So, I adore the Academy Awards. However, the Grammys are my absolute favorite awards show. They are wild, fun, and so much more daring than other awards shows. That being said, I do not really know all of the nominees- for example- I do not, by principle, listen to Chris Brown. You can probably figure out why- there are more than one reason. I decided that I am well educated enough on the matter to make simple picks on who I think should win. I am an admitted music addict, so it does work out. I decided to cut out a couple categories that I know nothing about and/or don’t care about. This includes most country and rap. Obviously. I also decided to make Woodie (MTVu's awards show) picks because, honestly, I know the artists better, and they focus more on my favorite types of music. Hey, they are both music awards shows- same ball park, same post. Oh, and if you want to see the full list of nominees as reading this or whatever, use this site for the Grammys http://www.twirlit.com/2010/12/02/grammy-nominations-2011-the-complete-l... , and this one for the Woodies, http://www.bloginity.com/blog/2011/02/01/2011-mtvu-woodie-award-nominees... .
Grammys first
For Album of the Year- The Fame Monster- Lady Gaga
Yes, she is pop perfection. She has such a diverse audience, and in particular, this album was a masterpiece. I mean, how many hit singles were off this one album alone? Also, her style is amazing. She makes high fashion relatable to a demographic in which this is not the standard. Oh, and for fans of hers check out "Born this Way" which premiered today. It is my favorite song by her already- and it just debuted.
For Record of the Year-“Empire State of Mind”- Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
This one is pretty self explanatory. A rap god and an amazing singer paired up to sing an ode to my absolute favorite city. How could you not love it? I mean at least the first couple hundred times you heard it you loved it, right? Coming in a close second for me would be “F*** You” by Cee Lo Green. This song is hilariously sarcastic. Too bad a much worse version of this song airs on the radio. That’s the primary reason it is stuck at #2 for me.
Best New Artist- Mumford and Sons
Yeah, they are not going to win. They have a next to nothing chance of winning against the Beibs. They are a crazy amazing band though. Their sound is original and different. Also notable is Florence and the Machine. She has a great voice and her performances are epic. Drake is also a viable contestant. He has some great music, even if I will always see him as Jimmy from Degrassi.
Song of the Year- “Love the Way You Lie”- Alexander Grant, Skylar Grey & Marshall Mathers (Eminem Featuring Rihanna)
I think that artist collaborations in pop are amazing. This one is no exception and conveys such raw emotion. “F*** You” is also a great nominee here.
Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals-“Imagine” — Herbie Hancock, Pink, India.Arie, Seal, Konono No. 1, Jeff Beck & Oumou Sangare
This is such a brilliant song in the first place. The update with a ton of talented artists is also amazing.
Best Rock Performance by A Duo Or Group With Vocals- “Resistance”- Muse
This was a difficult one for me to choose. The Black Keys and Arcade Fire are also both notable nominees. However, this was Muse’s year. They are crazy talented and have a very different sound.
Best Rock Song- “Little Lion Man” — Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford & Country Winston (Mumford & Sons)
I love this song. It is pretty unexpected and amazing as a result.
Best Alternative Music Album- The Suburbs - Arcade Fire
This one is pretty obvious. There were so many great hits off of this album. It deserves to win.
Best Contemporary R&B Album-The ArchAndroid - Janelle Monáe
I am actually pretty surprised she didn’t get more nominations. She is amazingly cool and talented. She is so different. I love her. And her suits.
Best Country Album-You Get What You Give -Zac Brown Band
I am not into country music. I did, however, see them this summer and they were amazing. They are not really true country though; rather they are “Alt Country” whatever that means. It makes them better though. And less twangy or whatever it is country musicians are.
As for the Woodies…
Woodie of the Year– (Artist of the Year)- The Black Keys
Howlin’ For You is amazing. They had so many great songs this year. They are deserving of some recognition.
The Breaking Woodie– (Best Emerging Artist)- Local Natives (Frenchkiss), Sleigh Bells (Mom + Pop), Wavves (Fat Possum Records)
Sleigh Bells are my number one pick. They have some crazy music. Like it is all over the place, but it also almost makes sense. But not really. Local Native’s song Airplanes is another very cool song that is pretty random. Wavves is super beachy and super cool as a result. There is too much snow out. They help resolve this dilemma by having upbeat surfer music that seemingly melts the snow drifts outside my door. But they are not doing it well or fast enough.
Left Field Woodie– (Most Original)- Kanye West (Island Def Jam)
By the way, I skipped a couple categories here too. Kanye is as original as it gets. I pick team Kanye over team Taylor, or whoever he is against this week. I hope he doesn’t care enough about this tiny awards show to actually storm the stage though. Because I might be mad if he cuts off an actually good artist.

