The Messy Bun has MOVED!!!

You can now find THE MESSY BUN here!

I moved the blog to a different platform so it would be easier for me to write posts during my busy schedule!

xxx

Alexandra

Not Your Typical British "Boy Band"

...That's for sure. While they are no One Direction (praise mary!), Various Cruelties, stand on their own platform well beyond the realm of mediocre sing alongs. Hailing all the way from London, these lads have created a sound that is all their own, which they describe as a "mod, goth, pop incarnation," with a little Motown flare, or what I refer to as damn good music . Like a good majority of their American fans, there single "If It Wasn't For You" first struck a note with me during a commercial break for Zales. As I ran to the kitchen to get more Flaming Hot Cheetos, I was struck by a few perfect verses coming from my television speakers. Of course, I did what any normal, Generation Y, music junkie would do— I Shazam'd. Obviously. And that is where our story begins... 

After this mind-altering epiphany, I went straight to iTunes to download their self-titled album (as I suggest you do, right now!) and I'll tell you it's not everyday I find myself loving track after track on a single album, but Various Cruelties is the exception. No lie when I tell you, I spent my entire winter break with these guys on repeat. It only took me five nights of singing these songs in the shower, that I learned every word. They're contagious in the most magnetic way. A few more of my favorites are "Beautiful Delirium", "Dry Your Tears", "Neon Truth" and their Ian Brown cover of "F.E.A.R." Just give them a listen, and I know you'll be as hooked as I am. 

I got the chance to see them live at Webster Hall in New York just last month with my best friend, and to say they were epic would be an understatement. Every note, every verse, every second was perfect. It was as if the crowd was watching and hearing the music unfold in front of their eyes; it was electric. To share the night with such an intimate, loyal crowd of fans was the best part. Mark my words, these guys will be playing Madison Square Garden one day soon, this is only the beginning. 

Not only are the guys (from left to right Dean, Beanie, Liam, and Adam) so incredible at making music but are just as equally amazing in person! Thank you so much for making New York one of your first US shows! Oh and sorry to Adam, my drunk photographer could barely hold himself up, let alone my phone. 

See you next month in DC at Jammin Java!


Make sure to check out the Various Cruelties' facebook page, follow them on twitter @v_cruelties, and check them out on their US tour this April/May (dates/tickets here). You won't regret it.

I love you, I do.
xxx

Hey, Hey, Hey...

 (Cardigan-Free People, Romper- Beacon's Closet, Boots- H&M)

Through the magical realm of Instagram's epicness, I have been able to document some of my favorite outfits these past couple of weeks in lack of my MB presence (my sincerest apologies). I'll tell you one thing, they definitely lie when they say college is "a lot of work"—it's a whole lot of insanity. And to tell you the truth, my life is very much an electrifying shit-show. These past three months since returning to the city have been jam packed with interning, school, exploration, and single moments of pure electricity. It is just so gratifying to feel so lucky and on the verge of crazed-lunacy at the same time, you know? Nothing is ever simple, but as long as you're proud of who you are and the path you want to set for yourself, there can be as many fender-benders as necessary to keep things a little serendipitous. 

Here's a collection of a few snapshots from the ridiculousness that is my world... (and yes, the bun wanted to come out to play).

(Denim Moto Jacket, Pyramid Necklace- F21,  Crochet Crop- Free People)

(Boyfriend Jeans, Zip Booties- UO, Beanie-FP)

(Long sleeve- FP, Skinnies- American Eagle)

(Denim- AE, Skirt- Mango, Socks- FP)

 (Shirt, Denim- Second Hand, Beanie- a box of my brothers' old snow gear, hey!)

(Cardigan- UO, Tee- The Addison Story)

(V-Neck- American Apparel)

Check out daily updates @ayyorivera

xxx
Stay cute.

Concert Review: Mumford and Sons!

Check out my Mumford & Sons concert review on the Fashion Institute of Technology's student run newspaper, W27! Check it out and read all of the news right here!

