{via}

Taylor Swift is the queen of fall outfits. She knows how to dress for the season (maybe it was all that time she spent in New York) and she runs with it. 

WHAT KAE WORE | TAYLOR SWIFT REPUTATION TOUR

On Saturday night, I saw Taylor Swift for her last US show on the Reputation tour. I'd been waiting for this for MONTHS, people. It was a blast. Something I couldn't get right, though, was the outfit. 

REPUTATION.

It's been three long years since I've been able to talk about a new taylor swift album, and in true WDAC fashion, it's a must. It was known in the beginning that this album would be a bit of a departure from her precious works, and that rang true with the release of LWYMMD. Jack Antanoff & Max Martin were a driving force on this album, as they were for 1989. (that bad boy pop sensation of a record) Reputation is just as much as a pop record, but with a darker twist, almost a taylor/ lorde hybrid.

SO let's go down the tracklist:

1// Ready For It

This one was a pre-release and honestly a pretty genius way of opening the record, with the ending lines 'Let the games begin / Are you ready for it?'

2// End Game

The Future/ Ed Sheeran collab I didn't know I needed, this track is the most R&B of the record, reminiscent of an early 2000s number. The chorus is arguably the most catchy part

3// I Did Something Bad

Two words: GOES HARD. I think I nearly broke my back trying to dance during the first listen. The lyrics are incredibly cohesive with the POV she tries to convey throughout much of the album: the POV of the victim, the manipulator. (AKA her reputation.. get it yet?)

4// Don't Blame Me

I don't like playing favorites but this is no doubt up in the top three. The beat is INCREDIBLE, very syntho and the lyrics are her signature haunting ones.

5// Delicate

Imogen Heap vibes on this track, especially in the opening notes. This is a different kind of love song than we're used to with Swift, but that's what makes it so haunting and pretty. 'Is it too soon to do this yet / cause I know that it's delicate.'

6// LWYMMD

When this track was first released, it was my favorite because I didn't have anything to compare it to. (although it took me a bit to get used to) While it's still genius lyrically, it doesn't necessarily compare to the others.

 7// So It Goes

Maybe the most different track of the album, So It Goes is a love song of sorts, with lines such as 'all our pieces fall right into place , get caught up in a moment , lipstick on your face / So it goes… I'm yours to keep / And I'm yours to lose'

8// Gorgeous

I don't even have anything to say on this one other than STILL OBSESSED.

9// Getaway Car

Such a lyrically cohesive song. About a relationship gone wrong, it's a catchy little track that reminds me of Style somehow, even though they're not necessarily related. As she says, 'nothing good starts in a getaway car.'

10// King Of My Heart

From what I've seen, this is the most underrated track on the record, about how sometimes a love comes when you're perfectly fine on your own, and they end up being the one you were waiting for.

11/ Dancing With Our Hands Tied

This reminds me of Wildest Dreams in that it's about a love that you basically know will end, but you hold onto it as much as you can anyway. 'You said there was nothing in the world that could stop it / I had a bad feeling'

12// Dress

A more scandalous song (as taylor songs go at least) about a secret love, and my favorite thing about it is her vocals on the chorus. They're almost haunting. (wow, how many times can I use that word)

13// This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things

I like the placement of this song, because as the album progresses she gets happier and then chiller and then BAM, don't forget. I may have also nearly broken my back dancing to this one. She said she purposefully made the chorus sound like a bunch of schoolchildren because that's what she felt like she was dealing with, and ain't that a mad.

14// Call It What You Want

Hands down my favorite of the pre-releases, CIWYW is a love song if I ever heard one, and there's a hint of self empowerment somewhere in there. 'All the liars are calling me one / Nobody's heard from me for months / I'm doin' better than I ever was '

15// New Year's Day

Taylor always picks the perfect tracks to close out a record, and this time is no different. With NYD we get the ballad she's so great at making, and with this she makes it clear that the old Taylor isn't as dead as she wanted us to think.

