Black paint & red shoes

Two of my favorite things in Denton are moving to a new location or closing shop, respectively. Bad news but with a silver lining. 

Alter Ego is closing its door, or so I hear. This means 40% off of everything in this funky little vintage boutique. Located on Locust Street, a going-out-of-business sale on my home turf is not to be missed. 

My favorite candle shop, Wik, is moving headquarters to the Golden Triangle Mall (a pretty terrible move in my opinion, not that anyone asked). Wik is a tiny shop bursting with strongly-scented candles in modern, chic packaging. My favorite scent is Moonlight, but Creme Brulee is a fan staple. The store’s current location, the historical Denton square, is having a massive (25%-30%-off) sale in preparation for the move. Stock up now, and your wallet will thank you later. Insider tip: Buy the 4-oz. candle in a new scent you want to try out. Then, after the wax burns out, clean the glass jar, and use it for cotton balls, ribbons, swabs or paperclips. This way you get a cute little container and a test run with a new fragrance in a single purchase.   

Hey. Hey. Hey. It’s your favorite time o’ the week; time for me to recommend those precious gems that caught my eye.

In music news, the sounds of Brandi Carlile’s The Story filled my snow day and beyond. Miss Carlile features ballsy, smoke-tinged vocals and bluegrass-y guitar tones, not to mention some kick ass lyrics (“When one door closes and nothing opens in its place, you waste it”). Dare I say that she reminds me a little, a little of my dear Janis. “Turpentine” reminds me of a particular friend from high school, while my final song selection leads me to an odd confession. I like to plan the music selection for my future wedding reception…instead of dreaming of my dress, like every other girl (I’ll probably wear green or maybe even purple….my mother might have a heart attack). “The Story” defiantly made the cut. I love the repeating “I was made for you” line paired with swelling vocals. 

As for cinema, Owen introduced me to a film I missed out during my extremely sheltered childhood. Labarynth! David Bowie with massive hair+singing puppets+an extremely-young looking Jennifer Connelly+amazing/awful 80s glam rock=total trip without substance abuse. If soley for Bowie’s costume, revisit this kiddie classic. 

I have spoken. Go with God/Allah/Yahweh/Johnny Depp, and enjoy these fresh-picked goodies. Same-ish time, same place next week with a brand, spankin’ new crop.   

Seriously, this collection has been out for less than a week, and I’ve already made two trips to Target. Filled with feminine prints, floating dresses/tops and menswear-inspired basics, Jovovich-Hawk is a must. 

Definitely adorable and perfectly acceptable for spring if belted and paired with gladiator sandals (Old Navy sells an affordable version).

One of my purchases. Work approperiate but able to let loose when paired with dark denim. 

For my favorite leggy lady.  

My second purchase. Perfect boho-chic. This picture doesn’t do the vintage-washed denim justice. I believe this piece may withstand the test of trends.

This week’s nods bring a few new loves and a couple oldies, but goodies. Enjoy!

In the literary realm, I’m halfway through “This Is Not Chick Lit: Complete Stories By America’s Best Women Writers” edited by Elizabeth Merrick. This book is actually a collection of short fictional pieces written by a variety of reputable female writers. No beach-ready fluff read here. Each piece of this collection is a well-written, deep work sure to make you think (not escape your thoughts), because sometimes too many sweets can leave you feeling empty and slightly nauseous. 

If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced thinker flick, check out Michael Clayton. The intricate plot involves mental illness, cancer-causing pesticide, corporate assassins and hot-ass George Clooney. Three thumbs up from my little family.

In music news, I’ve been reviewing my music collection to make a mix tape from my underexposed mommy. This recipe calls for a whole lot of Neko Case and Amy Winehouse with a side of Old 97’s plus a dash of The Flaming Lips for good measure. A dish to please even the most selective of tastes. If you’ve not heard any of the aforementioned artist (and you live under the same rock as my mother), check out Neko Case’s “Guided By Wire,” Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black,” Old 97’s “Rollerskate Skinny,” and The Flaming Lips’ “Fight Test.”

As always, let me know what you think of my selections or give me a few of your own. Happy rest o’ the week!

Since I love to spread the good word about various forms of media, I’m going to make a weekly habit of picking new/interesting elements to throw your away. Indulge in my recomendations, give me your opinion, recommend something to me…let’s broaden our horizens together (how very PBS after school special).

Books: Currently, I’m reading Delivery Man by Joe McGinniss, Jr. The book is set in modern day Las Vegas, and the main character is a twenty-something slacker/artist who is torn between a prostitute dreamer gal (his love interest from youth) and an over-achiever Ivy-Leaguer (his college girlfriend). The plot is centered around this young man’s inability to escape his past, in particular a certain event that changed his life for the better (but the memory of it won’t let him grow). Plus, there is a slight overtone on the destruction of youth with drugs, alcohol and party culture. An interesting, fast-paced read. 

Music: This week, my cubicle has been rocking with jams from The Hold Steady. In partcular, “Boys And Girls In America,” the perfect summer-time grill-out soundtrack. My favorite tracks from this album include: “Massive Night,” “First Night” and “Chips Ahoy!”. I’m also feeling Ingrid Michaelson’s “Girls and Boys.” Yes, it’s the chick from the Old Navy commercial, and yes, the entire album is just as catchy as that one song. My picks from this one are “The Hat”, “Far Away” and “Breakable.” 

Now it’s your turn. What have you seen/read/heard that you love? Share the wealth. We all know that the press is too commercial to promote anything that is decent, so it’s up to you to let others know that moves you.