Musical moves

Music and sex practically go hand in hand. We've all heard it: Music leads to dancing, dancing leads to kissing, and kissing leads to sex. That's not always the case, but today, it definitely is.

Music choice can be very diverse in the bedroom, depending on the mood. There's always nights when you just want some slow jams, but of course it's fun to spice it up with something a bit more fun and fast-paced.

Exhibit A: Slow indie sex

This would be reserved for artists like The xx (I can practically hear the moaning when I listen to VCR), the acorn, and Air (I'm thinking the Virgin Suicides, so heavy...I recommend playground love). I also love Atlas Sound, Boards of Canada, Bahamas, Deerhunter, Explosions in the Sky, Horse Feathers, Great Lake Swimmers, Grizzly Bear, Sufjan Stevens, Radiohead and God is an Astronaut. All excellent choices for a more romantic feel sans cheese. For the ULTIMATE soft sexy night: Bon Iver all the way!
As for a very new favourite of mine: Warpaint. It will make you melt.



Exhibit B: Living a little electro

A little faster for your sweaty nights spent in bed. I'm a huge fan of a little electro...or a lot. The Avalanches have to be a part of your sexy sounds, and Caribou's "Swim" is up there for me as well. Chromeo is always fun, too! And for those who always love a little throw back, The Crystal Method always satisfies. Other favourites would have to be Cut Copy, Autoerotique, Discovery (Actually an ultimate fave), Ellen Alien, Crystal Castles, Skream, Prefuse 73, M83 and Holy Fuck.



Exhibit C: Rock steady, not too heavy

I have to say, Friendly fires fits in this category quite well. Also...The Handsome Furs, Menomena, The Wrens, Ratatat, Wintersleep, White Rabbits, and TV on the Radio...just to name a few.



Exhibit D: Bump n' grind

Ultimate cheese, of course! I'm talking the old and good stuff right here. How about some R. Kelly and 112 (Peaches n' Cream, as if you didn't hear that song in middle school), B2K, Boyz 2 Men, and...well, you get the idea. These are classics that can always get you in the mood...at least, I think so.



Exhibit E: Hard and fast

A little rough but who doesn't like that every so often? I enjoy some Dizzee Rascal, Girl Talk, Borgore, Sleigh Bells, Deadmau5, Datsik, DZ, Chrispy and Excision. This is the stuff that makes you go a little crazy in the sack. And... what you're likely to whip out only every so often. Not every night...unless you're all for hard and fast 24/7.



What are YOUR songs of choice?

-M

a tale of fashion

Braving the fitting room line is an event in the life of a woman. Whether once a month or twice a year, the brief wait between shelf and body is a time of optimism. Test-driving a state of being wearing the creation of a designer, our over-the-shoulder glances and spins in front of the mirror are taken slowly. The wardrobe: admired, bought, tailored, taken back or worn to bits is an expression of everything inside the wearer. It reflects attitude, personality, and outlook. New pieces draped over parts of old statements paired with soft leather totes and J. Campbell-esque shoes loved for their similarity at a lower cost (because at this point, most of us aren’t able to indulge in the way we would like), and through the wrapping and placing of these pieces, we create ourselves.

Fashion is not so much followed as it is expressed. We tailgate our favourite designers and dog-ear the inspirational lines and cuts of anything structured, or patterned or daring. Through this mental logging of all things appealing, the wearer learns of their problematic inclination toward sequins (think: head to toe), or their inherent ability to pair metallics with broken-in Earth tones. Closing the door, lights from above, we put on the uniform of someone else for a few moments and turn slowly. Watch the colours clash or compliment. See the cloth hug or repel. A stern hand at hip and tilt of the head and for a little while, in that change room, we grant ourselves the time to contemplate exactly who we want to be.

Erin

sneak peek

In a couple of weeks, when Sarah and I have the time to have a life, we're interviewing Ally Graden. Ally is an amazing designer who is just out of high school - and I love her stuff.

Ignore that beautiful face - one too many glasses of wine!

