Inspired By: Here, Wildest Dreams & Black Magic

I hate when music videos have nothing to do with the song whatsoever. Don't you? These three music videos are super cool, feature amazing outfits, and the song and the video are in sync with one another. 

Here | Alessia Cara

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This song is an anthem for introverts! Have you ever been to a party and just wished you could go home to be by yourself? That's what "Here" is about. Alessia Cara even wrote the day after being at an uncomfortable party. I love the line about rather being with her friends to discuss "big dreams" and "plans to take over the planet."

I went with basics that have a little oomph, so these outfits can take you from day (reading at home) to night (being at a party you don't want to be at). Wear a white blouse, stud earrings, dark jeans, black rings, and black booties. Or  throw on a black tank top, distressed jeans, purple watch, and burgundy sneakers. 

Wildest Dreams | Taylor Swift

The video for "Wildest Dreams" is gorgeous (the scenery, the 1950's film theme, the outfits!) and T-Swift is gorgeous in it! This song is beautiful and it's one of my favorites from her 1989 album. (Also, I wish I could pull off that dark red lipstick like she can.)

That yellow dress is so gorgeous, so wear something similar: embroidered yellow dress, sparkly necklace, red stud earrings, taupe infinity scarf, and black wedges. Or for a casual 1950's look, put on a white collar blouse, scalloped black skirt, heart earrings, and red heels. 

Black Magic | Little Mix

"Black Magic" is like a mini teen movie about four nerdy girls who find a magical purple book. I've liked Little Mix ever since I saw them perform as an opener for Demi Lovato. They're energetic and spunky and tons of fun to listen to. 

For the cool outfit, put on a red lace top, windowpane-print skirt, key bracelet, purple druzy necklace, and black wedges. For the nerdy chic outfit, wear an olive cardigan, purple swing dress, light blue stud earrings, and black oxford flats. 

What music video do you currently love?

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Inspired By: Taylor Swift's Blank Space

Who else has been listening nonstop to Taylor Swift's new album 1989? Yep, me too! I listen to the downloaded version at home and the CD version in my car (yes, I'm that person that sings and dances while driving). The songs and sounds in this album feel more mature and nuanced, but are still catchy and fun to listen to. My favorite songs are Wildest Dreams, I Know Places, Blank Space, Bad Blood, and New Romantics. What are your favorite songs?

I don't usually do Inspired By posts based on music, but once I saw the video and all of the gorgeous clothes T-Swift wore I couldn't help it. Can I please steal the wardrobe from this video?

"I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream"

Whilst still in the throes of love and romance, Taylor Swift wears a girly 50s-inspired outfit at a picnic and you can do the same by wearing a yellow fit and flare dress, pink sunglasses, a knotted heart ring, and pink lace flats. 

Soon the love has turned sour and Swift dons a femme fatale black lace dress. Wear something similar for a night out: a long sleeve lace dress, sparkly dangle earrings, a bronze cuff, and bow black pumps. 

"I could show you incredible things"

During the course of the video and the ups and downs of this love affair, Taylor Swift wears several beautiful and feminine dresses. In one part, she wears a lovely bow dress, which would be perfect for a holiday party: put on a pale bow-adorned dress, a geometric cuff, a pink bobby pin, red lipstick, and black heels. 

For a subtle amount of sparkle and glam, wear a metallic kimono, a light blue fit and flare dress, sparkly blue stud earrings, and pale gold flats. 

Which outfit is your favorite?

Which is your favorite 1989 song?

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Watch | Read | Listen {February 2014}

First month of the year gone! Well that was fast, wasn't it? Did you guys see any movies last month? I saw Saving Mr. Banks and Jack Ryan with my family, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty by myself. I would recommend all of them for different reasons -- Saving Mr. Banks and Walter Mitty were emotional, human, and hopeful, and Jack Ryan was a smart action movie. 