Brooklyn was taken over Wednesday night by thousands of music junkies who made their way to the sold out Barclays Center arena to bask in the melodies of folk-rock fellas, Mumford & Sons. The night began as British singer-songwriter, Ben Howardserenaded the packed crowd with soft folk melodies on his acoustic guitar, and New York natives, The Felice Brothers (who are in fact all brothers) got the festivities started with a country/folk-rock set full of fierce violin solos and the distinct accordion melody that led the group through till the end. An hour after the opening acts performed, fans were becoming anxious to rock out as they awaited the arrival of the boys they came to see. It was finally time. The lights went dead and a faint drumming was heard tapping in perfect rhythm as the cobalt curtain went spinning into thin air—the show had begun.

The beat and screams grew strong as the masters-of-all-instruments Mumford & Sons, made up of lead vocalist Marcus Mumford, who also dabbles in the guitar, drums and mandolin, Ben Lovett (keyboard, accordion, drums), Winston Marshall (banjo, guitar, resonator guitar) and Ted Dwane (string bass, guitar, drums) lit up the stage with their sophomore album-titled hit, “Babel.” As the band belted out song after song, lead singer Mumford took the time mid-set to talk to the crowd, “you know last night we were in Boston…” and as the audience’s boos roared through the room, “let’s see if you all can one-up them tonight.” In that moment the room’s energy hit an all-time peak with chaotically synchronized jumping from the entire arena as the band stomped into the chart topper, “Little Lion Man.” The stage was illuminated by hanging rows of stringed light bulbs which lit up the faces of the band as they belted out genius lyric after perfectly played note, and the passion held in each of their individual voices carried the show forward.

The set slowed down as the band played their carefully perfected song, “Ghosts That We Knew,” and a close up of Mumford filled the big-screen above the stage. As a bead of sweat dripped from his forehead and the wrinkles there appeared and disappeared, the room was silenced as it listened to the beauty behind the carefully crafted lyrics.

Through the passion the band exerted throughout the night, the aura of the room was kept lighthearted and friendly as Mumford bantered on, “You know, I have one friend from New York.” As the crowd waited for the rest of the story, he continued, “and that’s really it” and segued into the next trumpet induced melody. By this point, fans from the floor all the way up to the nosebleeds were jumping atop their chairs, swaying their arms into everyone else’s personal space, and feeling the effects of a little too much to drink combined with dosey doe induced sing-alongs; it was clear that everyone in the room was having the time of their lives through the raw power of Mumford & Sons incredible performance.

The show came to an end with a surprise encore as the band appeared across the arena atop a small square platform and together with one microphone performed “Lovers’ Eyes” acapella in a near beautiful, absolutely silent few moments of pure perfection. The double encore began back on the main stage as the band moved in slow anticipation of the final song, “The Cave” off their first album, Sigh No More, but before the night ended on an incredible note, Marshall asked, “Do you all like Jay-Z?” and to his question came the clear answer, no one compares to the raw talent and sheer power that is Mumford & Sons.

Mumford & Sons will be performing a second show at the Barclays Center on Tuesday, February 12, at 8:00 pm.

I hope you enjoyed my review of the night, lovelies!
Do you like these new music posts? I wanted to include some concert reviews on my blog because as well as fashion, music is a huge part of my soul and journalism is a growing passion I hope to continue.
Want more of these posts? Let me know!
Mumford & Sons and Fun. are two of my favorite bands, and I have more music-filled posts to come this month including two more of my favorite groups right now, Various Cruelties and Imagine Dragons! I guess you can call February, the month of concerts because well, it is! Four and counting ain't bad, eh?

Till next time.
xxx

Concert Review: FUN. at Radio City!!

Check out my review on the Fashion Institute of Technology's student run newspaper, W27! Right here! The review is featured below, make sure to follow along all news on W27 Online!

“All the Pretty Girls” plus a few thousand more New Yorkers gathered last night at the legendary Radio City Music Hall to celebrate a night of musical madness with the indie-pop trio fun. on their 2013 World Tour. The night began with former Jack’s Mannequin frontman Andrew McMahon serenading the crowd with his passionate keyboard skills and intricate pop-punk melodies. At 9:18, the trio, keyboardist Andrew Dost, guitarist Jack Antonoff, and frontman Nate Ruess, hit the stage and opened the show with their hit, “Out On The Town,” from their newest album, Some Nights, setting off the night with a bang.

