and some of the boring parts of being alive are actually the greatest. The song is about breaking down those walls and finding out that the centre of it is what really matters."

Glasswerk National reports that BBBB will be out on November 23rd, along with an acoustic version of the track.

Paramore also spoke to MTV about the music video for the song, which they filmed here in Los Angeles with director Meiert Davis.

Hey remember how I had a dream that I was on the set of that video? Proof:

"There's a castle in it." commented bassist Jeremy Davis. "We essentially came up with the treatment and had a bunch of directors send in their other ideas, and each was a little bit different that the others. It's our first video that's not performance based. We were all, like, characters in a fairy-tale land."

YOU GUYS. IT'S LIKE IM PSYCHIC. Anyway, that video is coming out next month, exact date is yet to be determined.

I'm so excited because I ADORE THAT SONG.

[/cut]

I did, however, finish Breathers, the zombie fic by S.G. Browne, and I definitely recommend it. Seeing as it is from the perspective of a Zombie, you'll find yourself agreeing with the most peculiar things. There are a couple of plot twists that keep you hooked, and I didn't expect it to end like it did, but it was quite satisfying. If you want to feel empathy for a member of the undead, pick this up.

Last night I finished Against Happiness: In Praise of Melancholy by Eric G. Wilson, and I have mixed feelings about it.  First of all, as someone who has experienced depression, you kind of want to knock some sense into this guy. Perhaps with an anvil. Or a 2x4. The support for his argument comes largely from troubled artists who created great works during times of incredible pain. Well, you know, bravo and shit, but for every person that can create during a blue period, there's ten who can't function--who can't be there for their families, who can't do their job, who just can't get out of bed in the morning. On that end, I think he's blowing a lot of hot air.

HOWEVER. When he talks about balance--about the horror of being complacent and not feeling the kind of angst that inspires change--I get that. The whole principle of there being no moutains without the valleys and embracing the range of emotions as opposed to being a numb, neutral person. I'd say it's worth reading if you can tolerate chunks of flowery language AND you promise not to toss your meds and succumb to a life on your couch watching reality TV and justify it by calling it "performance art."

Pop Culture commenter Chuck Klosterman has a new book out! Eating The Dinosaur is a collection of essays not unlike Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs (my fave), Killing Yourself To Live, IV and Fargo Rock City (haven't read that one). Do I have to sell you on him at all?

For any of you who liked The Tipping Point, Blink or Outliers, author Malcolm Gladwell put out What The Dog Saw and you can read the whole intro and part of the first chapter here. It got me hooked, that's for sure.

Lastly, I enter a lot of goodreads "first reads" giveaways. I entered for above book because the title reminded me of Paramore. Guess what? I won. I'm not a terribly religious person, but hey, I'm open-minded, so we'll see how this goes.

Heard of any new stuff lately? Which musicians that you know of read the most? Quit any books because they didn't feel right, lately?

[/cut]

Alice + Olivia Mini Polka-Dot Bustier Minidress

Astor Place Nail Polish by Dashing Diva

Hurley Vivienne Handbag @ Zappos

Oh god, if only I wore heels. Harajuku Suedes @ Zappos

Rose necklace from KoolKatKustom.com

Ella Moss Lucinda Tunic Dress @ Shopbop

Triple Barrel Waver

Element Siri Dress @ Zappos

Frog Tape Dispenser @ Black Ink

Tweed Boyfriend Blazer @ FredFlare

Flavored Honey Sticks @ Amazon. Mmmm.

Asics track pants @ Zappos

Volcom Pullover Hoodie @ Zappos

Check Please tights @ ModCloth

Vans Pin Stripe shirt @ Zappos

Some twin-ring notebooks from Tokyo Pen Shop

That's all for now, folks. Happy coveting.