Playlist: Black Excellence

June 10, 2020 No Comments

In place of June’s Favourites list, I will be sharing multiple posts spotlighting Black creators + businesses. Today and every day, Black Lives Matter.

There’s a conversation going on right now that we all need to be part of and it covers racism, discrimination, equality and basic human rights. Why, in 2020, are Black men, women and non-binary people still being treated as “less than”? Why must they live with a weight on their shoulders simply because of the colour of their skin? We need to say their names, know their stories and uplift their legacies: George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin… and we need to recognize that there are far too many stories.

Change starts with each and every one of us. Over the past two weeks, the #BlackLivesMatter movement has spread internationally as people make their voice heard any way they can — through protests, signing petitions, educating themselves and their peers, lobbying government officials, and uplifting the voices at the heart of this movement. I want to do my part on this blog by amplifying my favourite Black creators and brands.

You may have heard several of these artists on previous playlists, but here’s your chance to get to know them better! Press play, check out the full tracklist and read more about three of my favourites below.

Playlist: Black Excellence — Full Tracklist

“Good as Hell,” Lizzo
“Do It,” Chloe x Halle
“In The Morning,” Jay Prince
“Chocolate.,” Kiana Ledé feat. Ari Lennox
“Eleven,” Khalid feat. Summer Walker
“The Worst In Me,” KAYTRANADA feat. Tinashe
“COFFEE,” Kelly Rowland
“When You Hold Me,” Braxton Cook
“Stormy Weather,” Tinashe
“Pretty Little Fears,” 6LACK feat. J. Cole
“B.S.,” Jhené Aiko feat. H.E.R.
“Give Me A Reason,” R.LUM.R
“Addicted,” Jon Vinyl
“Happy Without Me,” Chloe x Halle feat. Joey Bada$$
“Savage Remix,” Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé
“Sunflower Seeds,” Bryce Vine
“Midsection,” KAYTRANADA feat. Pharrell Williams
“Can I,” Kehlani feat. Tory Lanez
“OTW,” Khalid feat. 6LACK & Ty Dolla $ign
“Grinding All My Life,” Nipsey Hussle
“This Is America,” Childish Gambino
“If You’re Not There,” Reuben James feat. Braxton Cook
“Motivation,” Normani
“Die A Little Bit,” Tinashe & Ms Banks
“Boys,” Lizzo
“Boys Should Never Cry,” R.LUM.R
“FDT,” YG & Nipsey Hussle
“Hang on in There,” John Legend & The Roots
“Mad,” Solange feat. Lil Wayne
“Get Up, Stand Up,” Bob Marley & The Wailers
“Freedom,” Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar
“Cold,” R.LUM.R
“All The Stars,” Kendrick Lamar with SZA
“Correct,” MNEK
“Think About Me,” dvsn
“Wrong Places,” H.E.R.
“I Want You,” Tayla Parx
“Build,” Justine Skye & Arin Ray
“Catch Up,” Chloe x Halle & Swae Lee feat. Mike WiLL Made-It
“Love’s In Need Of Love Today,” Stevie Wonder
“Self,” Noname
“Trip,” Ella Mai
“Making A Choice,” R.LUM.R
“Bigger Love,” John Legend
“My Line,” Reuben James feat. Col3trane, Jay Prince, Vula & Soweto Kinch
“Surfacing,” R.LUM.R
“Honeymoon Phaze,” MNEK
“Rocket Man” (Cover), CammWess feat. John Legend
“What If I (Still Feel),” R.LUM.R
“16 Shots,” Vic Mensa
“Moment,” Victoria Monét

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBOCjeUHW-y/

Fashion, Favourites, Playlists, Reviews

May Favourites

May 27, 2020 No Comments

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for Redbubble, SHEIN and Pura Vida Bracelets and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking these links.

As the famous saying goes, the show quarantine must go on.

Let’s start this off with an important PSA: PLEASE keep socially distancing and wearing a mask and/or gloves. If not for yourself, do it for your immunocompromised friends, parents, grandparents and neighbours. The better we keep this up, the sooner we can enjoy our beautiful summer weather!

As you do your part, stay comfortable, entertained and feeling your best with my latest faves across fashion, skincare, music, spring reads and bingeable TV.

Fashion

* Face Masks *

The Weeknd Mask, $20 // DNCE Mask, $18.82

If you haven’t already, get acquainted with our newest must-have fashion accessory. As I said in my last blog post dedicated to finding functional and fashionable masks, there’s no reason your PPE can’t be cute and true to your style.

Since I won’t be front row at their concerts anytime soon, I’m looking forward to receiving the two masks pictured above to show my support for The Weeknd and Joe Jonas’ band DNCE. Bonus: Proceeds from The Weeknd’s masks will be donated to the MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund, directly helping those affected in the music industry.

* Travel-Inspired Clothing *

Anthropologie, $80 // SIMILAR STYLES: Anthropologie, $188 (Hawaii/Aloha print); SHEIN, $17 (New York print)

It may be a total tourist move, but I love travel-inspired fashion pieces that represent my favourite cities.