Fans of all ages hit the air with fists up high as the raw power of Ruess’s voice powered the hall of screaming fun. lovers from all five boroughs and beyond. The stage was magnified by a mirror stretching out towards the audience, allowing reflections of the flashing cameras to create the illusion of a concert under a sea of illuminated stars. The night continued with a taste of everything the band has to offer. Chart toppers from their sophomore album as well as their debut album, Aim and Ignite, came one after another, quick and powerful, including the fast-paced anthem, “It Gets Better,” which sets the tone for the band’s openly powerful stance on LGBTQ support.

Throughout the set, Ruess continually showed his unconditional appreciation for the audience with loving anecdotes and applauding between songs. This only added to the incredible essence of celebration and pure joy as the band danced from one end of the stage to the other. It felt as if a thousands of close friends came together to dance, sing and scream the life out of their lungs on this lighthearted night. The band’s hysterics and jokes on stage were highlighted during “Barlights,” as Ruess smacked Antonoff’s guitar mid song and the pick went flying into thin air, yet Antonoff continued into a wailing guitar solo played pick-less—the song never sounded so good.

This was a special night for fun. as it was their hometown show in the Big Apple and Ruess took the time to dedicate their ballad, “The Gambler,” to all their friends and family in the audience. The concert came to a climax with the beating of trashcans on a fire-spinning stage as fun. pounded the drums for their generational anthem, “We Are Young.” Just as the show was ending, it began again by the raw vocal power of the audience, and the band returned for a double encore of “Some Nights” and “Stars” with the guys sporting matching Knicks jerseys. Highlights included Ruess running up to show the balcony seats a fun.-loving good time, and the band surprising fans with their cover rendition of the classic, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” to bring the show to a mind-altering close. By the end of the night, fun. had poured their souls out to New York City, leaving their fans feeling infinite with a severe case of permanent goose bumps on a night no one in that room would ever forget.

Pep in that Holiday Step!!

Till next time Christmas, It's been solid. 

Now that the holidays have come and said their happiest goodbyes, some of us (not I, mother goose) may find ourselves in a post-celebration slump. For me, that means laying around in my favorite holiday dresses and beanies looking painfully lost, stuffing my face with leftover macaroons, and drowning myself in a playlist entitled, "post-apocolyptic make-out session", whilst trying to focus on the ever-so-fashionable life of Grace herself, and just downright doing nothing productive towards my outfit choices. It's a sad reality. Now, your probably asking yourself...

 how can I style that simple dress that I've been finding myself going back to everyday as you try and look springy as it pours ice outside? 

Have no fear, I'm here, darlings! I come bearing a few of my favorite ways to style something as simple as a plain red dress that I will undoubtedly be prancing around the city in with some strappy sandals and a fedora this spring, and style it up for the winter months. I'm all about a few things this season, beanies and head wraps, mixing prints, and layers, layers, layers!!! Because, you can never have enough to keep you cute and keep you happy through the cold and  post-holiday weight gain, because let's be realistic, while we all will be hitting the gym this next week, let's just embrace our new found pooches until bathing suit season comes around, shall we?

Outfit #1-Aztec, meet aztec, and oh look, more aztec!

Outfit #2- When school girl Blair Waldorf meets Pirate Jane!

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Outfit 1-

Red Dress- Free People

Aztec Print Cardigan- UO

Chambray Shirt- American Eagle

Turban- FP

Moto Boots- Dolce Vita

Outfit 2-

Red Dress- Free People

Striped Shirt- FP

Beanie- FP

Pyramid Necklace- F21

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From the bottom of my heart I hope all of you had a glorious holiday season! 

My resolution for the new year is to blog even more and keep my promise to keep on keeping on with my busy school and work schedule, but I promise I will! From Northern VA, to all of you where ever you are, let's get ready for a even more kick-ass 2013!

