Something Old, Something New...

Nothing more satisfying than finding something for next to nothing is there? Our local town recently had a new addition of a charity (thrift) shop! This is a very telling sign of the times and rather something as this particular well-to-do town is more home to the likes of up-market boutiques and I never thought I'd see a charity shop there. But there it is, and I have to say the quality is delightfully up-market! But of course. And even better, the prices are proper charity shop prices, unlike certain other ones who have been taking the you-know-what of recent years.

So I popped in the other day with very little in my purse and no intention really other than to have a look. But I did spend. A little.

This sweet cardigan is so perfectly Julia Childs that I 

couldn't resist it at just €3.

I think it's the colour as much as anything.

And although this skirt (for €5) doesn't look so great on a hanger,

it's lovely on. It's years since I wore something so long

and I bought it thinking I would alter it in some way,

but it's too nice as it is! 

But then, part of my intention not to spend was because earlier in the week 

I had (fatally) gone to my favourite shop, Avoca for breakfast and as 

usual stopped to look at their sale rail on the way out. Shopping with friends 

can be bad for you. Persuasive friends. Friends who insist you try on that

dress that made you gasp when you saw it, and then rave about how perfect it is

on you...sigh... I am weak...I am. So I bought it. And, yes it was on the sale rail,

but this is Avoca we are talking about... 

So I won't be telling you how much I paid for it, even when one friend was cheeky

enough to ask them to knock a bit more off it (which they did!). 

It wasn't huge. It was less than €100. But still more than I would usually spend.

But I had to. And I'm glad I did. Because it is just so lovely.
A friend said it is like something out of Bagpuss,
which is so apt because that is a world that still exists in my head.
Some days I think in my head I am in that little shop:
Bagpuss & Co.
It's perfect. A shop that doesn't sell anything.
It's just a place for lost things...

Take a little peep here.
This is my childhood, this is all that makes me who I am today.
I cannot think of anything that captures it better.

These Days.

Listen here for more of

Danny And The Champions Of The World.

Here's a band we've been listening to over the last week or so, and I really wanted to share this video with you. I don't think it's an official video, I think it's probably fan made. But from the first time I watched it I've come back to it again and again.

Because it is just so incredibly moving. 

It's such an uplifting song, and coupled with footage that is simply people dancing, it somehow breaks my heart, in a good way. Dancing is such a human thing, and done with such quiet joy and confidence and honesty, with no self-consciousness, that it becomes a thing of great beauty.

And watching it my heart is filled with such great love for humans. I can't explain it. But maybe one of you will get what I mean too. And even if you don't, it's a joy to watch, regardless. 

And do turn up the volume a little!

Midlake, For Valentine's Day.

Midlake On The Menu.

I can't believe I haven't posted here about this band before now!

Back in November I was thrilled to read that on the back of their new album, Midlake were on tour, and coming to Dublin. I was still feeling grumpy that I had missed out on no less than four gigs by bands I would love to have seen, so I was determined not to miss this and bought tickets the day they came out.



I've been listening to the new album and it is just gorgeous, with echoes of English Folk that just rolls over you like warm water. I wondered if I would like The Courage of Other's as much as I loved their previous album The Trials of Van Occupanther which is on my list of Albums I Never Get Tired Of, and so far I am loving it. (The above song is from the Van Occupanther album).

Have a listen here for some more songs from The Courage of Other's.

So, that's where we'll be tomorrow night, and I'm looking forward to it, to a night of meeting and eating with friend's, a night of live music, of being transported away for the evening.

Happy Valentine's Day to you all, and I hope you get to do something lovely, wherever you are!

Update: 
It was amazing. They were brilliant. It really is something else to see seven incredible musician's up on stage, playing together like one fluid entity, each playing one unique layer of sound, yet knowing exactly where everyone else is, all in a perfect, seamless fusion of beautiful  music.
And they did take beloved songs and bring them to another level, and it was everything a live show should be.
I have to say, the above song was one of the highlights for me. The drumming alone on this song was heady stuff, and just gorgeous.

So, a happy girl I am. This will keep me warm for many weeks to come!