WDAC RANKING:

1// I Did Something Bad

2// Don't Blame Me

3// Delicate

4// Call It What You Want

5// New Year's Day

6// Gorgeous

7// TIWWCHNT

8// Ready For It

9// Getaway Car

10// Dress

11// End Game

12// Dancing With Our Hands Tied

13// So It Goes

14// King Of My Heart

15// LWYMMD

(please note, this is not an accurate ranking. It was more like sophie's choice)

Have you heard the album? TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS!

xo,

kae

BITS & BAUBLES | THREE THINGS FROM AUGUST

Hey, ya babes!

It's the end of August, can you BELIEVE? It's time for another bits & baubles, this time on what I listened to, watched, and did.

There's A LOT going on right now, in the world & in life. I haven't really spoken about Houston, if only because I feel so helpless not knowing what to do. It's so strange, being in the same state that a natural disaster caused so much devastation in. Luckily, the Red Cross is still taking donations & any little bit helps. My heart always breaks for the pets in these situations & Miranda Lambert's rescue, MuttNation, is doing a lovely thing: they've made an amazon wishlist of supplies needed. More info is here.

Now on to something a bit more cheery: CLOTHES. I've decided to re-start up my poshmark again & really start dedicating some time to it. It's actually really fun styling the flatlays! If you wanna check out what's new, head to @kaeleenmichelle.

As I talked about in this post, I've been obsessed with the bold type. It's so feminist & modern & genuinely funny, plus the main girls are all AMAZING. The mid-season is nearly over, but you can catch up here!

As for music, let's talk about taylor. Y'all know I'm biased & she could literally sing a chinese take out menu & I'd be happy. But WOW. First, if you haven't heard the new song OR WATCHED THE VIDEO, do it now. When the song first came out I honestly didn't know what to think. I wanted to like it but it was so... different. But that's the whole point. & the amount of symbolism in the video! I just love art, & she's definitely an artist. Will you be getting her new album?

ALSO aly & aj are BACK & their single is so '80s inspired and I'm in love. 

Annnnd after writing this I've realized we've actually covered four topics... oh well. Twisted clickbait?

Tell me all about your month!

xo,

kae

HOW TO BE HAPPY

{outfit deets found here}

Exactly one year ago I was standing in the middle of a crowd of 60,000 strangers listening to the girl that connected all of us. 
At some points it was less of a concert & more like a therapy session with your best friend, & during one of those therapy moments she mentioned the importance of diagnosing happiness. I can't remember the exact quote, but the jist of it was that happiness is fleeting, & so it's important to recognize when it happens and let it happen. 
In this moment, I am happy.
My mind clicked, & in that moment, I was in fact, indescribably, purely, happy. Since then, I've been trying to remember to do that, to recognize the moments of happiness. Because it is fleeting sometimes. Life isn't always good, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't get to enjoy it while it is. Why SHOULDN'T you let yourself be happy? Let yourself take on the mind of a child & laugh until you can't breathe. Stand out in the sun & feel the sharp blades of grass against your bare feet. Live. 
I don't think there's an exact formula for true happiness. It's different for everyone, but the basics are universal. Things aren't always going to be good. You may have a bad day, or a bad month, even a whole dang year. But that doesn't mean you can't find the good & the happy or that you don't deserve it. You do. & if you look hard enough, most times it's there, waiting for you.   Sometimes it's in the form of a person, a puppy, or even in a giant, beautiful slice of pizza. There's magic in everything. 

xo,

73 Questions

{sunglasses | similar dress & shoes}

If you haven't noticed the pattern already, when Taylor Swift does something there's a pretty good chance it's going to end up on here. It's just life, man. 

Anyway, all the cover stars of Vogue get asked 73 questions to go with their cover, & Taylor is the latest. (She is SO CUTE I can't) I love learning things about other people which is why things like 73 Questions and US Weekly's 25 Things You Don't Know About Me are so interesting to me, and I was so excited when Vogue asked me I decided to do my own version!

So here are all 73 (although Cosmo has pointed out they only asked 70!? WHAT IS THE TRUTH Vogue) questions, answered by me. Some of them have to do with her career, so I've edited a few of those a bit since I personally have zero grammys. (one more childhood dream down the drain)

1//  What's keeping you busy these days?