MOVIES
A Fantastic Fear of Everything

Jack (Simon Pegg) is a children's author who becomes a crime novelist, but researching Victorian serial killers turns him into a paranoid wreck, who is afraid of being murdered. When a Hollywood executive takes an interest in Jack's story, his big break turns into a big breakdown. (February 7)

The Monuments Men

Based on a true story, this action drama follows seven museum directors, artists, architects, curators, and art historians, who went into the front lines of WWII to rescue the world's masterpieces from Nazi thieves. Starring George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, and Hugh Bonneville. (February 7)

Winter's Tale

Based on the novel by Mark Helprin, this magical story is about Peter Lake (Colin Farrell), a thief in New York City, who falls in love with Beverly Penn (Jessica Brown Findlay), who is dying. Peter is driven to stop time and bring back the dead. Also starring Jennifer Connelly, Russell Crowe, and William Hurt. (February 14)

Welcome to Yesterday

A group of teenage friends create a time machine after realizing that one of them can be seen in a home video of his own 7th birthday, but as a teen. They make the machine and time jump in order to make their lives better, but it has startling and scary repercussions. (Check out the trailer.) (February 28)

Other movies coming out:

• Robocop (Feb. 12)
• Endless Love (Feb. 14)
• In Secret (Feb. 21)
• Pompeii (Feb. 21)
• Non-Stop (Feb. 28)

BOOKS & MUSIC

Cress by Marissa Meyer -- The third novel in the series continues Cinder and Scarlet's journey as fugitives, plotting to overthrow Queen Levana. Their best hope in accomplishing this lies with Cress, a girl trapped on a satellite since childhood who is an excellent hacker, but Queen Levana will make sure that nothing gets in her way. (February 4)

Somerset by Leila Meacham -- In the antebellum South, Silas Toliver, who was deprived of his inheritance, joins his friend Jeremy Warwick on a wagon expedition to Texas in search of their own fortune. (February 4)

Deadman Wonderland, Vol. 1 by Jinsei Kataoki -- In this graphic novel, middle-school student Ganta Igarashii finds himself framed for the murders of his classmates and sentenced to death in the bizarre park/prison "Deadman Wonderand," but he's determined to clear his name. (February 11)

The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman -- In the first decades of the 20th century, the electric and passionate love between Coralie Sardie, the daughter of a man who owns Coney Island freakshow, and Eddie Cohan, a Russian photographer who ran away from his father's Orthodox community. (February 18)

Little Mix's Salute (Feb. 4) | John Butler's Flesh & Blood (Feb. 4) 

Kutless' Glory (Feb. 11) | The Fray's Helios (Feb. 25)

Which of these movies, novels or albums are you looking forward to?

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Watch | Read | Listen {January 2014} + Bonlook Instagram Contest

I'm changing my Movies I Want To See blog posts at the beginning of every month into something that encompasses all entertainment -- movies, books, and music! Every month, I'll pick a bunch of each that I'm really excited about or that I think look really good to show you guys. Of course these picks are based mostly on my tastes, but I'll try to branch out for everyone. Let me know what you think of this new idea!

MOVIES

The Legend of Hercules

Based on the legend we all know, this movie follows Hercules (Kellan Lutz), the demigod son of Zeus, who is betrayed by his royal stepfather (Scott Adkins) and must battle his way back from exile and slavery. (January 10)

Her

A lonely writer (Joaquin Phoenix) develops an unlikely and perhaps unhealthy relationship with his newly purchased operating system that is designed to meet his every need. This film sounds strange, but also really interesting. (January 10)

Seventh Son

The story is about Tom Ward (Ben Barnes), a seventh son of a seventh son, who becomes the apprentice of a Spook (Jeff Bridges), a man who rids the local villages of evil. Also starring Julianne Moore, Djimon Hounsou, and Kit Harrington. (See the outfits inspired by the book here!) (January 17)

The Nut Job

A mischievous squirrel named Surly (Will Arnett) is kicked out of the park, forcing him to survive on the city streets. With the help of his rat friend Buddy (Eric Bauza), Surly plans a nut store heist of epic proportions that will help with the survival of the park community. This looks so cute and fun! (January 17)

I, Frankenstein

Based on the well-known novel, Victor Frankenstein's monster, self-named Adam Frankenstein (Aaron Eckhart), gets caught up in an ancient war between two immortal clans. (January 25)

