MUSICAL UNDERDOGS OF 2014

As 2014 comes to an end I thought I'd round up my favorite songs and albums of the year. If you browse online i you see them doing the same thing but their lists will usually  include Pharrell's "Happy", Taylor Swift's newest album and Beyonce (obvs). Although the artists I mentioned are all spectacular my list will focus (for the most part) on the underdogs of 2014. I'll rate each artist out of 5 stars - 5 stars being the best - and I'll also link the music video just in case ya'll are interested.

Please keep in mind that this is a biased list because they're all artists I'm  personally fond of.

Singles - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
CHVRCHES - Get Away  - 5/5  Stars
- Although, this band is actually pretty popular I still think it hasn't reached the level of popularity it deserves. They are one of my favorites and I would've put them under "albums" but they don't have a 2014 album (sad). "Get Away" is part of a remake of the Drive Soundtrack. This remake was curated by Zane Lowe  and includes other artists like BANKS and Bastille. This song was one of my favorites on that album and by the band overall (so I played it like 300x's and I can't stand it anymore).


CHERUB - Doses & Mimosas - 3.5 / 5  Stars
- I think this is the funniest bands I've ever listened to. All their songs are literally so real. They don''t hold back when it comes to channeling their feelings into their music. They're really laid back and fun to listen to.

G- EAZY - Let's Get Lost - 4/5 Stars
- I honestly had never been into rap or anything in the likes of that but G-Eazy was the start of it all. I came across his music in 2012 but not until now with his These Things Happen album is he truly getting recognized. His songs are usually explicit and contain very raunchy stuff but he is the exception to my music ethics. He's very charming and perhaps even humble in his own way. I don't know what it is about him that I love so much.

 BETTY WHO - Somebody Loves You - 3.9 /5 Stars
- This is literally such a fun song. I played it alllllllll summer long and it always helped me get into a happy mood. Betty has great other songs and I'm looking forward to hearing more from her in the future.


THE DRUMS - Kiss Me Again - 5/5 Stars
- I've been a fan since their first album came out. They're one of those bands you can't get tired of. Their songs all have a very nice feel to them...even the sad ones. They remind me of a cold day at the beach or maybe a drive in the city. I guess they're a combination of both.

BRONCHO - Class Historian - 4/5 Stars
-  I was recently introduced to this band by Alex. I love their material so far and I feel they have so much potential. I don't have much to say except that they are gr8. Also, I'm pretty sure I heard this song in a commercial or something so...

Albums - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-It's very rare when I like entire albums so perhaps that should tell you that these artists are very very talented.

HOZIER 

- You all know Hozier.His song Take Me To Church has been playing non-stop on the radio. But hey, guess what! His entire album is just as great. I guess you could say Hozier is a bit "mainstream" due to that one song on the radio but seriously he is not a one hit wonder or anything like that. I'm calling it now that he will only get bigger and better in the year to come. 

MANSIONS ON THE MOON
- Firstly, their name is perf. Secondly, so is their music. At first I was only a fan of their song "Somewhere Else Tonight" because it was such a fun and sweet song. When I listened to the entire album I realized it got better. They're worth listening to!

MILKY CHANCE 
- You're probably familiar with their hit song "Stolen Dance" because it has also been playing non-stop on the radio. His voice is just so raspy and strangely attractive. listen listen.

THE 1975
-uuuugggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I love this band so much. We're going to finish this off with the most mainstream band on this post. You can almost not consider them underdogs but in my defense they weren't very popular at the beginning of the year. I can honestly say this is the first album I loved every single song on. They are my number one. My ultimate favorite band. Perfect songs with perfect lyrics. Matty, the lead singer, is also perfect. The rest of the band is as well.  (*heart eyes*)

Soundcloud - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
- I stumbled upon both of these artists on Soundcloud. They are both (to my knowledge) independent, unsigned musicians. I'm honestly a huge fan of their work! Swim Good  has two mix tapes that I am in love with. We've actually used one of his songs (Dollar Iced Tea) in our Fingerprints Vlog! The next artist is
LEOCEAN, whom reminds me of a instrumental version The 1975. Her work is really great and she recently released her first album on Soundcloud so you should def listen to that! I stumbled upon her music through her YouTube channel! She has great videos so check those out as well!