I had to sneak up to Ottawa a couple of weekends ago, and just before I left, I bought this stunning romper.

What do you think of it? I'm getting stoked to write this up!

bare it all

Now that cottage season and lake-side tanning is here and we don't have to fear neverending rain, I feel a post on bathing suits is necessary. Bathing suit season is one of my least favourite as I have to stay covered (i.e. prance around a dock under an umbrella and lather on layers of sunscreen!). However, I love love love trying on new suits and here are my faves from lonely heart!

I love the detailing here on the top.

FLORALS are an instant win (as if you didn't already know my obsession!)

Since I am a consistent "white as paper" shade all summer, I love the idea of white suits to appear darker - and black suits to just completely accentuate the reflecting sunlight off my body. 

The above is my fave for two reasons:

1. Black, black, black
2. The styling in this is different - the hair is let down and it caught my eye in a weird way

What is your favourite style/hints for swimwear? We'd love to hear them!

Going down-down, baby

Today I'm going to throw a little something out there that I feel is extremely important.

When it comes to the female orgasm, special attention is necessary. So that means you can't just penetrate and expect her to have a mind blowing orgasm. OK, yes, some ladies have that ability. Lucky them.

But gentlemen, I'm talking about going down.

First I want to talk about the fear. Yes, some women fear having a guys mouth go south, for reasons that should be brushed away. First of all, smell and looks. My counter-attack - vaginas are SO MUCH better looking then what dudes have going on down there.

No offense!

So guys - make her feel comfortable.

And ladies - Don't be shy. If he expects it then why shouldn't you?

Ladies, time to say, "my turn"

If you are feeling a bit nervous or self conscious about him going down, then just do some primping. It's as easy as that!

Now that you're in the mood...he should be doing a few of these things:

1) Stimulate the clitoris with tongue, finger, or both! Don't be too rough at first though. Work your way slowly towards the mind blowing end. And remember, the clit is the most important thing to pay attention to!

2) Pay attention to her reaction. If you hear a moan, continue that motion, and maybe add a little penetration with your finger.

3) Get creative. Don't just make the same motion, switch it up. Move your tongue in different patterns along the lips and the clitoris. I'm going to say it again, never stop working the clitoris.

4) Be gentle. Don't bite or anything like that...it just hurts! If she asks you to nibble, well, thats a different story. But when going down, start off with light pressure to get her turned on and then you can increase pressure with your tongue.

5) Sucking. Yes, just suck slightly. You're not a vacuum, but if you suck her lips/clit just a wee bit, you will definitely see results. Flicking your tongue is also a great way to turn her on.

And the greatest thing about getting your girl off with oral? When she cums, it's only the beginning. There's still the ride ahead.

And my final word to the men who don't want to go downtown: get over it. how can you not find a woman irresistible from that angle? And I guarantee you would suffer if you were to never receive another blow job. Share the love! ...And the orgasms.

-M

*images via chicagonow.com & weaseltech.com

fantasy sports

I love having a go-to site for instant look inspiration that I can actually buy right then and there. 80's Purple is my site for that, and I love their simple yet inspiring lookbooks. I was searching through today and found this one, fantasy sports, and definitely had to share!

Now I am neither athletic nor do I am to be, but this almost makes me want to throw on some athletic socks and hit a baseball or something. Or, you know, just look good watching friends kick a soccer ball... 

 

I literally live in my baggy tanks all summer. So comfy and lovely! I'm not sure how much I love th high school reference though...

One word - ROMPERS!

almost famous

Wildfox Couture's spring/summer collection has me pretty excited. The LA-based company has themed their line around 1970s rock and roll, with styles paying homage to the groupies and fan girls of their time. Basically, it's Almost Famous in a collection and I want it all.

If I haven't talked about it before, I'm obsessed with 60s and 70s culture. I live for classic rock, swoon over Mick Jagger, and am constantly frustrated by the fact that I couldn't attend Woodstock. My obsession started with The Beatles (as it does for many) and quickly escalated. I devoured all the music and the literature I could from the era and developed a jealousy towards my parents youth. So when I see a collection like Wildfox's, it fits me perfectly. The outfits in this line make me want to jump in a yellow Volkswagen van and follow Led Zeppelin around America.