Binge watching.

2//  What's the most exciting thing in life right now?

Hmm... I'm almost done with the semester!

3//  What are you completely bored of in life right now?

Kylie Jenner's lip kits

4// What is something that recently moved you?

I've talked about this recently, but that Amazon commercial with the dog. Why? How can so many feelings happen in thirty seconds?

5// How many guitars do you own?

I actually have one! But I can't play it. I tried to teach myself like six years ago... it wasn't all that pretty.

6// What's the first blog post you ever wrote?

I had written a few on blogs that are long gone, but my very first on this one is on Lauren Conrad. Still love her!

7// What's the first thing you do when you get an idea for a post?

I'll save it to the notes in my phone, or if I'm at my computer already I'll just type up a working title and draft it.

8// What's your blog writing process?

I wish it was super organized and streamlined, but I kinda just go. Some posts need more research, so I'll do that if necessary. I usually take photos beforehand and sometimes I'll write the post in blocks and put it all together.

9// What type of posts take you the least amount of time to write?

Probably outfit ones, because the photos tell half the story with those. 

10// Which ones take you the longest?

Ones that require a little extra focus; sometimes I just can't get in the writing mindset! 

11// Is this the room where you write?

Yeah, I usually write in my room, but other places too. It's kind of scattered.

12// Who is your favorite teacher?

I had a few in high school but there was one senior year, she was my government and psych teacher and her name was Mrs. Russell. I haven't forgotten the things she taught!

13// If you could teach one subject in school, what would it be?

 English! For awhile I actually thought about pursuing an English degree so I could teach it. 

14// What's your favorite beverage?

Coffee

15// What's your favorite cocktail?

Margaritas are never a wrong answer.

16// What's your favorite food?

Pizza has been my answer to this question since I was like six. It will probably never change. To add on to that, I could also live on mac & cheese. Great adulting, am I right? Oh wait. You're supposed to be asking the questions.

17// What would you order at a drive-thru?

A cheeseburger, always.

18// What was the best birthday cake you'd ever had?

Any cake with buttercream frosting.

19// What was the last thing you baked?

I honestly don't remember. Probably cookies? (I'm such a baker, obviously)

20// What one thing do you need to have in your fridge at any given time?

Wine.

21// What's one thing you still have from your childhood?

All my journals that I used to write about my crushes in, which for the longest time included Jesse McCartney. Oh, young love.

22// What's your favorite TV show of all time?

I can't do this, I really, really can't. It's split even in thirds with Friends, Gilmore Girls, & Boy Meets World. 

23// Favorite TV show that currently on the air?

Grey's & Pretty Little Liars. It's funny, as much as I say I hate PLL, it's still a favorite. Free me.

24// What is your favorite movie?

Clueless.

25// What was a movie that made you cry your eyes out?

SO many movies make me cry! But I'll say the first one that opened the floodgates was A Walk to Remember. It was all downhill from there.

26// Why do you think people follow you on Instagram?

Sometimes I pose with coffee.

27// Have you ever googled yourself?

I have!

28// What do you think when you google yourself?

I like that I'm not famous.

29// If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Healing people. Hey, Taylor & I have the same answer!

30// If you weren't a blogger, what would you be doing?

Being Reese Witherspoon.

31// Can you show me a really cool or bizarre talent?

Well I can't really show you anything, but that's alright because the coolest talent I've got is my sarcasm. That's totally a talent.

32// What's something you can't do?

I can't draw, THANKS MOM. (she can't draw either) (sorry I'm calling you out, mom)

33// What's the best compliment you've ever received?

That I'm kind.

34// What's the best gift you've ever received?

My childhood dog. More recently? My record player two Christmases ago. 

35// What's one habit you wish you could break?

Looking at my phone in bed. 

36// Do you have any nicknames?

Yeah, Kae or KK

37// What surprises you the most about people?

I'm pleasantly surprised by genuine people.

38// What makes you laugh no matter what?

My dog is ridiculous and I wish my phone could be recording her like, every second.

39//  What does creativity mean to you?