That's it for now! Thanks for reading.
- Carolina 

SUBLIMINAL PROJECTS

Hello! We attempted to start a vlogmas series but considering the fact that we don't do anything productive throughout the week because of school, it turned out to be another Saturday vlog ( I still think it counts as a vlogmas since it's a very festive episode).

Watch to see our experience at Subliminal Projects!And read below for more details about it!

Basically, on Friday Alex and I had a very slow day consisting of class, a short meeting and very delicious pizza. Saturday was our busy day. Oscar, Yalitza, Alex and I attended the Holiday Bazaar in Shepard Fairey's gallery aka Subliminal Projects. The goal of this trip was to meet Shepard himself. Alex is an aspiring design student and truly feels she can be a valuable asset to the Subliminal Projects crew and believes she can learn a lot from them but unfortunately Fairey was not there. He wasn't even in LA, he was in Miami attending the Art Basel. Regardless of that, we attended because it seemed exciting and Alex still had hope of speaking to someone associated with Fairey.

The bazaar featured 21 local L.A artists.
 You can find the complete list of artist and more information here. It was honestly an amazing variety of work. There was even free food and drinks (which is always nice) and live music. The moment we walked in Alex spotted the perfect person to talk to about her inquiry. His name is Francisco Reyes Jr. and he is a graphic designer that is currently working for Fairey. Alex already knew who he was and immediately made it her goal to speak to him. It was a bit difficult due to the fact that he was very popular but she eventually got him alone (watch vlog to witness this, it was gr8). She said he was very very nice and was willing to help her out! So let's see how that goes.

The next person we talked to was a Colombian fashion designer from Miami. Yalitza is actually Colombian so the moment she saw her she freaked out and wanted to talk to her. Thanks to Oscar for having the guts to say Hi we all had the chance to have a conversation with her. Her name is Liliana Salazar and she recently moved to L.A for her fashion work. You could tell she was Colombian and not from L.A because of the way she was dressed (not a bad thing). She wore an adorable hot pink romper (from her own collection!check it out) with a Colombian-style bag and hat. Liliana was very nice to talk too. She's just one of those individuals that just gives you good vibes. She was so positive and motivating. When she found out we were college students she told us about her experience in college and studying abroad. It was just very motivating to speak to someone that has already gone through what you're going through and them telling you that it's all worth it. The best part is she pursed the career she loved and is now out here in L.A making it happen! So that was very cool for us to see someone making their career happen.

Going to the Bazaar turned out to be a really great idea. We love meeting people that are passionate about their thing. Everyone has that thing that they love and you can see the excitement in their eyes when they talk about. That's literally our ultimate goal. To have that sparkle in our eye when we talk about our life/career.
 Anyway, the moment we left the bazaar we said we were going to get something to eat but it didn't happen as fast as we thought it would. We kept getting distracted by our surroundings SO of course we had to stop because we saw them as photo opportunities! Below are some of the shots we got.

this is the album cover for our future mixtape #talented

 Thanks for reading!

 - Carolina

FINGERPRINTS & BERLIN

Hey guys! Long time no talk (or more like long time no posts!) sorry. We're trying, I swear.  

College has just been so exhausting, ya know? However, thats no excuse! We decided to go out on Saturday with our amazing friends Oscar and Yalitza. We left the house at noon! I know, amazing.  

We went to Fingerprints in the East Village Art District of Long Beach, CA. If any of you are in town YOU HAVE TO WALK IN THERE. It's a pretty rad record/book/art store. They have everything. Imagine the apartment section of Urban Outfitters (without the overly priced stuff.) Even better they're attached to a really nice bistro called Berlin. After walking around in awe through the record store we settled down inside the coffee shop to play a goofy game of Cards Against Humanity. It was pretty funny not to say the stupid stuff we came up with out loud. After that we walked around and since we all looked so stylish we shot a few clips of our outfits in an alley. (We have a thing for alleys) All together it was pretty normal day in the life of C&A 

Let us know if you like us sharing the cool places we end up in around Los Angeles

We love to hear from you. 