Have an amazing new years, my lovelies.

<3

Find light in the beautiful sea

Happy Holidays, beauties! Sad to admit its been over a month since I last posted, but in my defense its been a busy couple of weeks! Finals, and work, and more work, oh my! But now, I am back home in Virginia, sitting on my back porch watching the stars and taking a minute to appreciate the silence and serenity of suburban life. Snaps for nature!! This past week has given me the opportunity to really take notice of the things around me and bask in their beauty, and while I love home, there is still a hole in my heart longing for New York, but hey, this is my vacation, and i'll enjoy all 20 pounds i'm looking forward to gaining (hello, open fridge!!!)

In the mean time, enjoy some photos that I've pulled and dragged into a desktop folder entitled, "unique mashup," because whether I'm writing, blogging, or stuffing my face with macaroni and cheese, everyone could use a little inspiration.

From my mind, to yours. 

Enjoy. 

SANTA BABY, Deliver me a man...

It's almost the MOST WONDERFUL time of the year, ya no?

 The strangest thing happened the other day, my dad texted me, "what's on your

xmas list?" Just a tad confused, I wasn't sure if it was normal or just plain pathetic for college [not so much] "adults" to still compile a Christmas (or which ever holiday you may be celebrating, kudos!) list. For a split second I questioned the tradition, shouldn't I be over having a list? I mean, who do I think I am, Eloise? Eighteen or eight, however, I decided, it's tradition for holy saint Nick's sake! Get your shit together. So, here ya go. A not so much "Christmas list" but a collage of some things I will be wishing for under the tree this year, and there will hopefully be a man that looks a hell of a lot like Joseph Gordon Levitt, but I guess that should go in a list to the Gods, Santa isn't a miracle worker. 

So, here it is. 8 things I'll be thinking about until December 25th. Just a note though, it's so much more fun shopping for the besties, the family, and the roommates, duh!

1. SNOW!!!

Like everyone, I too will be dreaming of a monstrously, white Christmas. There can never be enough snow for my liking, just hopefully not so apocalyptic.

2. Supreme Camo Beanie

The winter months are the time I LIVE in my beanies. Literally, my most favorite beanie from Free People is atop my head I'd say about 10 days a week, yes, you heard me right. *See here, here, oh and here too.* So, I really want to expand my beanie-horizon and pick up this baby to make me feel extra gangsta inside and out. 

Sadly, it's currently sold out, however, Supreme has some other amazingness, right here!

3. Free People Lace Bra

Okay, if there is one piece of lingerie in my drawer that I absolutely am in love with, it is this lace bra. Now, all I want is it in every color!!! Sorry, it makes me feel so giddy to think about. 

4. Marc by March Jacobs Fran Bag

Now, the one practical thing on my wishlist. I understand, the most obnoxious, but I am an avid believer that invest in one amazing bag, and it will last you a lifetime and basically pay for itself. So there you go, Mr. Jacobs knows what he's doing, and you will be mine this year, beautiful.

5. A Boyfriend of my very own

Ok, ok, ok... I know, just let me be pathetic for just one second. Every single year this goes on my new year's (never gonna happen) resolutions list, and luck is never a hot guy, so I figured Santa might bring me so love-beans this holiday season, maybe? Probably not. Hopefully, in the form of a Brooklyn boy.

6. Black High Top Converse

Classics, and so necessary. I think it's about time I threw mine away, although I must say they've lasted me a solid five years. My lowtops got me through high school, but it's time to raise the bar, I mean, this is college for heaven's sake.

7. Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Because, obviously. 

8. A Personalized Fashion Illustration

This is just a personal thing, anyone can take a quick instagram selfie, and trust me, I do, but there is something so captivating and unique about having a one of a kind painting of yourself to keep forever. I really would love one, but if not this year, I'm sure I could bribe my artsy roommate to make my little dream come true, because everyone likes cookies, I'll get on that. 