Creativity means having that spark and passion for something and turning it into something beautiful.

40// I found out that Nicole Kidman swam with sharks. What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done?

Riding Judge Roy Scream a few years ago at Six Flags.......

41// What's your favorite lyrics of all time?

WOW I have so many, but a line that always sticks out to me is "You call me up again just to break me like a promise/ So casually cruel in the name of being honest" from All Too Well.

42// What's one blog post you wish you had written?

Like all of them that Taylor writes.

43// What's a favorite memory from the last five years?

Meeting some of my best friends.

44// Is taking outfit photos harder than it looks?

So much harder. Especially when you're your own photographer! There are only so many ways you can hide your camera clicker.

45// What's one accomplishment you're most proud of?

Going back to school. It seems like a little thing, but it was big for me.

46// What's something you've always wanted to try but you are too scared to do?

You can't really "try" tattoos, but I've always wanted a tiny one but I'm such a pain wimp.

47// What's your spirit animal?

An elephant. I don't know why, I just feel like we get each other.

48// If you could get on a plane right now and go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Paris. I need to be in Paris.

49// Any advice for someone who wants to become a blogger?

Register a domain name asap. Research photography. WRITE!

50// Any pre-blogging rituals?

I drink coffee.

51// What's the most difficult thing write to about and why?

The really personal posts, not because I'm afraid of writing them, but it's just kind of daunting. But I'm always proud of the end result.

52// How many cats are in this room?

None, but there is a dog on a pillow.

53// If you were a dog, would you get along with your dog?

Probably, because we're both small and feisty when we don't get our way. (ha)

54// What's your favorite dog breed?

Chihuahuas and jack russells obviously....  pugs are also adorable.

55// What's the coolest thing in this room?

I could sound pretentious and say my records but my dog is in here so.... Stevie is the coolest thing in the room.

56// If you could raid one woman's closet, who would it be?

How many times can I mention Taylor Swift today? Taylor Swift.

57// What's your favorite fashion trend of all time?

DENIM

58// Besides your phone and wallet, what's a couple must have items?

Lipstick is essential always.

59// Can you tell me what you'll be wearing tomorrow?

I have no idea. Let me look at the weather and get back to you.

60// What did you want to do with your life at age 5?

I wanted to be a lot of things at that age, but I think a veterinarian was at the top of the list. Cut to a couple years later when I realized what putting animals down meant......

61// What do you wish you knew at 19?

That was only (almost) three years ago wow. Um I think I'd tell myself that it's okay to not know who you are. You'll find that girl eventually.

62// What won't you be doing in ten years?

I hope I won't still be living with my parents.... not that I don't love it!

63// What do you think is the most important life lesson for someone to learn?

People change people. Would you judge me if I told you that was from Girl Meets World? 

64// What can you say in another language?

I can say por favor........

65// What do you love most about the town where you grew up in?

I like its home-y feel.

66// What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

Starting this blog.

67// Most spontaneous thing you've ever done?

Starting this blog.

68// What's one goal you are determined to achieve in your lifetime?

I am going to New York Fashion Week one day.

69// What is your favorite scented candle?

It changes, but right now I love this one called Sweet Sangria.


HOW DID I GET ONLY 69 QUESTIONS?? Math is weird.

These questions were fun to answer & now it's your turn to answer some of them! Tell me all the things.

xo,

Herself.

The grammys are probably old news already, since they were ya know, two days ago, but there's one topic still on my mind. Maybe it's my feminist self, maybe it's my Taylor Swift bias, maybe it's this post by another Taylor that had me yelling "preach" the whole time. (except I read it in the middle of the break room at work, so it was more of a silent yell)

{via}

In any case, if you've heard anything about Kanye West in the last couple of weeks, you know about his highly misogynistic new song Famous, which Taylor is a subject of. When the song leaked, most everyone was defending her (which I adored) and when she won album of the year she took her speech as an opportunity to stand up for herself in the classiest way possible.

So why is it that the majority of articles I've seen called her speech a "diss?" 

Why is it that people were getting genuinely mad at her on twitter for being excited for her friend Ed Sheeran when he won?