-A

INTRODUCTION

  Hello!! We've been in a hiatus for some time now but we're back. We decided that we wanted to keep making videos and writing blog posts. It almost feels like we are starting over. In a way we are but nothing is really changing, everything is just going to get a lot better (quality). We both feel this blog could grow into something that inspires others but even if it doesn't it honestly keeps our creative juices flowing and that's ultimately what we love. Anyway, for our comeback to the blogosphere we decided to make an Introduction video regarding who we are and what our goals with this platform is.

So if you've been around for some time or you're just joining us now...welcome! We are excited to make friends and read exciting, inspirational posts!

Watch! Leave comments, questions, opinions...anything is welcomed.

p.s. Did you notice our new layout?


   

SOAKING UP THE CULTURE

        Number six on our Bucket List is a trip via the Metro. Our destination was LA! We looked for the Foster the People mural, found The Last Book Store and got extremely lost. Watch to see how badly it went!


   

SUPPOSEDLY THE NIGHT IS STILL YOUNG

           As a reward for semi-surviving our college summer class we got the gang together for a night out.    We don't often go out on Friday nights but when we do we take five hours to get ready, drop soda in the car, and sing mediocre songs in the car at the top of our lungs. We experienced a few malfunctions before getting to our destination but we enjoyed every minute of it. We ate some good food and then went to our local gallery, Stay, to see the Good Karma exhibit. We don't want to tell you a lot about it because I think we're going to dedicate a post to it. Either way you can see the amazing work of Victor Koast in the video! Enjoy.

WE DIDN'T TAKE THE FREEWAY

       Why haven't we been here before? Obviously we loved the place, Huntington Beach is definitely all the hype. There are surfers EVERYWHERE. You would have thought we payed attention to the professionals surfing the U.S Open but no we looked at the locals because we are all about the underdogs. The up and coming young folk. We don't care that you succeeded (that's a lie we do, congrats.) we care about how you got there-what is your story? That kind of deal. Unfortunately we didn't get to meet anyone because we were too busy being mesmerized by the crowd the U.S Open attracted. It was very umm what's the word VIBRANT? Sure, lets put it that way. Anyway please watch our video to better comprehend what we mean by "VIBRANT."

THE BUCKET LIST: EAT SUSHI

           Sushi is amazing. Dumplings are also really great. Our meal was just overall very satisfying. In a previous post we proposed 10 things we had to try to do before the end of August. Number 3 was to either eat sushi, ramen, or pho.
            We randomly ended up in Whittier with Oscar and Yalitza, who happen to be very experienced sushi eaters. I was very hungry which is when we realized it would be the perfect opportunity to try sushi. We actually tried sushi at two different restaurants because the first didn't meet the sushi standards. The sushi experts were not left satisfied with the quality of the first batch of sushi we ate. So we left the restaurant and walked down the street to a different sushi place called Pho & Roll
             Best. Decision. Ever.The moment you walk in you know the food is quality. We ordered the same thing we did in the first spot, California Rolls and Veggie Rolls (for Alex). Everything was so much better quality, from the food, to the service. The sushi was a game changer. Never again will we eat anything less than what Pho & Roll served us. And apparently they are popular for their Pho so we might just have to go back for that.
              Anyway, as previously said, here is a video documenting the whole event.

THE BUCKET LIST

   Ever since July started we've been really good at not staying home. To keep it up we came up with a list of things that we want to do before the end of August. We will film us doing each thing on the list and then post it on here for you to see! We hope we get to cross out most (if not all) of what is on this list.What's on your summer bucket list?