Pink Mountaintops.

And A Few Of My Favourite Things.

I was never one for fashion magazines. Although if someone produced a Vintage/Thrift fashion magazine I would no doubt be a fan. The only exception might be the Irish magazine Prudence which is not only aimed at people who are broke, but it doesn't have a ridiculous price tag like most fashion mags do. I like that!
This may be why I love places like Etsy and ebay. But of course that takes time to browse, something I don't have an awful lot of. Which is why magazines are great, I guess!

I do go through phases of buying Interiors magazines when I need inspiration, my favourites being Homes and Antiques, and Living Etc.

But my absolute, all-time-favourite, can't-live-without magazines have to be my monthly music regulars Uncut and Mojo. I just love to hide away with these and a cup of coffee for an hour or so and devour every word I can. It's never enough, but there is a month's worth of reading in them and by the time the next one is out I have just about finished it. And you get a free cd each month too.
My favourite pages are the music review pages, which is where I find all sorts of jewels, both new and old, new bands, new singers, new albums, rereleases. It's all there. And if I like the sound of it I'll take myself off to Spotify to check them out. (Although sometimes you have to wait a couple of weeks for a new album to be available to listen to.)

One thing I have discovered from reading these two magazines is the record label Jagjaguwar, which is host to some of my all-time favourite bands like Bon Iver and Volcano Choir. This months Uncut included a cd of songs from bands on this label, some of which I have heard of, some I haven't. And I wanted to share the one that jumped out for me, the one I am listening to on loop.

From British Columbia, Pink Mountaintops.



Their sound reminds me somewhat of Mazzy Star gone somewhat gospel, and someone else I can't put my finger on. Last year's album 'Outside Love' is just gorgeous. Have a listen here. (The title track in particular is sublime).

So, let the middle of the week just slide right on by us. I am focused on the weekend, with the right kind of laidback sounds to keep me company. And plenty of reading material, which I've no doubt will furnish a number of posts here on ~Carnival~.

Hope your week is going swimmingly for you too. And what might you be listening to?

July Flame.

I have been entranced. Yet again.

On loop in my kitchen, in my car, is 'July Flame', the new album from the lovely Laura Veirs. A number of years back my sister, Emma, gave me a copy of 'Carbon Glacier' which she had picked up in the US. I loved it. From the first listen. And the following year went straight out and bought her follow up album 'Year of Meteors'.

When she played in Whelan's the week before Emma went back to the states for good, we went to see her, sat right up the front, and I cried at least twice. She was amazing. And yes, I was emotional about saying goodbye to Emma. But Laura Veirs rocked. In a sweet sort of way.

So, when I read the reviews in my favourite music magazines, Mojo and Uncut, and words like enchanted, suffused, and mysticism were used, I just had to check it out. And it didn't disappoint me. As I said. I have been entranced. And the inclusion of the likes of Laura Gibson and the mighty Jim James of My Morning Jacket just sends me into raptures! There is hardly a wrong note on the whole thing.

Laura is on tour at the moment, though I was very sad to read they won't be coming to Dublin this time. But seeing as Laura is very pregnant I figured it wouldn't be fair to make a fuss!

Do check out her blog over on her website. And while there you can have a look at some of their other videos too. You can also listen and buy her (six) other albums, as well as a recording of a young French choir who recorded nine of her songs, the result of which is a strangely moving experience.

If you think you might be interested you can also listen to more from Laura Veirs here. And read reviews or download songs here.

I so wish I could post the track called 'Little Deschutes' here for you to listen to. I am listening to it as I write, with goosebumps. It truly is sublime. But the album is so new I haven't found it anywhere that can post here. So have a listen if you come across it.

'I wanted to make something sweet,

The blood inside the maple tree,

the sunlight trapped inside the wood,

make something good.'

Vintage Finds~Madrid Style.

Nothing like a weekend away, is there?

As I mentioned over on Milkmoon, myself and Jay managed to escape for a long weekend to visit some friends, Marta and Sam, in Madrid. And as everyone knows, there is nothing better than having someone who knows the city for finding the best of everything!
So, there was endless wanderings around the streets of Madrid, and on Saturday myself and Marta took ourselves off  and we found a number of vintage shops which I was very excited about. And let me say, the prices were amazing.