BOOKS & MUSIC

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs -- The second novel after Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children continues Jacob's unusual journey with his new friends in 1940. These novels combine YA horror-fantasy and vintage photographs. Definitely on my must read list! (January 14)

The Splendour Falls by Susanna Kearsley -- This story follows Emily Braden as she explores the ancient legendary town of Chinon and begins to uncover dark secrets about the 13th century castle that looms over the city. (January 14)

Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen -- A widow, Kate, and her daughter find healing at a quirky summer resort on Lost Lake run by her eccentric great-aunt Eby. There Kate interacts with her great-aunt's oddball guests. (January 21)

That Old Black Magic by Mary Jane Clark -- This novel is full of suspense, murder, mayhem, and voodoo. Aspiring actress and wedding-cake decorator, Piper Donovan believes she can unmask the killer since he's creepy clues. (January 21)

Switchfoot's Fading West (Jan. 14) | Jennifer Nettle's That Girl (Jan. 14) 

Bruce Springstreen's High Hopes (Jan. 14) | Young the Giant's Mind Over Matter (Jan. 21)

♥ ♥ ♥

Bonlook is having a fun Instagram contest! Be sure to take those selfies!

Tag @bonlook and #mybonlook! Every entry will win a prize!

What do you want to see, read, or listen to this month?

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My Novel: Trust Fall Playlist

Most of the time when I'm writing my novel, Trust Fall, I'm listening to music. I created a playlist that gets me into the mindset of the story, or into a certain mood for a scene. In other words, it gets me pumped! Well, not really since the tone of Trust Fall is dramatic, thoughtful, and moody most of the time. However, if I'm writing a fight scene (yep, there are a few of those), then I'll listen to upbeat and exciting songs. 

Not only does the mood of the song help me write, but in each song there's usually a phrase that reminds me of the story in some way. Here are some of the lyrics that inspire me to keep writing. 

• VersaEmerge's "Stranger": "Stranger, I know so well / You got me tripping over myself / Can't trust in you / 'Cause as I reach for your hand / I still sink into quicksand / Isn't my good side worth rescuing?" 

• OneRepublic's "Counting Stars": "Lately I been, I been losing sleep / Dreaming about the things that we could be / But baby I been, I been prayin' hard / Said no more counting dollars / We'll be counting stars / Yeah, we'll be counting stars." 

• MS MR's "Bones": "Boy with a broken soul / Heart with a gaping hole / Dark twisted fantasy turned to reality / Kissing death and losing my breath / Midnight hours / Cobble street passages / Forgotten savages, Forgotten savages... / These are hard times / For dreamers." 

• Katie Costello's "Stranger": Stranger I've known you for so long / I found you lost with a compass in the fog / Stranger you know me too much / Illusionary self had not been touched... / Stranger you've followed me so far / Until the roads converged, as did the stars." 

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What do you listen to when you write?

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Music I'm Loving Right Now

I don't know about you guys, but I always feel happier when there are new songs in my iTunes library. Somehow new music makes the world a better place, and I'm never upset when a cool song is stuck in my head for hours or days. Let me know what songs or bands you like because I'm always on the hunt for fun song to listen to. I hope you find a new song that you like!

On repeat:

What songs are you into lately?
Have a great weekend!

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Favorite Things

Just a few of my favorite things lately...

New beauty products: Face highlighters!

{L'Oreal's Magic Lumi Conealer, Benefit's Sun Beam (in sample size) 

& Victoria's Secret Luminous Highlighter in Showtime}

Can't get enough of these Starbucks Mocha Frappucino's lately!

{Also, did you know that when you download

the Starbucks app you get a free song every week?}

I won $10 from the lovely Miss Indie to anything

in her adorable shop, Indie Darling,

so I got the Little Princess Crown Ring & the Shy Bear Ring!

This is my archetype! So cool!

A few fun links:

♥ What's your Archetype?

♥ Do you read the beauty and fashion magazine The Kit? Read it online or on your phone. It's free!

♥ Loving this cute, romantic song.

♥ And this inspiring song from Fun.

♥ Love Mr. Kate's fun post about various hats.

♥ Punctuation marks that definitely need to exist.