Bucket List 

'MERICA

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 Oh the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave! It is your Birthday, Fourth of July. (Insert Firework noises here) It is here the day that highlights the rest of summer for us Americans. It is the day where our true patriotism comes out. Fourth of July for most is the day we come out of our caves and face the sun (For us internet people at least.) Anyways we decided to take advantage of the Fourth because truth is it is probably the most eventful thing that has happened so far.

     We both celebrated Independence Day at the beach but do to a series of unfortunate events and decisions we did so separately. We both spent the entire day at the beach eating and enjoying the sun with our families. When the sun set we set up to watch the firework shows. There was something about strangers coming together in the dark to see lights in the sky that sparked some creativity and motivation in us. The next day we couldn't stand the heat, we didn't want to be home but we only had $1 between the two of us (I really wish it was a joke). Regardless of that we got on our bikes and rode to a private community pool where our friend, Yalitza, lives. Unfortunately, she couldn't join us but we helped ourselves to her pool anyway (Thanks Yalitza).
      It felt good to just get out of the house. We didn't plan it at all, it all kind of just happened and it really turned out great. We ate some snacks and discussed future plans. After that we rode around our neighborhood then went home. It was a simple day but I can honestly say our summer attitude has arrived.

BTW what do you think of our new banner? VERY SUMMER ATTITUDE AMIRITE ?!?!

UGH SUMMER

     Summer officially began like two weeks ago and we are still not in the mood. Truthfully, this post has been in our drafts for like a month because we wanted to wait until we had a proper summer attitude. A summer attitude for us is being energetic and adventurous, to not let a single day go by without doing something productive. Well it's July and let me tell you, we have NOT been productive. We lack so much motivation...and money and a car. We are trying to put our bad attitude aside and actually do things before summer is over. To get our summer attitude ready we thought of a few basic essentials we need to have with us this summer!

Summer Essentials 

1. Sunscreen : This summer we actually want to make our skin a priority. We want to make it a habit of carrying sunscreen whenever we go out and remember to apply it. 

2. Disposable camera : This is just for fun. 

3. Sandals : The Birkenstock sandals are making a big comeback this year, and frankly we love it.

4. Adventure Backpack : We noticed that when it comes to us a purse just doesn't fit it all. Hauling around our cameras, chargers, make up and other girly things make it really hard for us to find a perfect bag so we went back to our school days and decided that a backpack is the way. 

5. Perf Sunglasses : It is absolutely essential to own a pair of great sunglasses even an expensive pair, because honestly we have all broken our sunglasses before; whether the dog chewed them or we carelessly left them on the bed and sat right on top of them. (guilty.) So owning a pair that cost you some bucks may just point you in the direction of caring for you sunglasses a little bit more.

6. Bike : Especially if you are unlicensed like us a bike is the way to get around and a great source of exercise I might add.

What are your essentials?

(Btw, share with us what is on your summer playlist! We want to hear it!) 

LDR

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         Her new album is perfect. There, that's basically how I'm going to sum up her album.I want to talk about it in detail but my words aren't good enough to describe what she has come up with this time. All I can say is it's definitely different from Born to Die. Brooklyn Baby,The Other Woman & Old Money are my favorite at the moment. Listen to the full album on Spotify.


 I looked up the pictures she took for Fader Magazine (left) because they are beautiful while I was there I read the interview. Turns out feminism was mentioned and her answer has stirred some attention.

“For me, the issue of feminism is just not an interesting concept,” she says. “I’m more interested in, you know, SpaceX and Tesla, what’s going to happen with our intergalactic possibilities. Whenever people bring up feminism, I’m like, god. I’m just not really that interested.My idea of a true feminist is a woman who feels free enough to do whatever she wants.” 

At first I was annoyed but then I just kind of got over it. I have honestly been a Lana Del Rey fan since the beginning. Her songs have always talked about things I haven't experienced and not completely agreed with but I appreciate her talent so why not. She's entitled to her own opinion and I am to mine. 

What do you think?   