Why are people so fickle, turning on something or someone at a moment's notice, for no real reason? Do you really dislike successful, genuine women that much? Really.

And to any man who thinks they can undermine a woman's accomplishments and claim them as your own, you can't.  Arrogance won't get you very far, my dear.

Like the saying goes, "Behind every successful woman is herself." And the best shade of lipstick, duh. (So I added that part, sue me) Anyway, this probably isn't my most well thought out or put together post, but this is the stuff that keeps me up at night. It also keeps Stevie from her dog dreams because she has to hear about it.

How do you feel about it all?

From My Kitchen to Yours | T. Swift's Yummy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Over the weekend, a tiny miracle happened.

I baked.

I baked cookies to be exact. But not just any cookies: pumpkin chocolate chip ones.

If you know anything about me, you should know that I pretty much trust anything Taylor Swift says, so obviously I knew the recipe I had been wanting to try for forever would be amazing. However, could I make it amazing? 

I was feeling a little iffy, but daring.

The only variation of this recipe that I (and Taylor) made was that instead of regular chips, I used Baker's chocolate bars and cut them (I found using a serrated knife works best) into various sizes.

After twenty minutes of agony, it was time for the verdict. Were they perfect little pinterest worthy circles? Not even close. But were they good? So good. I breathed a heavy sigh of relief and proceeded to eat an entire dozen. 

Okay. Maybe just half a dozen. (If you plan on making these for Thanksgiving plan on making lotsa extras)

Have you ever made these gooey gems? 

1989 | One for the Books

Oh how Saturday night was one for the books. 

If you follow my snapchat (shameless @kaemichelle promo) that became embarrassingly clear early on in the evening. 

Things happen while preparing for Taylor Swift, and then you learn some things once you're actually there. Like:

// The fact that Taylor is not human. You realize that she is instead in fact some sort of magical fairy that sprinkles pretty dust on everything she touches. 

// Sometimes the moms have way more fun than their kids. And that's totally cool. You do you, moms. 

// Two hours is really not enough time at all.

// I could write this whole big thing on the show, (trust me, it's on loop in my mind) but I think everything can be summed up into this:

Taylor Swift shows are a fairytale wonderment that everyone should get to experience. 

How to Prepare for a Taylor Swift Concert

When preparing for a Taylor Swift concert, there's some important things to keep in mind:

Gather the essentials. Try not to cry. Cry anyway. Repeat. Sounds reasonable.

Army of essentials 

You'll need some staples for the night. Examples? Red lipstick. Camera. Glitter. In fact, cover yourself in the stuff. (Metaphorical glitter works too)

Try not to cry. 

I get it, this is like, a big deal or whatever. But try not to make a fool out of yourself, yeah? Get it together. 

Cry anyway.

Did you actually think you could get it together?

Repeat.

This awful great post is actually a lowkey (I started saying that word ironically and now I can't stop) way of trying to keep myself chill for the weekend.

That being said, tell me if you've seen her this tour. I wanna know ALL THE THINGS.

Taylor Swift made me do it.

I haven't worn a pair of overalls since I was about five years old. It's a 90's trend that I was horrified was coming back. Overalls? Shortalls? Eek.

I could just hear that Clueless line, "She could be a farmer in those clothes." I couldn't see how it could be possible to make overalls chic. 

But if anyone can get me to do something out of my comfort zone, it's Taylor Swift. The moment I saw her wearing this little number, I was in love. And inspired. 

I think the look of overall shorts, or "shortalls," are an updated take and they're perfect for summer, obviously.

Most crop tops don't come up as high on my 4'10" frame, but I made it work for me. Since overalls are denim, you can get creative with the tops. They can be print or plain, whatever you're feelin. 

Paired with a pretty bag and some wedges or sandals for a more casual feel, the look is complete. 

And then all at once, I become an overalls girl.

What is your opinion on overalls? Rocked the look lately? Tell me how you do it!

Shortalls | Mudd

Crop top | About a Girl

Bag | Kate Spade

Sunglasses | Target

Wedges | AE

On finding yourself.

