A Fall Playlist For Your Listening Pleasure

While I'd love to say that I listen to the coolest music in the world, it's a charade I don't have the energy for.  I listen to the music I like which can pretty much be broken down into two simple groups: songs I've adored for most of my life and music I secretly Shazam-ed while riding in my brother's car (speaking of my brother and music, make sure you tune in to Jersey Shore tonight- I know, I can't believe I said that either- to hear his band Dinner and a Suit).  I do, however, make a mean seasonal playlist.  In fact, the Holiday Playlist I posted last year may or may not be one of my favorite Design Muse moments.  For whatever reason, Autumn calls for mellow music in my book so here's what I've had on repeat:

Pretty background, huh?  Good news, you can buy it here!

The Best Holiday Playlist of All Time

One thing about me you should know- I play no instruments, I couldn't read music if you paid me $1,000,000 and I only sing in the shower and when I'm by myself in the car...however, I put together one heck of a playlist.  It's a secret talent I've hoarded for far too long.  This particular playlist got just a little bit out of hand (25 tracks...whoops...) but I'm telling you- your worst bah humbug doesn't stand a chance against this mix.  Nearly all of the songs can be downloaded from iTunes or Spotify so if you're looking for a calorie free Christmas treat, this has your name written all over it.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

500 Days of Summer

If there's one thing I don't brag on enough, it's Nashville...I seriously love this city.  Sure, it's got it's quirks (I can't always understand them, but more than likely they're saying something nice so I just smile) but I'm from New Jersey...so...I'm not exactly in a position to judge based on a small sampling of the city's most extreme (hello Snooki).  One of my FAVORITE things about Nashville is their summer calendar- whoever is planning these events is on point!  Tonight, for example, is the first Movies in the Park.  Let me paint a quick picture for you of just how that will go down...take a couple hundred (1,000 maybe?  I don't know, I'm bad with numbers) Nashvillians, one very large projector and screen, several food trucks and a killer lineup of movies (one a week every Wednesday) and put it smack dab in the middle of one of our beautiful parks.  Then don't charge anyone to come.  Brilliant, eh?  Tonight's feature is one of my favorites- 500 Days of Summer.  If you haven't seen it and you live in Nashville, get your behind to Centennial Park tonight!  It's quirky and adorable in a way only Zooey Deschanel (the leading lady) can pull of.  In fact, I enjoy it so much just thinking about it's adorableness inspired this post!

1. Girlie Satin Bow, ban.do $15  2. I Love Us Print, eighteen25  3. The Picture of Dorian Gray, Amazon $11.99  4. Party Box, Kiwi & Pom  5. Sip City Mug, ModCloth $22.99  6. Too Much Fun Dress, ModCloth $77.99  7. RINGSKAR faucet, Ikea $129  8. Vintage Iron Jardin Bench, Jayson Home & Garden $1295  9. The Sound of the Smiths, Amazon $19.07  10. She & Him, Amazon $5

Photo Credits: 500 Days, 500 Days of Inspiration, Home Depot, Wholesale Chinese Lanterns, Fanpop, WeHeartIt, Easy Outdoor Decor

Guest Post: Brooke & Breanna from Style Sorbet

We are honored to be guests on such a fabulous blog! A little bit about us: we love clothes, shoes, and shopping, but mostly we love living with style. Obviously that includes more than just apparel. Our unique style largely comes from what we listen to, read and watch.  With that said, we thought it would be fun to share a few of our favorite things for inspiration.

Movie with style:

An Affair To Remember

We’ll give you 3 reasons to love this classic film:

1) Deborah Kerr wears the most gorgeous dresses. We love that everything accents her waist with a perfectly placed belt. She is stunning but beyond that, every word she speaks or move she makes is done with such grace.

2) Cary Grant is the original McDreamy. Chivalrous, charming and handsome enough to make any girl swoon.

3) The love story is epic. Long before the days of “Sleepless In Seattle”, women found themselves weeping in theaters as they watched this relationship develop. Get the tissues. Get the chocolates.  And get ready.

Quote worthy: “Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories.”

Book with style:

How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World

We heard about this book last year and were hooked by the title. How many “Hilton hoochies” are getting the world’s attention while “aspiring Audreys” wait in the wings? The book includes quizzes, recipes, social tips and even some Friends quotes, which, if you are anything like us, is enough to win you over. We think it’s even a great gift for girls who would like to be known for their class, dignity, and intelligence, rather than their infamous behavior.

Quote worthy: “Self-respect is one of the greatest assets a girl can possess, and yet it’s one of the biggest things we’re lacking these days. Oh, the shame that’s been documented by reality TV crews all over the world!”

Album with style:

21 by Adele

Very few albums can be listened to start to finish without skipping tracks. This is one that passes the test with flying colors. No trace of a sophomore slump here! Some tracks, like “Rumor Has It” have cheeky lyrics and an up-tempo groove. Others, like “Turning Tables” and “Someone Like You” have haunting melodies and lyrics that show she’s no stranger to heartbreak. We love the old school soul in each one.

Quote worthy: “Regrets and mistakes, they’re memories made. Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?”

Warning: after enjoying the aforementioned movie, book and music, you may find yourself craving some old school fashion. We suggest getting on board with the revived cat eye sunglasses trend. Here’s our pick: Tory Burch Cat Eye Sunglasses.

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Though I've not had the pleasure of meeting Breanna, I've known the ever-stylish Brooke since our good 'ol Lee University days.  Brooke's perfectly put together ensembles always stood out in the sea of pajama pants and sweats that is college life, so when I found out she and her sister started a blog I just had to ask them to guest post.  You can check out the beautiful Bryant sisters' blog, Style Sorbet, at www.stylesorbet.blogspot.com and follow them on Twitter @StyleSorbet.  These girls are just starting out, but I'm pretty confident they've got some fabulousness up their sleeve.  Thanks for the fantastic post, ladies!

Que Bella

I had a moment this week that was less tangibly beautiful than…say…Nina and Anthony’s Wedding, my first pair of Manolos, or any of the other things I’ve featured in a Que Bella post to date.  It was special and lovely for a whole different set of reasons, and because I was lucky enough to identify it as a moment while I was still in it, it’s a time I was really able to soak in.

As I mentioned the other day, my brother (and cousin and friend) just came back from recording a new album and Wednesday night was the first time I got to hear it.  I realize I’m a tad bit biased, but wow.  It’s really good folks.  Like…exceptionally good.  So good that, while we were listening I knew that I knew that I knew it’s gonna open some doors for them.  So I took note of the smell of sugar cookies baking and the little imprints on my hands from leaning back in the carpet and the fact that I was biting the inside of my lip to keep from tearing up.  Because when those doors do open- and I believe they’ll open wide- I fully expect to look back on this past Wednesday night and smile.   

Since the new CD isn’t quite ready for release, I figured I’d share a few Dinner and a Suit videos.  One is an update with my brother about the new album, the other is a cover that was just featured on Paramore’s website and Hayley Williams’ blog.  I can't think of anything more beautiful than watching someone you love pursue their dream, and that's just what these guys are doing.  If that's not worthy of a spot on Que Bella, I don't know what is.