                                                                                                                                                                                          Carolina xx

WE ARE GRADS

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               As of Thursday night both Alex and I are officially high school graduates. We are done with free public education and moving on to the expensive but exciting education in CSULB. We both ended high school really great academically and socially. We survived. I'd like to congratulate the class of 2014 for making it! Graduating from high school is just one of the many achievements we will accomplish! Anyway, summer is here which means there is a lot more time for blogging. All our drafts will soon become posts. Thanks for the patience!
           
       Carolina xx

Style Stalking: Liliana

All Thrifted

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We decided to start celebrating outfits who inspire us by giving them their own posts. We constantly see beautiful outfits around school which remind us that inspiration is not only on the cover of  magazines. I think it's important to remember that style doesn't always come with a $500 price tag and in a size 0. So we want to celebrate the individuals who express themselves nonetheless.

 This is Liliana.  

Black in LA

Black by alexxcaroliina 

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      LA has been exaggeratedly hot this week. I'm talking high 80's / low 90's here but the weather has not affected my desire to wear black. That's all I want to wear! I know I know...It's unreasonable but I want to wear a leather jacket, combat boots & have messy hair. Unfortunately, It's a very bad idea because HEAT. I'm also on the hunt for the perfect wrist watch. I really love the Nixon watches they are so beautiful. And since it's finally beach weather I hope my next splurge is on dresses. That Monki dress is so cute and I'd like to get similar styles. Hopefully it wont be too hard to move on from this phase. (I don't think it'll be that hard since sweat is literally rolling down my face as I type this...ok TMI I know..)
            I'm trying to get into the summer weather by listening to some music and Rita Ora's new song has been a major help. Ugh it's just that type of song, ya know? Oh and don't even get me started on the remixes. Just go listen for yourself. It's perf. Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

 - Carolina  x

Weekend Splurge

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This weekend I went out and bought some exciting things. This is my first time ever buying M.A.C Cosmetics and let me tell you - I'm super excited. I went into the M.A.C store and was very kindly helped with picking the right shade of foundation and lipsticks for me. 

          In the end I bought Studio Sculpt in NC42 , Oil Control, Russian Red lipstick and Ravishing lipstick. I loved the fact that the make up artist applied all of the products I was considering and basically gave me a free make over. There is something very satisfying about wearing a full face of make up (something I'd never officially experienced in my 18 years of being a girl). I bought the make up with prom as my excuse but let's be real, I'm going to need a lot more than foundation and some lipstick.

        After my M.A.C splurge ya homegirl was broke so I went to Target and bought a stipple brush similar to the one used to apply my foundation in M.A.C (but it didn't break my bank). I also bought a eyebrow /eyeliner (?) pencil from Wet n' Wild, not sure about that one yet. I also got some new sunnies from F21! Then went home to a new Nylon Mag (I love Jessica Alba). 

- Carolina 

  

Russian Red & Ravishing

Pasadena // Birthday // 80's Party

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      Saturday afternoon we decided it was time to finally visit the much talked about Urth Caffe in Pasadena in celebration of my 18th Birthday! (I am officially considered an adult for certain things.)  The food was yummy and looked amazing. Everything is organic and you could definitely taste it. It's totally worth checking out. We also stopped by Mac Cosmetics for some prom make up! Carolina got some great advice and beautiful products. After Pasadena and Griffiths Park we made an appearance at a High School 80's Roller Skating Party. We quickly threw on some "80's" looking pieces mainly neon and lots of pink blush. We ended the night around 1:30 AM because of traffic but all in all it was a great night.

   
-Alex

                            Wearing a body con stripe dress, jewelry and hat from F21. Shorts from UO.

     Backpack from Call It Spring

Carolina's Jacket from Forever 21, Sweater from H&M, Sunglasses from Forever 21 

Blazer from Target and Neon Shirt from H&M

Stripes + Gold

everything is F21 except the shoes they're ALDO

Hello everyone! It's time we added more of the "style" we mention in our bio on our posts. So with that said pictured are some recent buys from Forever 21. All I did was grab my jacket and shoes to complete the look! I also bought another dress that I hope to include in an April Haul. 

-Alex 

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