We Are A Part of A Rhythm Nation

As much as I’ve tried to force my indie music mentality on Lulu, the girl just loves pop music. She begs for me to play the pop music radio station in the car, and wants to sing (loudly) along with Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. My big problem (besides the fact that I honestly just don’t dig that type of music*), is that most of the songs on pop radio are super sexualized. Especially if they are sung by a woman or girl, but even most of the songs by men are pretty raunchy. They don’t sound that bad until you hear a six year old belting it out of the backseat, and then you feel like a total creep.

So I’m officially on the lookout for some girl power pop music. Here is my current Top 3:

Janet Jackson – Rhythm Nation 1814: This was the very first CD I ever owned, given to me as a Christmas gift by my much older (and much cooler) sister. It still makes me want to dance.

Spice Girls – Spice Up Your Life: I’ve already talked about my undying love for the Spice Girls, but this is my favorite tune of theirs. Plus, remember when they used to do “Making the Video” on MTV? This was a total breakthrough…they’re flying!!!

No Doubt – Excuse Me Mr.: I was obsessed with Gwen Stefani in my teens, and I think No Doubt’s stuff holds up. Plus, she’s a rocker AND a girl, and unapologetic for both. This is the kind of pop star I want Lu to look up to.

I put this question on the Crazybananas Facebook page (have you joined yet?) and I got a ton of great responses ranging from Janis Joplin to TLC to Abba to Blondie to Joan Jett. What do you guys think? Any other girl pop stars out there that rock out without sexing it up?

*Obviously I know this whole conversation is in contrast to my feelings about Britney Spears, whom I love dearly, but still feel icky when I hear my 6 year old hear her lyrics.

**Wanted to clarify that, yes, I know the videos (unfortunately) are a bit sexualized, but I am talking about the music on it’s own…lyrically and suggestively. Girl power!

A Crazybananas Cocktail

Drink

This past weekend, the fabulous Lane came over to my house in her fancy high heels and made me a drink! I asked her to put together a few fun recipes for a “Crazybananas Cocktail” and the girl did not disappoint. This recipe is perfect for those hot, end of summer days. And it contains fruit so I would consider it quite healthy! This is probably why I’m not a doctor. Well, and the lack of medical degree.

Vodka Limeade with Watermelon Ice Cubes

What you need:
– watermelon
– vodka
– limes
– sugar
– fresh mint

How you make it:
A few hours before serving, cube watermelon into ice cube size pieces. Pop into the freezer on a baking sheet for a few hours or until frozen.

Make a simple syrup. Combine 1 c. sugar with 1 c. water over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and add a sprig of mint. While the syrup cools, juice 6 limes. You’ll want about a 1/2 c. Stir together and add 2 jiggers vodka. Pour over your watermelon ice cubes. Drink with a fancier straw then the one I had on hand from Ikea. Or if you’re like me, just enjoy it regardless of the lack of pretty straws and stemware.

For another fun recipe, check out Lane’s blog!

I Heart KC: Donna’s Dress Shop

Donnas-Header

Oh, friends, I am so excited to share this special place with you all! I can’t even remember how I found out about Donna’s Dress Shop, all I can say is I’ve been obsessed for quite a while. Remember that fancy gala Trent and I attended last year? Well, my vintage “Jackie O” style dress was a Donna’s purchase. And since then I’ve found a few great pieces whenever I have a chance to stop by. A few weeks ago, my friend Mikayla and I met at Donna’s for some hilarious dress up time. And we brought a camera…so we can share the fun with all of you!

Above are two of my absolute FAVORITE’s of anything we tried on. The yellow dress on the left is a vintage number that reminded me of an airline stewardess in the 1960s. Mikayla said I looked like one of the fembots from Austin Powers, but I decided to take that as a compliment. The dress on right has rocket ships, planets and cosmic fun all over it. I felt like the teacher from the Magic Schoolbus books. I didn’t buy either of them (I just couldn’t decide where I would wear them) so if you love them you should stop by! Donna’s is getting new inventory every week, from new items to vintage, and many things are one of a kind, so once they’re gone, you’re out of luck.

Without further adieu, here are some other favorites (click on any of the images to see them a bit bigger, if you’d like):

Outfit-1

OK, yes, this is a jumper. Those of you that know me in real life are probably spitting out your Diet Coke right now wondering what the hell I’m doing in a jumper. I hear you. But Mikayla insisted I try it on and it was adorable. So I bought it. I KNOW! I bought a jumper! Life is upside down. Seriously, though, it is pretty darn adorable and I’ve already worn it in public once. Before you ask, yes, it is pretty difficult to go to the bathroom in this thing, but that’s a gross thing to ask. I’m appalled. But not by the jumper. It’s amazing.