2010 has been an eventful year. I have compiled my favorite songs from the year as it has been an epic year in music. Oh, and this is in no particular order, its kinda just in a playlist form.

1. Pumped Up Kicks, Foster The People- its such a happy sounding song. If you want to believe it is a happy song, however, just block out the lyrics. 'Cuz its really not a happy song at all.
2. Home, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros- Okay, so they might be the band that is in every commercial. They are also amazing.
3. I'm In Here, Sia- Both versions of this song are pretty amazing. So, listen to both.
4. Your Hands (Together), the New Pornographers- Yeah, this song is also fabulous. It just is.
5. Islands, The XX- They have become one of my favorite groups this year. Their music is fairly hypnotic and totally chill.
6. Ambling Alp, Yeasayer- Its background is different, interesting, and I 100% love it.
7. Na Na Na, My  Chemical Romance- This is the first band on here that has been around for a while. This is almost up to Teenagers' level. Almost.
8. Internet Killed the Video Star, The Limousines- I love what this song is saying. I mean really, who could get sick of rock and roll?
9. Hannah, The Freelance Whales- This is kinda a weird song, but I really, really like it.
10.  99 Problems, Hugo- Jay-Z was totally on target allowing Hugo to cover this song.
11.  Bang Pop, Free Energy- This song is super high energy and you have to sing along to the "Bang Bang Pop Pop" chorus.
12.  Airplanes, Local Natives- Starts weird, gets better, and in general is fantastic.
13.  You Don't Know Me, Ben Folds- Quirky, cool sound and lyrics.
14.  Dignity, New Politics- I think the opening line of "You walk the streets, never feel no guilt, make your money selling guns on a playground" perfectly sums up the entire song.
15.  Boyfriend, Best Coast- This song has such a retro beachy feel.
16.  Down By the Water, The Drums- A toned down romantic song.
17.  Shake Me Down, Cage the Elephant- So, they are my favorite band ever so they kinda have an unfair advantage here. I think this song is perfection, though. I will also be preordering their album which comes out soon.
18.  Infinity Guitars, Sleigh Bells- They are like the coolest, most over-the-top group ever.
19.  All My Days, Alexi Murdoch- Another super calm song with fabulous lyrics.

It had to be 19 songs not 20. 20 is too obvious.

Happy New Year in a few days!

My promised wishlist has arrived! Here are my pics this season. I know they are mainly focused on a few main stores, but these stores have variety and they are my style!

American Apparel Nail Polish Seven Packs in Earth Tones and Bright Shades- I literaly always wear nail polish or my nails break. I love their matte texture at American Apparel. Plus these colors are totally on trend.

 American Apparel Cotton Spandex Jersey Dress Bandeau Pencil Dress, slate- This dress is awesome. You can convert it into so many different looks. Very, very cool.

 Urban Outfitters UO Field Boots, Chocolate- Combat boots are so cool right now. They are super duper versatile.

Urban Outfitters BDG Cable Knit shawl Collar Cardigan, Ivory- I love these shawl collared cardigans. They are super comfy and cozy.

