Favorite find: Lorde's Pure Heroin

Photo by James K. Lowe

Lorde has skyrocketed in popularity. Even if you haven't heard of the 16-year-old newcomer, you certainly have heard of her song "Royals" which could be heard on any popular radio station this summer. 

I've followed Lorde for quite some time now, and I couldn't be more excited that she's getting the recognition that she deserves on the brink of the release of her debut album Pure Heroin. While you can't own the album for another week, you can pre-order it (done) and listen to the entire album at this link (and done). 

The New Zealand native's eerie yet addictive electro-pop songs are perfect to put on repeat on a rainy afternoon while studying or staring out a window (which I do way too often). Give it a listen before Lorde takes over the globe--there's no stopping her now. 

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Favorite find: Byrdie

I first became obsessed with blogs, and particularly fashion blogs, in my freshman year of high school. If you asked my parents, they would describe it as the era in which I emerged from my room only for food. As a determined student, I would dutifully research colleges that I could not apply to for another three years and internships that I could not even dream of for at least six more years. 

Of course, I needed plenty of inspiration material to fuel my hunger for all things related to fashion and the up-and-coming online home for the industry. One of the first blogs I began following was WhoWhatWear. I could spend hours watching Hillary and Katherine plan outfits and share wish lists on WhoWhatWearTV. 

In the six years since I first started following the budding blog, it has become a tour de force and can't be stopped. The duo behind WhoWhatWear recently launched a stand-alone online beauty magazine site called Byrdie with Britt Aboutaleb as the editorial director. 

The site is stunning. While I have always been the girl who cared more about what was in her closet than her makeup bag, this site has persuaded me to think otherwise. Beauty blogs are a dime a dozen, but the editorial direction that guides the content on this site sets it apart from any other. 

Simple articles like "How to find the best lipstick at the drug store" are quickly turned into works of art with photos of various shades of the recommended offerings smeared across a white background. I also love the section entitled "Beauty Routine" which highlights what celebrities use to beautify themselves each day with how-tos straight from their own mouths. 

Byrdie has quickly turned me into a beauty girl--will you be next?

Favorite find: Vintage Bowles

In life, we come across many characters. We meet those that are quirky, type-A, eccentric and charming. There are those that never leave our lives and some that only stay for a moment, but leave an impression to last a lifetime.

Hamish Bowles is certainly a character that is not easy to forget. Formally known as Vogue magazine's editor-at-large, the man is known for his exquisite taste and talent. He has been an avid collector of vintage couture for years, and Vogue has recently made the excellent move to film the man doing what he does best for a new series entitled Vintage Bowles.

Stumbling across this series on Vogue's new video channel (which is quite amazing--I could spend the whole day watching videos from their various series. My other favorites: Vogue Weddings and Beauty Mark) was like stumbling across hidden treasure, or more appropriately a rare couture gown. 

The passion with which Hamish speaks of the clothing that he is searching for and his various expeditions is inspiring. The history that he covers in a mere three minutes, like in the video above that delves into designer Charles James' dresses, leaves me wanting more. 

Discovering things like this is what makes me love fashion and how the industry is evolving alongside technological advancements. This series in particular is unique in that it combines stories of fashion history with a platform where it can be appreciated today. 

Characters always have a story to tell. After all, they are part of the story themselves. I cannot wait to continue watching Hamish weave tales of his colorful past and present through this series. Until the next episode, however, I will satisfy my penchant for all things Hamish with these photos from his Gatsby-themed 50th birthday thrown by Anna Wintour herself. 

Oh, Hamish.