If present day me had told high school me that I would end up taking a {very long} break from college and move back home on some sort of journey of self discovery, high school me would've laughed. She would've rolled her eyes and said firmly, "No. I'm graduating in four years. That's that." 

The thing is, not everything works out the way you plan. Life happens and sometimes you end up losing yourself along the way. What happens then? When you can't remember the person you used to be but you want so desperately to go back to that person? You have to start over in a way, and the thought can be overwhelming.

I think it's all about becoming free. Finding yourself is kind of an art, just like a lot of things in life. There's a line in the chorus of the song "New Romantics" by Taylor Swift that says "The best people in life are free," and I saw a tumblr post {If I could find it again I'd link it} talking about how this person thinks maybe the line means that the best people are those who are confident and good and who have been able to find themselves. And because of that, they are free. I can't be sure what Taylor was thinking when she wrote that line- this could totally be like in english class when the teacher is sure a line about apples is all metaphorical when really the author just wanted to write about apples. I don't know. But I like the idea of setting yourself free by finding who you are.

{via Emma}

Falling in love with your life is a slow, long process, but it seems like once you get there you seem to just radiate happiness and confidence and none of the little stuff matters anymore. I think that I'm finding myself little by little each day, in the things that bring me joy and light and laughter. What things bring that for you? Do them. Do them everyday, even if you don't feel like it. 

Fake it. Surround yourself with only good people. Say yes more. Soon you'll start to see glimpses of the person you used to be.

I believe that when you've truly found yourself, you become both who you once were and someone totally new. That's the most beautiful part. 

How do you find yourself?

The best songs of 2014

If I'm being totally honest, 2014 wasn't a super great year in music. I think there were more songs I couldn't stand than ones I fell in love with. {For a complete list of the horrors, check out Helene's post}

Luckily, not all of it was bad. In fact, some of it was pretty dang good. So without further ado, here are my picks for the best songs of the year, listed in no particular order because I just can't make those kinds of musical decisions.

10// Ain't It Fun- Paramore

I went through a serious Paramore phase a few years ago, but I hadn't really been following them for a while. And then they came out with new music and all was well. Best lyric: "It's easy to ignore trouble when you're living in a bubble." Ain't that the truth.

9// Thinking Out Loud- Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran could sing items from a grocery list and I'd swoon. This was one of my favorites from his X album and I'm really glad it got released as a single. Best lyric: "I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways, maybe it's all part of a plan." He's so good at the words thing.

8// Pretty Hurts- Beyonce

This has got to be one of Bey's most underrated songs. It didn't really get the attention that Drunk In Love or Surfboard did, and it should have. Best lyric: "Perfection is a disease of a nation." Because it really is.

7// Rather Be- Clean Bandit

I'd never heard of these people before, but this song has such a good beat to it and it's really feel-good. Best lyric: "Know with all of your heart you can't shake me."

6// Latch- Disclosure & Sam Smith

I love everything about this song. The electronic feel, the lyrics, Sam Smith's voice.... all of it. Best lyric: "I think we're close enough, I wanna lock in your love." 

5// Try- Colbie Caillat

This song is so beautifully done. Best lyric: "Don't you like you? Cause I like you." So important.

4// Stay With Me- Sam Smith

I'm sayin' it again, his voice is everything. Such a powerful ballad that had me yelling the words for weeks. That still happens, actually. Best lyric: "You can lay with me so it doesn't hurt." Actually Sam, that line does hurt, thank you very much.

3// Fireproof- One Direction

The song is good. Like, really good. Best lyric: "Nobody saves me baby the way you do." Aw.

2// Yellow Flicker Beat- Lorde

I could go on about Lorde for hours. She's incredible. Best lyric: "I'm a princess cut from marble, smoother than a storm."

1// Shake It Off,  Blank Space, and the entirety of 1989.
#1 didn't happen on purpose I promise.

Best lyric: "It's like I got this music in my mind sayin' it's gonna be alright."

Best lyric: "Cause darling I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream."

I guess 2014 wasn't horrible for music. I'm ready to see what 2015 has for us...