Urban Outfitters Plum Fisheye Camera- Yeah, I already posted about how amazingly cool these cameras are.

Urban Outfitters Nail Fraud Paper,  leopard- I am pretty excited to try these nail polish things. Anybody know if they work?

Urban Outfitters Urban Renewal Cutoff Denim Shorts- Okay, maybe not for this season. Or if they are for this season they will be worn with tights. They are absolutely adorable though.

Fashion Game Book, Amazon, Florence Muller- This looks cool on Amazon. I did want the Alexander McQueen book, but the reviews sucked.

Nylon Magazine Subscription, Rolling Stone Subscription, Harper's Bazaar Subscription, Vogue Subscription, W Magazine Subscription,  WWD Print Subscription- These are the magazines I completely rely on for my fashion and music obsessions. Oh, and the WWD newspaper is new to me, but I think that will also be fantastic for an aspiring fashion journalist.

• Since it is officially post Thanksgiving, I believe it is now seasonally appropriate to listen to Christmas music. Sure, I am certain it will drive me absolutely crazy by the actual 25th. Whatever, right now it doesn't yet. This playlist focuses on more indie and alternative bands' songs instead of the mainstream classics, which are really the most aggravating. I hope you have had a very merry Black Friday- and that you didn't get trampled at Walmart, 'cuz that would suck. Anyways, hope this is a good enough playlist to begin the Christmas season!
• Another Rock and Roll Christmas, Gary Glitter- Yay for glam rock!
• Frosty The Snowman, Fiona Apple-  very vintage-y and acoustic-y.
• Got Something For You,Best Coast and Wavves- Ummm... love both bands and together for a Target commercial and a Christmas song? yes! Did I mention the leads from both bands are dating? Awww!
• Sleigh Ride, The Late Greats- Pretty sick mix.
• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jack Johnson- Very Jack Johnson. You know, chill, mellow etc.
• White Christmas, Katy Perry- So I'm not always a pop music fan. This song actually shows that she has talent and her voice isn't all computer made, more than some others can say.
• A Marshmallow World, Los Straightjackets- Very weird band. This totally works though.
• Silent Night, Belle and Sebastian- love them and they translate well to Christmas music.
• Dominic The Donkey, Doug Kershaw- this song just makes me laugh. Its rediculously annoying.
• Santa Claus is Coming To Town, A Rocket To The Moon- Another amped up version of a classic song.
• Mr. Heatmiser, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy- Now this is a cool song. It's not one of the over-played songs, but its still singable and recognizable.
• Winter Wonderland, Liz Phair- pretty cool, stripped down version of this song.
• You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch, Deanna Kirk- Very jazzy and different.
• Christmas Time Is Here, Gatsby's American Dream- love the band name. Good enough song too.
• Mamacita, Donde Esta Santa Claus?, Guster- Different  kinda song. In Spanglish. Random.
• All That I Want, The Weepies- I kinda just noticed that most of the artists on this list are contemporaries or followers of eachother on Rapsody. Weird.
• O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Bright Eyes- very slow. Cool though.
• I took Some Time for Christmas, Belle and Sebastian- More Belle and Sebastian, Yay!
• Carol of the Bells, The Bird and the Bee- Echoing and lots of bells.
• Winter Song, Sara Bareilles- she's pretty talented.
• So This is Christmas, Acceptance- this one is pretty like the original.
• Christmas Time Is Here, Vince Guaraldi- its the guy from the Charlie Brown Christmas album.
• Winter Wonderland , Eurythmics- their '80s sound.
• Backdoor Santa, Jet- I like their regular music too.
• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Ella Fitzgerald- a total classic, there had to be one!
• Auld Lang Syne, Jimi Hendrix- one of the best musicians of all time.
• Jingle Bell Rock, Daryl Hall and John Oates- okay, maybe two classics.
• Run Rudolph Run, Chuck Berry- or three?
• Christmas, Rogue Wave- coolio song.
• Silver Bells, Reliant K- This song lacks bells. Other than that, I like it.
• The First Noel, Weezer- adore them.
• Little Drummer Boy, The Dandy Warhols- another cool band name.