This Rolling Stones shirt is one of my favourites. Unfortunately, I couldn't find it in their Store on the website. I'm hoping it'll be available soon... I'd probably drop a good chunk of change for it.

So, does this collection make you want to step back in time like it does me?

Love,

Sarah

[www.wildfoxcouture.com]

summer lovin'

Summer is wonderful for so many reasons. The warmth, the sunshine, the beach... It's also a great time to meet new people and perhaps spark a little summer romance here and there.

We've all heard the term "spring fling", but I think the summer fling sounds much better. Think of the hot months you can spend together, and then when its time to go back to the real world....you can let it go. Well, if you want to let those strings fall away. Summer is the craziest time of year so why not have someone to do crazy things with? The rules of the summer fling are simple :have fun, be carefree and most important understand that at the end of the day...it is commitment free!

When it comes to the summer fling, you should be aware that you can have several if you so please. Why date one person when you can explore the sea of the opposite sex?

So, how can the season of flings begin? Well, you might have to get your prowl on, but have no shame.

Perhaps your just looking for a pretty face? A long term relationship means you should be able to hold a decent conversation. But if that hot guy at the bar just isn't at your level...who cares? A few weeks of fun with a person you know you wouldn't want to be with forever just makes it even easier when play time is over.

If you're going on vacation this summer, you'll have the perfect opportunity to find an exotic friend to spend your days with. Foreign flings are great, but don't get too obsessed. After all, you have to get back on that plane eventually, and chances are, he's not coming with you. There's also a chance you could cross paths with another tourist looking for fun!

Flings to avoid...sex with the ex. No matter how tempting it might be, just don't do it. You've been there and done that so why put yourself through it all over again? Why re-open old wounds? When looking for a fling, we want someone new and fresh! Doesn't that sound much more exhilarating? I thought so.

Other than that, don't be afraid of regrets. Just erase the word from your vocabulary if you want to have a summer full of successful flings. Fun is what it's all about.

Oh, and did I mention some great sex/make-out sessions?

And if you feel an attachment coming on, think it over, and if you are scared of the C word, abort! If you think there's something more, then hold on. It might be breaking one of the key rules of the summer fling, but sometimes it's meant to be.

Let the flings begin!

-M

photos via sexedmusic.com and voodoohash.com

how to: rock headwear

Look, it's finally sunny enough to warrant those oversized shades we all love and to shed a layer (or two!) of clothing. But, as Sarah pointed out yesterday, we can't all love UV rays. I am of no exception, as I fry in the sun as soon as I step out into it. I can deal with putting sunscreen on my arms and other limbs, but the one place I stand my ground out is my face. It's not that I am welcoming a sunburn there - it's the greasy mess that happens with inevitable sweat in the sun or when I jump into a pool. Gross.

I have come up with solutions for this dilemna - and it's summer hats. We all need something light and airy to keep our faces looking like tomatoes and our scalps from peeling.

Thus, I propose a straw fedora. I rock mine, all the time, anywhere, when I know I'm going to be outside for longer than it takes to run from my car into a building.

 

I found the above picture on Lookbook, and it features the hat that has now become my mainstay. They're cheap, comfy and help hide your hair after it's hit with humidity.

If you see yourself lounging by the pool or lake this summer, class up your suit with a wide brimmed hat a la ISSA. 

But maybe you are one of the lucky girls (for which I am eternally jealous!) that doesn't have to worry about a looming sunburn whenever you step outside your house. You are lucky and can wear the 'turban'. I wrote about this a while ago, but I keep seeing them pop up everywhere! Refinery29 does a great tutorial on how to one so it stays and doesn't look like a mess.

Just please don't hook your man into wearing the now famed 'murban'...

photo: refinery29

Baptiste Giabiconi, Karl Lagerfeld's muse, wore one at the recent Chanel cruise show. Some speculate this is Lagerfeld's mission - to make these murban's popular.