What songs are on your best {or worst} list?

*Linking up with Helene today!

Plaid shirt days

 

 

Plaid shirts are an autumn and winter essential. So are sweaters. Put the two together and you've just made a little bit of magic. Or at least it feels like it.

Sweater | Mossimo

Leggings | xhilaration

Scarf | Unknown

Earrings | LC by Lauren Conrad

Combat boots | Kohl's

Song of the week Wednesday

When I heard that Helene was starting something called Song of the Week Wednesday, I was pretty excited. I incorporate music a lot on the blog anyway because it's such a huge part of my life. 

So, this week I'm gonna be totally predictable and put in a Taylor Swift song.

Bonus: Because I can't just be normal and leave it at one song. Please watch this video and be amazed by her genius. That is all.

 
Tell me your song of the week!

1989.

It feels like I've been waiting for Taylor Swift's new album for the longest time and I was so excited to finally hear it. Like with each of her albums, I chilled out on my bed, liner notes in hand, ready to go, and listened.

After the initial shock of ohmygoshnewTaylormusic, I actually had thoughts about each of the songs and which ones could become my favorites, {a very hard decision to make.} and I've written them down for you.

Disclaimer: These are very biased and all over the place thoughts. Now that that's out of the way.......

Welcome to New York: I feel like Taylor always has really good opening tracks, and I fell in love with this one the moment she released it. It makes me want to take the next flight to NY and stay for a really long time.

Blank Space: Definitely on my top five. The beat is so catchy and the lyrics are clever in her most signature way.

Style: More of a retro feel that I really love and the hook is genius.

Out of the Woods: Jam. So much jam.

All You Had To Do Was Stay: Another catchy beat. My favorite line? "People like me are gone forever when you say goodbye."

Shake It Off: Twenty years from now I will still be yelling the words to this song alone in my car. Callin' it now.

I Wish You Would: After all these years she still likes talking about 2AM. The lyrics are kind of sad when you think about it.

Bad Blood: The chorus might be one of my favorite things ever. Yes.

Wildest Dreams: So. much. Lana Del Rey. Makes me long for a duet. Also, the vocal range on this track kills.

How You Get the Girl: Adorable. I feel like this could be in one of those cliche movies where the guy comes running up to the girl's doorstep in the rain. And I would love it.

This Love: So pretty and although I've never been in love, this track makes me more aware of the beautiful and terrifying feelings that come with it. The "oh"s in the chorus are everything.

I Know Places: Really like the concept of this song. Favorite line? "They are the hunters, we are the foxes."

Clean: Perfect closing track. Sad and beautiful. Her secret message in the album notes for this one is "She lost him but she found herself and somehow that was everything." And that makes me feel all kinds of things. 

Bonus tracks:

Wonderland: More of a dark song that I really love.

You Are In Love: More of the emotions that come with falling in love and it's put together wonderfully.

New Romantics: This is more of an empowering track and super fun. I want to live by the line "We are too busy dancing to get knocked off our feet."

Before this album, Red was my favorite. Lyrically and emotionally, it struck something in me. This time though, Taylor has outdone herself. Okay, so the girl could decide to sing the contents of a take-out menu and I'd be all over it, but this album is beautiful and fun and unexpected and so Taylor. I'm in love.

Listen to these now:

High Five For Friday

The first Friday of October is here! It's crazy that it's already fall, but I can't say I'm mad about it.

Here's some highlights of my week...

1// Monday was National Coffee Day. There's a lot of random "national days," but coffee is definitely one I can get on board with. I celebrated by drinking coffee. Go figure.

2// Did I mention it's October? I love it. I don't love that Texas doesn't know it's October, but everything else I love. 

3// I found this quote on tumblr and I absolutely adore it. 

4// A lot of times I'll re-watch my shows over and over and lately one of the shows has been One Tree Hill. Why was it so great? Why do I still love it? And most importantly, why the heck isn't Tree Hill a real place?

5// And finally, I just have to throw in a Stevie photo for you. Sometimes her ears look so big and pointy that she reminds me of Dumbo and I can imagine her flying up into the air. So there's that.