♥ No one can stop Malala!

♥ I seperated part of my For the Home Pinterest board into Dream Closet and Home Office boards!

♥ Fashion loves: Tiny Mouse Ring, Fairweather Cardigan, Cute Sandals (for when it's actually warm), Polka Dot Jeans, Tribal Wrap Watch & Floral Pleated Skirt.

Have a great weekend!

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Simple Pleasures

listening to this song from the Beautiful Creatures trailer,

spending lots of time reading in bed,

getting back into the groove of exercising and eating healthy,

taking pictures everyday for the photo a day challenge,

reading a pile of magazines on a sunny day,

my dad buying me sparkly flats,

indulging in Oreos and loving every minute of it,

also loving this cool song,

doing a fun DIY for my sister,

&

laughing after finding a copy of The Indy's Naked Issue.
Yep, my old college (Purchase College) came out
with a yearly issue where people posed completely naked!

What are your simple pleasures lately?

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 (Image via Britta Nickel)

Songs To Make You Feel Like An Action Hero

And don't we all want to feel like action heroes sometimes? I know I certainly do.

I guarantee that if you listen to this playlist you'll want to go skulking around your home, checking around corners, and pretending your hands are a gun.

When I'm writing an action sequence for my novel, I use these songs to get into a running-for-my-life or fighting-the-bad-guy mindset.

"Every woman has a secret action heroine in her."

                                                              -Sigourney Weaver

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(Image via MyNewMovies)

Music Lately

School is winding down. I have my classes for next semester. And all I want to do is read or listen to music. I owe this to the fact that it's been dreary and raining a lot.

Lately I've been listening to either pretty, softly flowing songs or catchy, upbeat songs. But I think that's just the kind of music I always listen to anyway. I guess I like both sides of the spectrum.

What songs are you listening to?

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Without Words

I've always loved music. You would think, as a writer, it would be for the words, but I've always found myself more attracted to the actual music, rather than the lyrics. Although I love slow, somber alternative songs and the upbeat, catchy-lyric type, I also have a soft spot for wordless music.

Movie scores are absolutely fantastic, but I feel like people don't listen to them often enough. The music makes you feel what the character is feeling; it's emotionally-charged. It can be uplifting, thrilling, joyous, heart-breaking, terrifying, and most of the time it does so without you even realizing. And that's why I love it.

I like to call it modern classical. Here are some songs that I like...

"The Gravel Road" by James Newton Howard (The Village)

"503" by Joshua Bell & Hans Zimmer (Angels & Demons)

"Meeting Again" by Alexandre Desplat (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)

"A Postcard to Henry Purcell" by Jean-Yves Thibaudet (Pride & Prejudice)

"Obliviate" by Alexandre Desplat (Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows - Part 1)

"The Block" by Basement Jaxx (Attack the Block)

And one not from a movie...

"Optimist" by Zoe Keating

Do you like modern classical, or do you stick to what's on the radio?

Music Monday

Just a couple of songs that have been stuck in my head lately.

"Tongue Tied" by Grouplove

Yes, it's the iPod Touch commercial song. Once you take a listen, you simply won't be able to get it out of your head! It's catchy and upbeat and makes me want to dance like a maniac!

(If you like this song, listen to "Colours" by the same band.)

"Anchor" by Mindy Gledhill



It's a soft, soothing tune for those who feel different than everyone else -- you'll understand when you take a listen. I promise you won't regret it!

(If you like this song, listen to "Marsh King's Daughter" by Eisley.)

"Attaboy" by Stuart Duncan, Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer & Yo-Yo Ma

Ever since I got this song on one of those little cards from Starbucks many weeks back, I haven't been able to stop listening to this song. It's instrumental and slightly country-sounding and absolutely amazing!

(If you like this song, listen to "Requiem for a Tower" by London Music Works & Clint Mansell.)

"Stranger" by VersaEmerge

A fast alternative-rock song that I simply can't get enough of! I love the vocals and music.

(If you like this song, listen to "Surrender" by Angels & Airwaves.)

I hope you like these songs!

Improv Everywhere's Mall Santa Musical

I just saw this and couldn't stop laughing.