There you have it, folks! A completely random list of some things that would make me smile this holiday season, but even without any of these things the best gift will be going home for an entire month and getting some much needed rest and relaxation away from the city, which I'm sure will only last about a week till I miss the big N-Y-C, but we'll play it by ear.

Now the big question, what is on YOUR holiday wishlists this year? Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you guys!

xxx

IN VOGUE'S WONDERLAND

ALICE IN WONDERLAND 

Photographed by ANNIE LEIBOVITZ

Styled by GRACE GODDINGTON

If you know anything about me besides my obsessive love for a well-spun top knot, than you know of the monstrous space in my heart reserved for the mesmerizing pages of my favorite fashion magazines. It will never seize to amaze me how a well-written piece can keep your mind reeling or a beautiful editorial can leave you in a drooling gaze for hours. It's like a drug, only more powerful. Every month I cannot wait another second for the mail man to pour my load of magazines into my microscopic mailbox. Now, of course once I wrestle with the old lock and break a sweat, or five trying to pull them all out into my arms, I'd say the vast majority of the ten or so are crinkled, bent, or torn but, they are here, they are mine. After months of planning, writing, shooting, and editing the blood, sweat, and tears all all of the editors, photographers, writers, and creative geniuses is finally at my doorstep, waiting for me to rip them open and feed my fashion-appetite. It's quite a beautiful thing, really.  With that being said, my all time favorite editorial spread that I want to share with all of you comes straight from American Vogue, the December 2003 issue. It tells the story of Alice's journey in Wonderland, with a full cast of fashion influentials and legends as the lead characters, from Tom Ford, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Donatella Versace. Pure genius, I'm aware. And of course, it just wouldn't be complete without a little Lagerfeld action, yes, you know who I'm talking about, Sir Karl himself. Or John Galliano as the Queen of Hearts, ridiculous yet so necessary.

Take a look, just make sure you have something to catch your drool, you'll need it. Trust me.

 Don't you just wanna go lay in a pasture in a couture now? I feel ya, damn you bipolar winter, damn you.

 What I would do to get my hands on this issue. You will be in my hands one day. One day, very soon, I'm sure of it. C'mon ebay, work your wonders baby.

Stay sweet, and stay warm for goodness sake!

xxx




All photo credit from TrendLand- right here!

TEA FOR TWO, TWO FOR TEA!

As the temperature drops, and the layers start to pile on (beanies, and scarves, and earmuffs, oh my!) I put on my springiest dresses and top-hat and enjoyed one last high tea of the fall season with my best girls at the most whimsical tea party on the Upper West Side.

I will share a little secret, if your craving an afternoon snack or your feeling fancy hit up Alice's Tea Cup for tea and dessert! This place is my favorite little hidden gem in the city (thus far) and will deliver a wonderland of dreams in the form of enormous, delectable scones and a million and one tea flavors that will make your heart melt.

Picture this... a delicious mix of black and green tea, jasmine, and lavender. Can you say heaven in a kettle?

Pinky's out. Or not.

To all my readers, meet my ever so lovely roommate and personal photographer, Victoria. We both share a love of horror movies, chinese takeout, rocker downtown boys, and tea parties. Ya dig?

THE OUTFITS

I was totally NOT freezing in 50 mph winds, and I definitely did not lose my hat at least twice, okay?

Kids, always look both ways before you cross the street. Don't think cabs will stop for a photo shoot in session, they won't. They honk, and floor it. RUDE!

How beautiful are these Autumn decorations? We decided that when we can afford to split rent in an  NYC town-home, it will totally look like just like this! So festive and fun! But for now, we will work on decorating our dorm apartment.

On Victoria:

Floral Dress- Trash and Vaudeville

Black Pea Coat- New York & Company

Boots- Steve Madden

My Outfit:

Polka Dot High/Low Dress- TJ MAXX

Faux Denim Moto Jacket- F21

Black Booties- Urban Outfitters

Quilted Bag- Betsey Johnson (stolen from Vic!)

Top Hat- H&M (also stolen from Vic, tehe.)

Stay warm, lovelies!

Make sure to layer up when you go outside (unlike I... *sniff* *cough*)

xxx