This sweet dress was €18, and it's in mint condition.

I am loving tweed and plaid at the moment, and I couldn't resist
this rather school~mistressy kilt for €10! It's 100% wool and so warm, which was
just what I needed as we traipsed about in the snow.

And this gorgeous leather bag which we both admired in the window, Marta bought,
and then gave to me (sweet thing that she is!) was
€5.95!!
I love it so much!

I could have filled an entire suitcase with fabulous finds, but as we were restricted both financially and in terms of baggage I had to limit myself, sadly. But I am already planning my next trip, hopefully in June for Finn's 12th birthday. I promised her a Mum~and~me trip somewhere, and I think it might just be Madrid!

With two empty suitcases...

Quietude And Hush Amidst The Ice.

A little tranquility from the lovely Laura Gibson.

Something quiet I have been listening to on these frosted, hushed days, as our world continues it's restful pause. All to soon the clatter and chatter will return. But in the meantime we wrap ourselves up in a coccoon of sweet sounds that carry me through the everyday.

I hope you like it too.

Winter Winds.

Now that the previously enjoyed Christmas music has suddenly lost it's luster, (funny that, isn't it?) we've been enjoying a number of new albums that have done much to lift our spirits as the winter winds continue to blow, without any hope of snow.

Mumford and Sons has been my musical tipple of choice of late, and a more uplifting bunch of songs I couldn't hope to have found. These chaps are from West London, and their music takes what I love about folk music and cranks it up, filling it up til it's bursting with an enthusiasm and fervor that almost rivals the likes of Arcade Fire. It is heartfelt, and lovely, and perfectly put on their bio: They create a gutsy, old-time sound that marries the magic of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young with the might of Kings Of Leon, and their incredible energy draws us in quickly to their circle of songs, to the warmth of their stories, and to their magical community of misty-eyed men.



Misty-eyed men... sigh...

Call me an old romantic why don't you.

Let The White Stuff In.

So, while out in the madness of the Christmas shops this afternoon, I found myself in an outdoors clothing shop and I unexpectedly came across a new clothing label I'd never heard of. It seemed an odd place to have had these particular clothes, in amongst the likes of Ripcurl and Roxy (which I am partial to on occasion), but I came straight home and googled them. I think White Stuff is UK based, given the prices are in GBP, but there's not much else info on their site.

I love this sweet dress. It's called the 'Happy Culture' dress, and I think I love it a tiny bit more than the 'Sleepy Hollow' dress. But only a tiny bit.

And the skirts, oh my. Yes, I am a skirt girl, through and through. Skirts and dresses. And how to make a choice.

So, the Wishing On A Star skirt?

Or the Tranquility skirt?

And don't get me started on the knitwear!

How sweet is this tank top?

Yes, skirts,  and dresses and knitwear. I think I'll be back after Christmas to spend some money on myself. Kit myself out for the new year!

Yes, that sounds like a plan.

A Magical Man.

For the last three years, once Christmas starts to roll around, there is only one album I want to hear. Sufjan Stevens is one of those artists who, every time I find myself re-listening to his music, I am literally stopped in my tracks. He amazes me every time.

There is a magical quality to his music which I love, and a purity that just seeps under my skin. I cannot think of anyone else who creates music like this.

But it is also, at times, tongue in cheek, and often humorous with song titles such as 'They Are Night Zombies! They Are Neighbors! They Have Come Back from the Dead!! Ahhhhh!'

In 2006 he released Songs for Christmas, a 5 cd box set of Christmas Carols and original compositions recorded between 2001 and 2006. And it is this that has made Christmas for me over the last three years.
A stunning collection that I am still getting to know, even after repeated listenings.

And once I start listening to it I find myself getting my Sufjan Crush all over again and I cannot stop listening to his other music too.

Until the kids ask me to stop...

My poor, long suffering friends on Facebook have been quietly putting up with my Christmas Countdown with Sufjan' that I've been doing each day since the 1st of December. A song a day. My kind of advent countdown!