Sidenote: I am not a fashion blogger of any sort, so I could not for the life of me figure out how to pose. I told Mikayla that every fashion blogger I read posts photos of themselves looking at their feet, so in most of these outfits, we had at least 10 shots of me looking at my feet. And sometimes pointing. Mostly because I’m subtle.

Outfit-2

It’s a muu muu! But a muu muu with style. I loved this 1970s styled number (not vintage, but lovely none the less) and it was so, so comfortable. It reminded me of something my grandma would wear, but sexier. The sunnies added just the right amount of sass.

Sidenote: In these photos I decided looking away from the camera was the way to go. “What’s that, over there!” or “I am so bored with this, so I shall look that way.”

Outfit-3

It’s another jumper! And this one is covered in cartoon Westies! I had a Westie puppy as a kid (R.I.P. Snowflake, you crazy bastard) so I had to try this one on. Personally, I can’t really do a strapless top, much less a strapless jumper, but I have to admit, it was pretty adorable. If you can pull it off, you should go buy it right now.

Untitled-4

This little number was so comfortable, we decided it might actually be a nightgown. Also, it was pretty see thru, and I wore purple underwear because I’m dumb, hence no photos of me standing up. It was super flattering, but I had already fallen in love with a few other outfits, so I had to turn it down. The yellow purse was just perfect for summer! I wanted to take it on a picnic date. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Maybe it’s meant for you?

Outfit-5

Oh my god. YES! Yes yes yes yes YESSSSS! I saw this dress and immediately did a very unattractive happy dance. You see, I’m going to Las Vegas for the first time with my best girlfriends in about a month, to celebrate my 30th birthday, and this dress just screamed “VEGAS!” It goes without saying that I bought it. But only after dancing around the shop for about 15 minutes. Sequins, I love you.

Outfit-6

So…this happened. For every adorable get up there was a denim jumpsuit that just didn’t quite hit the nail on the head for me. This cat sweater falls into that category. Although, looking back. I kind of love it. And the pants…well, they’re growing on me to. I may need to make a trip back to Donna’s before they sell!

accessories

Lest you think Donna’s is all dresses and jumpers, here are a few examples of the great accessories they have. Hats are always a win, but they also had great glasses, jewelry, housewares, kids clothes…you name it! That wallpaper is from the dressing room, and each changing area has a different kind. I would like them all in my house right now, please.

You can visit Donna’s Dress Shop at their location on 39th Street (right near KU Medical Center) Monday thru Friday from 11 to 7, and Sundays from 12 to 5. You should also follow them on Facebook, where they post new items they put out in the shop (and sometimes will hold them for you if you ask really nicely). Follow them on Facebook here. Thanks to the crew at Donna’s, especially Elena, who was working the evening we came in and was so lovely and gracious as we tore her store apart acting like goofballs. A special thanks also goes out to my girl, Mikayla, who worked the camera like a pro.

We love Donna’s Dress Shop!

Heart-Bag

(all photos by Mikayla Stover for Crazybananas, editing and layout design by me)

Nerds Have More Fun

You guys, I am working on such a super fun post about a certain place here in Kansas City that you all MUST visit very soon, especially if you love vintage, fun and all around amazingness. But (as I mentioned last week) said post is taking a wee bit longer to compile than I’d hoped. The sinus infection and lice on my kids heads last week didn’t help much, and now we’re prepping for school, which starts next Monday. AHHHHH! So I just wanted to pop in and say, yes, it’s coming, and it’s gonna be fantastic. Thanks for your patience!

Moonrise Kingdom

Moonrise-Kingdom-Poster

Have you seen the movie Moonrise Kingdom yet? I want to live inside of it. I got a tip from a friend that it was a great little film, but didn’t have the chance to see it until recently. Everything about it made me happy. The clothes, the cinematography, the super strange love story, the dancing on the beach in your underwear…yeah, it was pretty fantastic.

Moonrise-Kingdom

The main story is about two young weirdos who fall in love via letters and their escape to be together. It’s set in 1965 and I covet pretty much everything the main character (Suzy) is wearing. Other things to covet? Her record player and her yellow suitcase full of science fiction books she stole from the library. Also, the plaid. So. Much. Plaid. This is a good one, people. Go see it.

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