Summer Dreaming

We're nearing the end of my second winter in Boise, and I (like most people) can't wait for warmer weather, outdoor activities, and generally more color. Sometimes, when everything around me seems dead, I like to buy colorful clothes or listen to lively music. I would buy this if I wasn't dirt poor, but in the end, this video will have to do.

I've been a fan of this band, Orange Pekoe, since high school, though at the time I only knew one of their songs. Basically, I'm a fan of any Japanese band that does something other than Top 40 pop and rock, and OP's retro jazz, bossa nova and waltzes fit right in. I picked Honeysuckle not only for the joyful, upbeat sound of the music, but also the riot of color and sensation in the video. Even in the freezing cold, I can put on this video and almost feel the sunshine, grass and pool water. It would only be better if I had a best friend I could go swimming with in adorable suits and swim caps! Sounds like a great project to work on until May.

Still dreaming,

K

Gooseberry Lay

I know everyone's still going crazy over revived 50s and 60s kitsch a la Mad Men, but allow me to direct your attention to another couple of decades that were just as exciting: the 20s and 30s. This time period has fascinated me since high school, and I love sharing it with people.

We've been consciously or unconsciously thinking about them for the past three years (we are in the worst financial crisis since the actual Great Depression, as if you forgot), but other facets of life in the days of flappers, jazz and social perversion are subtly making themselves aware too. For instance, the new HBO original series Boardwalk Empire.

Not only do gangsters never go out of style - just how many people are influenced by Scarface? - but the idea of speakeasies and leading double lives fascinates just about everyone. On the outside you may be a stand-up member of society, a real square, but who knows what you might do after you've tipped a few! The whole idea of going to underground clubs and participating in the counterculture, whether by drinking, dancing or listening to the jive, is still around. Have you been to a secret show lately? For that matter, everyone should learn how to do the Charleston and the Lindy Hop. Not only is it handy to know how to dance, these are the original American dances.

Being fashion conscious, there are definitely styles from the 20s and 30s that I emulate, and I'm not alone. Drop-waist dresses with shorter skirts, cloche hats, pixie cuts and smoky eyes are all still immensely popular, if updated. Why not try a finger wave next time you have a free day to play with your hair? Here are some more shots from Boardwalk Empire to give you some fashion inspiration:

I originally saw these photos on the Classic Bride blog, original post here.

1920s by fishfromheaven featuring a crystal handbag

If you're into webcomics, there's a fabulous one called Lackadaisy set in the 20s that chronicles the adventures of a bunch of people associated with an ailing speakeasy in St. Louis. I'll warn you, the characters are all anthropomorphic cats, but if you can get past that, the art, story and writing are really fabulous.

To finish up, here's an adorable song from one of my favorite bands, the Ditty Bops. This has the cute Charleston/Balboa rhythm and cheek factor of the era, from a modern band.

Keep on truckin' (a cool Charleston move you should look up),

K

Long Or Short, It Don't Matter

The internet has been abuzz the past few months about Willow Smith's single "Whip My Hair", and now there is finally a video. Not really necessary, because we all loved the song already. Her fearless attitude and measured vocal style are enough to admire, on top of her eyebrow-raising fashion sense. This video showcases it all.

I (among everyone else who talks about this video) love her honest swagger and integrity. She doesn't have to inject sex appeal into her performance to get attention. We can all appreciate the song's infectious beat and uplifting lyrics as if it were a peer singing, not some celebrity's child. It's so accessible, even I can relate! I hope she keeps writing, and we hear more songs like this very soon.

What makes your heart beat?

Welcome to my blog! If you're coming from one of the style communities I frequent, welcome fellow critic! If you came here following the link in my Facebook profile, thanks for noticing! And to anyone who finds this blog by another source, welcome welcome welcome.

If you're wondering about the significance of the blog title, here's a quick description: dokidoki (ドキドキ) is a Japanese phrase used to describe a palpitation, most often the sound/feeling of an intense heartbeat. It happens when you experience something that moves you - love, excitement, and ultimately inspiration.

This blog is an exploration of inspiration. I want to share with you what makes my heart beat out of my chest, what makes it want to soar and sing, what makes me grow and question and absorb and learn.

Here's an example:

I am a sucker for pop songs like this. The beat that starts in your toes and sets them tapping, the bass that makes you swing your hips, the guitar/synths/vocals that make it impossible not to smile. Put together in a tasty package of biscuit backup musicians and sassy polka-dot clad dancing front women, I absolutely give in to delight.

This song speaks to me because it's talking about the pure emotion of dancing to a great song - something I can't help but do. It even inspired a piece I wrote for a poetry slam. When I watch The Pipettes sing and dance, a little flame of hope burns in my chest that someday I'll be able to start the girl group I've always dreamed of starting.

That's a good start for now. See you all again soon!

K