A Case Of You

Another one of my favorite artists of the year.  He's definitely one of the most exciting artists to have released music this year.  His way of bending genres and flipping between dub step influences and creating some of the most beautiful ballads I've heard in a long time is unlike anything I've heard.  He rose to fame by covering a song by Feist, "Limit To Your Love".  Here, he covers the amazing Joni Mitchell and brings a new anguish to this song.  Don't get me wrong, even trying to come close to Joni is usually a massive mistake in my eyes, but James manages to take this song to a new place.  This video also plays a huge part in that sentiment.

You Can Count On Me

A psychedelic treat from Panda Bear - the new video for "You Can Count On Me", the opening track from the album, Tomboy.  This is one of my favorite albums of the year.  Does the fact that Panda Bear is a project by Noah Lennox of Animal Collective fame have anything to do with it?  Maybe.  There are similarities to their sound, but Panda Bear pulls most of their references from hip hop and R&B in this album, taking it to a very different direction from the otherworldly sound that Animal Collective has been building upon for several years at this point.  Ok, I'll stop blabbing now and let you enjoy!

Givenchy Womenswear Spring 2012

I've had Givenchy on my mind all day.  I was in Chicago shopping for work and tried on 6 or 7 pieces from their Fall collection and it brought this collection to mind.  I'm surprised I haven't blogged about it already!  

You all know that Riccardo is my biggest design icon right now.  I can't say full heartedly that every collection has been a winner.  He's had moments where he's trying to be everything to everyone.  His strongest moments have all happened when he's hyper focused and really zoning in on an idea.  This collection was one of those moments.  He's self described this collection with a story about a mermaid meeting a grungy surfer.  There are definitely some oceanic references in this collection - mainly in the organic peplum shapes and fish tail hems, but most literally in the amazing shark teeth necklaces.  What really amazes me about this collection is that it references an emerging trend that was used on several runways throughout Paris, but he does them in such a way that has become part of the Givenchy DNA, that it becomes somethings so singular that stands on it's own.  This collection was a knockout in my eyes.  

Chanel Pre Fall - Paris Bombay

Only Karl Lagerfeld would allow such an opulent and over the top set and collection to happen in a time of economic uncertainty.  I guess that's why we love him, right?!?


Karl does no wrong in my eyes.  He's been around for such a long time and continues to have his finger on the pulse, pushing a house with such a recognizable DNA further.  The section of the show with the white sweaters was a bit of a step in the wrong direction, but the other pieces in this collection were spot on.  I am especially in love with the mummy wrapped skirts, which actually remind me of a traditional short from Thailand.  The jewelry is all gorgeous.  I'm also completely in love with the dreds!

I Follow Rivers

This is my top video of the year, hands down.  Not only that, Wounded Rhymes is also ranked as my #1 album release of the year.  Lykke doesn't even know how powerful of a spell she cast on me this year.  It's such a transformative album.  I mean, this album caused a dramatic change in my fashion choices for the year.  Lykke is to thank/blame for my neo goth phase - think skinny jeans, Rick Owens tops, cloaks made in Berlin.  Yeah, it's serious!