Second Chance Sunflowers

Panic! at the Disco are one of the few bands that I still love from my teenage years. A Fever You Can't Sweat Out introduced me to "heavy" music. (I know Panic's not heavy, but for a tiny classically trained Jen, it was super heavy) 

I remember when their second album came out. I was super excited for more of their baroque influenced rock/ whatever blend, but was quite disappointed when instead I was presented with the beetles-esque  orchestrated rock. I tried so very hard to like that album, but ultimately I gave up on it after a few months of it not quenching my thirst for their previous vibe. 

I've not listened to Pretty. Odd. since I was 16. It was in my thoughts after the release of the new Panic! at the disco album (which is a little hit and miss in my opinion) My music tastes have matured quite a bit since I was 16, so I decided to give Pretty. Odd another shot. 

I am so very glad I did. It's such a beautiful album. I particularly love the orchestration (although I wish they'd used real flutes/piccolo's/clarinets/oboes instead of synthesised ones).  My favourite track (which was one of my least favourite back in the day) is From a Mountain in the Middle of The Cabins. The details in the orchestration are superb, and are pretty similar to a lot of the music I've been getting into lately (Artists like Punch Brothers, My Brightest Diamond and Joanna Newsom that sit on the line between contemporary music, art music and folk) . 

Pretty. Odd. isn't the only album I revisited recently, and ended up loving all over again. About 4 months ago I started listening to Life in Cartoon Motion by Mika again. I originally liked this album well enough, but got sick of it. Again, I completely understand why. It wasn't the sound I was in love with at the time (and when you've only got 4 gigs of iPod space to work with, stuff gets culled regularly and mercilessly.) 

Something I've been thinking about putting together is a list of what's on my ipod with descriptions of the artists/links so you can hear what they sound like. I've got a rather eclectic collection of music, ranging from super well know peeps to those with less that 300 likes on facebook. So yeah, let me know if you'd be interested in this! 

Shirt: Revival, Pinafore: Home Made, Skirt: Home made, Socks: don't remember, Shoes: Store in Sydney near Max Brennar Wynyard.  

Deviating from the music I've been listening to - This is the outfit I wore tuesday. Originally when I put it together, I wasn't intending to have the second skirt underneath the pinafore. When I added the socks to the outfit, it looked unbalanced, so I popped the skirt underneath. It made everything super flouncy, as well as adding much needed colour balance. 

Sunflower Pinafore (Feat Monthly Creative Favourites)

I sewed for the first time in 3 months yesterday. It was glorious. I didn't have time to sew whilst I was writing my thesis, and before I could start sewing after my thesis was completed I had to clean the mess that had become my sewing room :S

This is the fabric I used. I picked it up from spotlight the other day when I went with a friend. I was originally looking for something a bit more pastel, but I was really attracted to the bright yellow with hints of green.

This is what I ended up making - another heart pinafore. It's a full circle skirt with a gathered hem detail, and plenty of lace. (If you haven't noticed) I really dig this silhouette, which is why this skirt is one of my favourite styles to make.

Onto my favourite creative projects etc that I've found/have been released this month (although, technically it'll be since I did the last one... I kind of fell off the bandwagon with this series)

Ok, so I've actually been following this pair for longer than a few months, but they're just so fab (and every time they post I fall further in love with their style) This is Lind and Ilar from Hipsta Lobsta. They're two art students from Finland. They often match the colour schemes/ themes of their outfits and hair, and always look completely fabulous! They are completely unafraid of colour and clashing patterns.

This outfit set is one of my favourites that they've posted recently (it's actually quite muted for them, but I love the delicacy, unity and the subtle matching)

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Next is the newly released Blue Temple Ep by Ears. I'd describe this release as sort of retro(ish) experimental ambient electronic music. There are an immense amount of compositional details within the tracks. There's a really great unity across the whole Ep as well, with each track sharing a  multitude of music textures, and occasionally quoting some of the other tracks. (Ears is also a fully sick artist. You can check out his other work here)

Collective Noun were a saving grace throughout my thesis writing. I stumbled upon them in October when a friend of mine shared one of their videos. I then proceeded to use them as procrastination fodder for the rest of that evening. They're an Australian (they didn't specify their location) sketch comedy group. If I'd have to describe their style (using my very limited comedy knowledge descriptors) I'd say they're very punny, and have a very obvious Australian humor style.

Finally we have the pastel neon stylings of So Youn Lee. Like many of the artists I follow, I originally saw her work on instagram browsing one of the art tags. I fell in love with the use of layers, colours, shapes and subject material. I especially love the way she uses neon colours without them looking gaudy or overbearing.

On Friday we wear Florals

I've played 2 gigs this weekend, which means I'm having quite a bit of trouble finding words to say. I gigged with Vanishing Shapes and Button Collective. Both gigs were great, and I had a lot of fun, but now I can't words. Have some pretty pictures of what I wore Friday instead!