One question I have been asking myself is whether the minimalism trend can be pulled off inexpensively. I have decidedly come to a conclusion that I will not waver on.The whole point is luxe basics worn in a classic way, right? I don't think budget brands exactly qualify as luxe. Nor will these pieces stay in your wardrobe for at least one lifetime. That Celine or Stella McCartney will stay in closets and on fashionable women for generations. Can these timeless pieces be pulled off by the likes of Forever 21 and Target? How about the poster-child of the trend, camel coats? Sure, the look can be done, but not with the same emotion or class behind it. So, basically my point is, you can knockoff the look, but not do it well with limited money. These are investment pieces, people! The truth behind this one is quality, not quantity (a saying I often ignore). So go ahead, buy that inexpensive camel coat. You won't get the same feeling or look from it, I promise you. You can wear it with the simple oxford and even simpler pants, but you will look underdressed not minimalistic. The key to the look is well- fitting, tailored, traditional pieces pulled together chicly. This does not include our favorite fast retailers. Sorry Forever 21, this one is simply not for you. Now that I am done ranting, what do you think? Is getting the look enough or must you buy the real thing?

  My First Playlist in a while.... I know, I am sorry. I have been busy. I guess it will just get worse as the holidays approach with rocket speed. Not that its a bad thing. Its pretty exciting, actually. Probably next weekend, my blog will get a festive makeover- check in for that! Also, I will be more holiday themed- Christmas list anyone? As well as maybe a Christmas playlist (none of the classics, obviously!)? It is pretty exciting, my friends! But anyways, here is a regular season playlist seeing how it is still only mid November ( you hear me retail chains?!) Oh, this time I added a bunch more old music than usual.

• All the Small Things, Blink 182-Love them. Such a good band. I decided this song was kind of their most successful, which usually is not my thing, but it has been a while since it has been at the top of the charts.
• Boys Don't Cry, The Cure- these revolutionaries of alternative music are great, as well as this song by them.
• The Drums, Down By the Water- such a chill song. Very relaxing yet extremely different.
• I'm In Here, Sia- I have featured the vocal version of this song before. I really like this version too though. She's such a great singer.
• Hang With Me, Robyn- Funky song. Very cool. I did not like her at first, but she has grown on me. So, giver her another chance if you haven't liked her in the past.
• Hard Times In New York Town, Bob Dylan- In case you don't realize this, Bob Dylan is my all time favorite musician. My favorite city (and future home) is New York City. What a perfect fit, right?
• Cranberry Lake, Ari Hest- Another song that is usually not my sound. I am totally lovin' it though. So calm.
• Simple Man, Graham Nash- I love the lyrics from this song. Such clear lyrics.
• Airplanes, Local Natives- So much fun. Before I listened to the full song, I would change the radio station when it would come on because I thought the beginning was boring. Just wait for the "I want you back" chorus, my friends. Just wait for it. You will too love the song.
• Challengers, The New Pornographers- again, great band. I love everything they do, I just had to sneak one of their songs in.
•  Masters of War, Bob Dylan- I love songs with an underlying political message and I usually agree with Bob Dylan's messages. Incluiding this one.
• Please, Please, please let me get what I want, The Smiths- Another classic song. Love their metallic-y sound. This one totally gets caught in your head- I am warning you now folks!
• You Don't Know Me, Ben Folds- Totally obsessed with this song. Oh, if you like this song, look up his Levi Johnson song. So funny.
• Dignity, New Politics- So different. I love it. Oh, and again that political message in a song that I totally agree with.
•  In the Sun, She and Him- She and Him is such a great duo. The peppy background and Zooey's different sounding vocals.

Happy Listening!