Versace meets H&M meets my closet

This post is going to deviate from my strict “pop culture only” policy briefly, but bare with me.

My leather jacket has been my signature wardrobe essential since I purchased it at the ripe age of 17. By my calculations, that means I’m well past due for a new one. And have I EVER found it. Please take a minute to revel in the sheer beauty of the following item:

This is the most beautiful jacket I have ever seen. Soft, fitted leather, quilted sleeve detail, gold and silver studded hem. Perfect.

Alas, by the time I save up enough money from my minimum wage job over Christmas break, A) this beauty will be sold out and B) it will be summer and too hot to wear it.

“Titanic 3D” brings Leo & Kate (back) to life

And tears to my eyes.

Because really, James Cameron, was a re-release of “Titanic” necessary, let alone in 3D form? I guess you didn’t make enough money off of “Avatar.” Oh, wait…

Much to my dismay, “Titanic 3D” is sailing (pun intended) toward a theater near you soon:

As you know from reading this blog, I’m a sucker for a good movie poster, and I must say, I do like the “Titanic 3D” one. However, they could have just re-released the poster and called it a day, in my opinion.

Watch Kate and Leo fall in love and the ship sink all over again when “Titanic 3D” hits theaters (and IMAX) on April 6, 2012.

30 Days of Music Challenge: What song has the highest play count on your iTunes?

This used to be my absolute favorite back in the day, so that explains why it’s in the three digits on my iTunes play count.

I give you, “Work,” by Jimmy Eat World. It’s off of their album, “Futures,” circa 2004.

I’m not even ashamed of my 14-year-old self.

“The Expendables 2” poster: where do I begin?

As if the idea of a sequel to “The Expendables” wasn’t horrific enough, the film’s artwork has proved to be even more terrifying. Take a look for yourself:

No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. The poster above actually does have Rocky, Chuck Norris and the governor of California on it. Oh, it looks like they squeezed Jean-Claude Van Damme in on the action too, as well as Jason Statham and Bruce Willis. Yep, this is real, people. No joke.

If you’re interested in seeing a film jam packed with every popular action star from the 90s onward, who has now reached (or passed) middle age, feel free to go see “The Expendables 2” when it hits theaters on Aug. 17, 2012.

“The Avengers” banners more promising than the trailer?

Back when the full-length trailer for “The Avengers” was released and everyone was having trouble containing themselves, I found myself… underwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong, parts of it look awesome, but other parts look ho-hum.

However, I got a sense of newfound hope when I caught a glimpse at the banners for the film, which are pretty sweet. Check them out here:

I’m choosing to ignore the fact that Mark Ruffalo looks less like “The Hulk” and more like he has gangrene.

What do you think? Are you eagerly anticipating “The Avengers” or just waiting for the hype to pass?

Song of the Day: “Holding Out For A Hero”

Ella Mae Bowen’s version of “Holding Out For a Hero” is completely, 100 percent different than Bonnie Tyler’s original, but I also think it’s that much better. I have been obsessively listening to this song on repeat for days on end, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Don’t judge me until you listen for yourself.

My weekend in movies

If you read this blog at all, you know I watch a plethora of movies. Like an abnormal amount. This weekend, I fit in quite a variety:

  • “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987)
  • “Tower Heist” (2011)
  • “Stripes” (1981)
  • “V for Vendetta” (2006)
  • “Alien” (1979)
  • “Footloose” (2011)

Yep, it was a John Candy filled weekend, ladies and gents. “Uncle Buck” almost made its way in there too, but it’ll just have to wait.

I know this is terrible, but this was the first time I had seen “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” I don’t know what I’ve been doing for the past 21 years, but I have my love to thank for sharing it with me! If you haven’t seen it, learn from my mistake. Here’s my favorite scene, which in context, is hilarious:

I saw two movies in theaters this weekend which is pretty rare these days. Eddie Murphy definitely stole the show in “Tower Heist.” I was 110 percent expecting a Ferris Bueller reference seeing as how Matthew Broderick starred AND there was a parade scene, but it never happened. Talk about a letdown.

I hope the following statement doesn’t ruin my film credibility, but I’m willing to put this out there: I saw “Footloose.” And I liked it. A lot, actually. Before you stop reading and shun me forever, hear me out. Although corny at times (Dennis Quaid as a preacher, need I say more), it was also heartwarming and delightful. Yep, I just called an MTV film “delightful.” Moving on before I get myself in too much trouble here…
“V for Vendetta” was a necessity, because how can you not watch it on Nov. 5? “Stripes” is a comedy starring a slacker Bill Murray who enlists in the Army, which I would recommend. It also stars John Candy.
The “Alien” trilogy will be finished next weekend. For now, I’ll keep you updated with what the week brings in the wonderful world of film.

30 Days of Music: What song was number one when you were born?

This is a prime example of why I believe (know!) I was born in the wrong time.

The song at the top of the charts when I was born was “It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette. Never heard of it? I’m not surprised. In no way do I expect you to watch this entire music video. I myself only made it to about the 54 second mark, but it must be shared, so here you go:

Sigh. Why couldn’t I have been born in 1971 when “Maggie May” was number one? (I do believe it was number one in the U.K., not America, but that’s another issue entirely).

If you take nothing else away from the video above, at least take a brief moment to chuckle at the hair and clothes. Oh, the 90s.

30 Days of Music: What is your favorite song right now?

I’m usually a very decisive person (HA!, yeah right) so the fact that I couldn’t pick just one song for my first question shouldn’t be a surprise. I put a positive spin on it and decided that instead of hemming and hawing, I’d just take the opportunity to share not one, but three, awesome songs with you all.

The first is “What The Water Gave Me” off Florence + The Machine’s new album, “Ceremonials,” which was just released on Halloween. Florence Welch’s voice is like liquid gold, and her fiery red tresses would make even Ariel jealous. I know I am.

Song number two is “Punching In a Dream” by The Naked and Famous, an indie band from New Zealand. Just watch the video, it will make complete sense.

Not to be cliche, but I saved the best for last. As someone who was obsessed with Mumford & Sons as soon as their debut album dropped in February 2010 (long before they played the Grammys with Dylan, ahem), I obviously let out a fangirl squeal when I heard their new song today. “Ghosts” or “Ghosts That We Knew” (apparently they haven’t quite nailed down the title yet) will be featured on the band’s new album, which will be released in the next few months. The sooner the better, I say, because this band is proof that good music still exists. Click play, get goosebumps, fall into a trance, repeat. Click here to give it a listen.

Check back in the next few days for challenge number two: the song that was number one when yours truly was born (waaaaay back in the ’90s).

30 Days of Music Challenge: 2011 Edition

A little over a year ago, I did a 30 Days of Music Challenge, a project where I posted a song each day in response to a question.

Once wasn’t enough, because I’m bringing it back, kiddies! With a different set of questions, of course. And it all begins momentarily…

Won't be necessary, I promise.