I wanted to include a favourite song here, but it's been incredibly difficult to choose just one. But I think, given the time of year I will share one with you from the above album.



This was recorded in Dublin a few years back. I remember it well because I didn't get tickets to it and was sorely peeved about that! I heard after it was amazing.

And I love that they are all wearing wings!

Yellow Bird Project.

How about this for a perfect blend of music and fashion? Believe it or not I first came across this on a pop up ad on Facebook of all things. A Bon Iver designed t-shirt? How could I not click on it! And I am very glad I did.
The Yellow Bird Project is a Montreal based non-profit charity project that invites bands to design t-shirts, the proceeds of which go to a charity of their choice.

For Bon Iver t-shirt: details and info here.

For Clap Your Hands Say Yeah t-shirt: details and info here.

For My Brightest Diamond t-shirt: details and info here.

For Laura Veirs t-shirt: details and info here.

For Ra Ra Riot t-shirt: details and info here.

And as you would expect, they are pretty cool designs aren't they? And guess which one is on my wishlist?
And if I was buying Christmas presents for my entire family this year, they'd all be getting one of these!

Do check out Yellow Bird Project for more bands and designs. And it gets better: they also do an Indie Rock Coloring Book for adults, with designs by the likes of Rilo Kiley, The National, and The Shins.

'Intended for bearded hipsters and the women who abide them...' 


Sounds right up my street, then! 

Chequerboard

Another music post. I know. But I guess I've been doing more listening than looking lately, and this particular gem is something that just keeps on growing the more you listen to it.

Chequerboard is John Lambert, an Irish musician who divides his time between Dublin, and Sligo, and there is something both soothing and uplifting about his music that means you can have it on loop for a whole day and at no point do you feel you've overdone it.

In the words of The Ticket magazine: Chequerboard is the nomme de guerre of Irish musician & visual artist John Lambert who blends classically tinged acoustic guitar music with glitchy electronica. His delicate, detailed and emotionally charged instrumental music has been capturing the imagination of critics and the public alike since the release of his celebrated ‘Penny Black’ album. (***** 5 stars, The Ticket)

Here's one of his suitably atmospheric video's that perfectly captures his sound, which has been described as soundscapes. Do give it time, it's a slow build.

Check out a series of article on John here on NME's website. And you can hear some of his music over on his myspace here.

Cold Water. Damien Rice.

A personal message.



This is for you.

My heart is broken for you...

Great Lake Swimmers.

It's Saturday morning.

Everyone seems well here in the moth house.

At last...



So, here's the new video from Great Lake Swimmers who we've been listening to on this grey morning.

Happy weekend!

I Heart....

This blog!!

Liebemarlene, Vintage Look Book. I discovered this gorgeous blog a while back and bookmarked it where it promptly got lost in my overcrowded 'bookshelf' of bookmarked blogs (phew!), and i just rediscovered it and am totally smitten! 

Do take a peek!

Grizzly Bear.

Something for the weekend.

Hope you have a lovely one!

Iron & Wine.

This is who I'm listening to today. Another firm favourite of mine.

This video was directed by Sam Beam of Iron & Wine himself.



I love how simple it is, yet so evocative, and so beautiful.

ModCloth.

Well, my lovely friend Lisa sent me an email this evening with a long list of links to ModCloth. They describe themselves as selling Mod Retro Indie Clothing & Vintage Clothes.

We like the same things. Yes we do. And I am totally smitten!.

And Lisa, I'm gonna have to fight you for this divine dress! Even the name... 'Soda Fountain Dress in Ginger'. Mmmm...

They have a huge array of dresses, with a mix of new and vintage pieces, with even the new pieces having a timeless look to them.

Yes, I do love my dresses. Think I need me some new ones though!

And with prices that won't break the bank, it's hard to find fault.

I think there'll be a few more posts from this site as I haven't even begun to check out the swimwear... or the cardies....

Edward Sharp & The Magnetic Zeros

So, something fun now. This I am enjoying immensely at the moment, and hope you do too!



Have a wonderful weekend!