Do you think this is a good look for the man in your life?

how to: look stylish with a sunburn

Since I can remember, I've had this strange problem where I seem to overestimate my skin's ability to tan. When those summer rays hit and my bikini flies on, I suddenly forget my 100% English/Irish heritage and mistake myself for someone who bronzes with the greatest of ease. I'm terrified of anything with an SPF over 30 (I just don't like being pale, okay) and keep my delicious smelling, coconuty tanning oil on hand at all times from June-August.
Now, I'm not an idiot. I'm aware of the risks and I know to protect myself- but sometimes I seem to forget that an SPF of 15, though it's protection, isn't exactly protection enough for my ghosty pale skin.

Yesterday, I may or may not have been a little too anxious to start my summer tan. It was a beautiful 25 degrees out, so as soon as I hopped out of bed I was in my bikini and in the backyard. I threw on some SPF15 and a bit of SPF8 oil (I mean, thats like, a whole SPF of 23 right??) and dozed off for 3 hours in the blissful sun.
And when I awoke, I was a beautiful shade of lobster red.
Damn it.

We've all been there, victims of a terrible and unattractive sunburn. Everyone makes mistakes (I swear, I've learned my lesson), and since sunburns can take up to a week or two to fade, we need to learn to deal. For example, tomorrow I have two very important meetings that I've already rescheduled once and cannot miss. I will be attending these meetings in a large amount of pain and looking like a freshly picked tomato.
So, considering my predicament, I thought it would be appropriate to write a post on how to dress stylishly/professionally with a terrible sunburn, yet feel comfortable and covered up at the same time.

First, lets be thankful that boho pieces are in this summer. Free flowing, long sleeved tops are my saviour when suffering from a burn. Not only do they breathe and cover me up, but they look great when paired with a nice pant or skirt.

Maxi dresses are key to covering a sunburn. This one below is from Zara, and not only covers up legs but also the chest area (notorious area for bad burns, and the most noticeable). It's professional enough to wear in a work atmosphere, but comfortable enough that it won't rub against your body (OUCH). If it's not too hot out, try pairing it with a jean jacket.

A pair of loose fitting hammer pants are extremely comfortable AND stylsih. They cover up your entire leg, but don't suffocate them, allowing for some airiness.

Remember, regardless of whether you care if people see your burn or not, it's key to cover up. Exposing an already bad sunburn to more sun isn't exactly the best way to heal it. And since it is hot out, I know covering up is frustrating. These suggestions should keep you looking wonderful yet comfortable in the heat, until that burn goes away and you can reach for the shorts again.

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather and keeping up with the sunscreen application. Don't follow in my footsteps!

I'm off to bathe in aloe.

Love,
Sarah

How to: cool down when things start to heat up...

Summer has obviously arrived if you didn't feel that wall of heat hit you these past few days! For those of you suffering without air condition, I feel your pain.

So now that the heat has arrived, I'm sure you don't want the heat in the bedroom to fade. Sweaty romps are fun and all but we could all use a few tricks to cool down while turning the heat up...you know what I mean?

Let's face it, sex can be sweaty. Slippery limbs all around and sweat everywhere could be a bit of a problem. So lets talk cooling down...while still keeping it hot in a different sort of way.

First of all...ice cubes. Take a few and rub them down each others backs, stomachs, legs and arms. It gives you a nice chill, and definitely wakes you up if you have the summer heat sleepy feeling.

Up next...the simplest solution, ever. Get a fan and place it beside your bed. Rotating fans are preferable. It will blow cool air all over your bodies, keeping the sweat at bay.

There is also the good old shower sex. Quite a task, but a good solution to sweaty situations. You could even just hop in before or after hitting the bedroom for a cool down.

Another delicious solution is to have some cool fruits like melon and berries at the bedside. Pop one into each others mouths every so often. Another fun bedroom food is ice cream, popsicles and the like. Maybe a bit sticky if things get out of hand, but cool none the less!

Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine! I know I am.

-M

*Images via sodahead.com and hubpages.com