Pre-COVID, I was supposed to spend the majority of this month jetsetting around Europe. 😢 When I found this Nice, France top while online shopping, I took it as a sign that I’ll be able to postpone my travels to when it’s safe to do so — and snap a picture of this shirt where it’s meant to be (and not in my front yard!).

Also, if you know me, you know I have a small addiction to buying anything and everything related to Hawaii — pineapple home decor, palm tree rings, you name it. I’ll take any excuse to spark my wanderlust and bring back those memories and feelings associated with paradise!

Let me know in the comments below which travel destinations you would rep!

Skincare

* Lip Sleeping Mask | Laneige *

Sephora, $13+ (or try Laneige’s Hydration-To-Go! Normal to Dry Skin set, also from Sephora, $38)

I always feared Laneige’s best-selling Lip Sleeping Mask was just an overhyped lip balm, but I was very pleasantly surprised when I first tried it. To test it out for yourself, I highly recommend picking up a mini Good Night Kit to also score a sample size of their popular Water Sleeping Mask. The lip mask wouldn’t be an immediate repurchase for me as you can get similar results at a lower price point, but it’s a great gift to a friend or yourself (#SelfLoveClub). Bring on the smooches 💋

I’ll report back here and on Instagram @angelaaaxo with my thoughts on the mask!

* Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask | Origins *

Sephora, $17-$33

This Origins leave-on face mask is one of the best I’ve ever used. Formulated with avocado and swiss glacier water, it instantly moisturizes and smooths skin well into the morning, giving you a beautiful dewy glow without breakouts or buildup. I use it as a once-a-week treat, so the $17 mini bottle is a great deal.

* Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner | First Aid Beauty *

Sephora, $29

I raved about First Aid Beauty’s Fab Faves line in my April Favourites post and it looks like I’ve found another personal holy grail. Toner is a recent re-addition to my nightly skincare routine and this FAB pick is gentle, moisturizing and perfect for sensitive skin. Also, can we take a minute to admire this visually appealing promo photo?

Giveaways, New Music Friday, Playlists

12 New Christmas Songs That Will Be Instant Classics (+ HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!)

December 20, 2019 19 Comments

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! 🎶

Every winter, I love adding the latest holiday singles to my Christmas playlist. My heart fills with festive joy hearing all the new melodies, lyrics and fresh twists applied to Christmas classics. It’s like the 12 days of Christmas — music edition!

This year, artists like Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves and the Jonas Brothers came through with fresh takes on the OGs and new releases that are sure to be instant holiday staples. Scroll down for this month’s playlist and press play on 12 of the latest and greatest holiday tunes!

Also, keep your eyes peeled in this post for my Christmas appreciation giveaway — you don’t want to miss out!

You’re guaranteed to fall in love with the full playlist, but here are five songs that will instantly warm you up.

“Christmas Tree Farm” — Taylor Swift

If Taylor’s hit single “Lover” didn’t give you enough holiday vibes, “Christmas Tree Farm” will be the best gift to your playlist. I knew this song was going to be incredible when I saw Jimmy Napes, my favourite songwriter and producer, was involved in the production — and boy, was I right. I just want to grab my friends and sway back and forth belting these lyrics every. single. time I hear it… and the fact she wrote this a week before its release? Tay is unstoppable!

New Music Friday, Playlists

Remix Realness — 25 Remixes You Need to Hear Right Now!

November 29, 2019 No Comments

Have you ever listened to a song’s remix and said to yourself, oh snap, this might be even better than the original?

Since many remixes feature groovy new electronic beats, added star power and dozens more unique touches, it’s easy to feel like you’re listening to a totally new song. For this month’s playlist, I wanted to spotlight a few remixes that have soared up my on-repeat list. Keep scrolling for the full 25-track playlist plus five standout songs!

“Good as Hell” (Remix) – Lizzo feat. Ariana Grande

I’d be missing an obvious golden opportunity if I didn’t say that this remix is good as hell! With two of the year’s biggest artists — Lizzo and Ariana Grande — joining forces, it was a given that this collab would be magic to our ears. Lizzo and Ari delivered it all and then some. Whether it’s the original or the remix, this iconic song will definitely be on everyone’s year-end playlists.

Playlists

Last-Minute Spooky SZN Playlist

October 31, 2019 No Comments

Halloween is finally here! You have your costume, your candy supply (which you may or may not keep to yourself), your decorations and spooky spirit. But there’s still one thing missing — your spooktacular soundtrack!

For this month’s playlist, I have you covered with more than 50 perfect tunes for all your BOOtiful Halloween festivities. Go and get your ghoul on, then scroll down for a few hand-picked treats (and several Halloween puns along the way 😊).

“bury a friend” – Billie Eilish

Billie’s entire ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?’ era is scary good. Its dark, moody singles like “bad guy” and “when the party’s over,” plus the overall story arc, are very well suited for the spookiest season of the year. “bury a friend” — one of my faves off the album — was inspired in part by an episode of sleep paralysis and written from the perspective of the monster under Billie’s bed. I already have chills!

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