My obssession with Yann Tiersen

There's a funny reason why I have neglected this blog. Actually, two.

First reason: no one reads it anyway.

:P

Second reason: My dad accidentally set off the alarm in our house. The alarm was from the previous tenant, so we didn't know the code required to shut off the alarm. My dad thought he heard a speaker on the outside of the house, so he went out and snipped a wire which cut off our phone line and internet. The alarm was stopped eventually.

I watched Amelie a month ago and I fell in love. I love the movie, its characters and the music. Yann Tiersen is the man responsiblefor the music. His sweet accordion melodies make me swoon and his typewriter and toy piano delight me. I play this music all the time and pretend that I'm a cute and quirky French girl at a cafe, wearing a beret with my collection of objet trouve. Okay, that last part isn't true. I just said it because it rhymed.

Yann Tiersen was also the man behind the music of "Goodbye Lenin". According to my European History teacher, it's a great movie. She never commented on the music though. It's probably because she was focusing on the historical plausability of the story instead.

Look, the man is a genius. See for yourself.

Oh my readers, that's not all I have for you today. While looking through Yann Tiersen's stuff online I came a cross another charming man called Dave Thomas. His Yann Tiersen covers are great, but what he's got going for himself is better. You may recognize his music from LORICK. Have a listen.

I know what I want for Christmas and New Years'. I want Yann Tiersen.

Nellie Mckay

Nellie Mckay is one of my favorite people in the world and my role model. Her witty lyrics speak out for feminism, animal rights and so much more.

In this video clip she sings the funny "Mother of Pearl" and the beautiful "If I Had You".

This clip is her powerful performance of "Sari" at the late late show.

I enjoy her attitude and stage presence. I would love to meet her.

The Guitar

Jake Shimabukuro and Tommy Emmanuel are playing "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

Rodrigo y Gabriela playing "Diablo Rojo."

Justin King is playing "Phunkdified".

Five Sisters

I paid a visit to a neat little shop called Five Sisters to find something unique for my friend's birhtday. I hit the jackpot. This store is loaded with all sorts of unique things. It's like a spiritual, ethnic, New Age store. They have books on religion, necklaces made from reused material, statues, incense, instruments, and many more interesting things. I spent nearly an hour finding the gift because there were so many good gifts to choose from.

What a pretty bag!

She gave me this bracelet and some incense after I told her I was looking for a present. She was so nice.

I finally decided to get my friend this instrument. She loved it.

If you're in Miami, the store is definitely worth checking out.

12265 South Dixie Highway

(305)251-9642

http://www.fivesisters.biz/

Men and Style

The main problem is that guys don't have as many options as girls do. Women can wear pants, skirts, dresses, leggings, purses, high heels, sneakers and strappy sandals but men are limited to a few items. There's only so much one can do with so little options. Still, well-dressed guys exist. They don't have to be gay or flamboyant or a youngster to be well dressed.

Here, Bill Cunningham explores menswear on the streets.

Even though men's style evolves at a very slow pace, I have noticed two trends that are quite popular.

Dandy

Dandy has existed for decades, but it's making a come back with the recent rise in top hats, bowlers, bowties and such. The point is to look as dapper and spiffy as possible. This is the men's version of dressing up but it's updated and given a fresh new twist.

dashing and adorable

Indie/Hipster

This style is a mix of assorted years and styles. In a way it is partly dandy because many hipsters don dandy accessories, such as the bowler hat, the fedora, the bowtie and the skinny tie. This style includes retro items such as the hippie headbands and the wingtip shoes. Many pair ultra skinny pants with big, colorful shirts. Doc Martens and wayfarer glasses have also made a comeback through this trend. This trend redefines the man silhouette, with slim fitting clothes. The resulting form is androgynous. In the wrong hands, this style can look trashy.

Here is an example of the rolled up pants and boat shoes. Others wear combination with oxford shoes.

a mix of dandy and hipster

big shirt, skinny jeans

layers

This outfit is teetering between stylish and trashy. Beware.

One doesn't have to follow these trends to be stylish though. It's best to wear something simple and well fitted. You can throw in a few trendy things into the outfit, but don't forget to throw in something original as well. It's important not to follow trends blindly.

a classy look