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A Low-Effort Style Guide for the Overwhelmed and Tired

Getting dressed in the morning isn’t always easy. Whether you’re feeling low energy, you have way too much to do, or fashion not coming as easily to you, getting dressed can be a chore and can leave you unsatisfied with how you look instead of finding joy. However, here are some low-effort ways to elevate your outfit and help you get out the door feeling a little more confident and energized for the day. 

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! 

Accessories can elevate any basic outfit to an intentional look that is unique and put together. The other day I stumbled upon a get ready with me TikTok by @marycjskinner where she was going mattress shopping, but she wasn’t feeling highly motivated to leave her apartment, much less build an outfit, and even less to get the tasks she had to complete that day. She started out wearing a matching white sweat suit, and through her jewelry choices, a hat, a puffer jacket, and a cute bag, she elevated her comfy clothes to an intentional looking outfit. It doesn’t have to be a lot, even a simple necklace, a fun pair of earrings, even a quirky pair of socks can take an outfit up a notch and elevate your style.

Up Your Shoe Game

I know I could have said this in the last section, but shoes are important enough to need their own section. If you’re leaving the house, odds are you’re wearing some, and the right pair is absolutely crucial. Even the most basic outfit can have an added edge from a pair of shoes. For example, a pair of combat boots like Dr. Marten’s can make even a plain T-shirt and jeans look edgy and cool. If you can, another tip is to look at your favorite neutral colored-pair of shoes and get another pair in a bold color or pattern. For example, I have a pair of black Converse High Tops that I absolutely love and I have a pair in a vibrant Snorkel Blue. This way I can mix up my shoe choices and add an extra element while still being in a shoe that I love.

Just Wear A Dress

Though wearing a dress may feel too fancy or overdone, dresses are a lazy person’s best friend. All you need to do is put it on and POOF! You’re in an outfit that makes it seem like you are put together and tried really hard when in reality, you just didn’t have the energy to match a top and bottom together. I remember a few years ago, I read someone’s post about how when she goes out and drinks a lot, the next day she would wear a loose fitting patterned dress. She would get so many compliments because while everyone was so focused on the dress, they paid no attention to the fact that she wasn’t wearing any makeup as well as being violently hungover. If that isn’t a ringing endorsement for the power of a dress, I don’t know what is.

When In Doubt, Outfit Repeat

Forget what Kate Sanders in the Lizzie McGuire movie said: Outfit repeating is not only cool, but a crucial (and sustainable!) part of developing your personal style. Finding outfits that you feel and look good in regardless of how unmotivated you feel is a great way to FEEL a little more confident and energized throughout the day. Finding these go-to outfits is also a great jumping off point for developing a formula for your outfits. If you find a lot of your favorite outfits include a certain color or fabric, start looking for clothes that share these characteristics, while also donating or selling clothes you don’t find yourself gravitating to as much. This will make getting ready an even easier process rather than an overwhelming energy-suck first thing in the morning. And, to quote Lizzie McGuire, if someone calls you out for always wearing the same thing, they’re an Outfit Rememberer, which is truly pathetic. 

Layering

This tip isn’t the most practical for warmer weather, but when you can, layering your outfit can add an interesting element of dimension and can improve an outfit with very little effort. Something as simple as a turtleneck or collar shirt under a crewneck sweater, or a statement jacket on top of a plain shirt can upgrade any outfit. If you like the look of a collar or turtleneck peeking out from under a top layer, but it’s too warm for a full shirt, you can buy false collars (or dickies) to achieve a similar effect. For those of you in colder climates, layering up can add additional warmth and style to an otherwise basic outfit. For additional warmth, look for layering pieces that are fleece-lined or made of warm nature-fibers such as wool to keep you toasty in those frigid temperatures

Focus on Makeup Instead

Maybe clothing just is not your top priority, which is totally ok! Clothing and accessories are not the only element of fashion that matters in creating a cohesive look. If you want another potential low effort way to stand out and tie your look together. Interesting makeup, like a bold lip, eyeliner, intricate nails, or dramatic eyeshadow can be a way to achieve a pulled together look without putting a ton of effort into getting dressed, as well as an easy way to add color to a look. Take a look at Margot Robbie’s makeup by Pati Dubroff. Notice how she’s not wearing anything revolutionary: just a blazer and some silver hoops. But, her beautiful shimmering eye look immediately draws in attention and adds an extra element of interest that ties everything together beautifully. 

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I know getting dressed is not always an easy task, but with some of these tips, getting dressed doesn’t have to be something stressful. Rather, it should make you feel confident and ready to tackle the day.

David Bowie Estate Sells Songwriting Catalog to Warner Chappell for $250 Million

David Bowie’s estate has sold the singer’s publishing catalogue to Warner Chappell Music. According to a report by Variety, the catalogue was acquired for “upwards of $250 million.” The deal, which has been in the works for several months, spans Bowie’s career from 1968 to 2016, including 26 studio albums, his recent posthumous release Toy, both albums from his Tin Machine side project, and other works. The acquisition is the latest in a wide-ranging series of deals by Warner Chappell, which include catalogue deals with Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Quincy Jones, Anderson .Paak, Saweetie, and the estate of George Michael.

Warner Chappell Music Co-Chair and CEO Guy Moot said in a statement:

All of us at Warner Chappell are immensely proud that the David Bowie estate has chosen us to be the caretakers of one of the most groundbreaking, influential, and enduring catalogs in music history. These are not only extraordinary songs, but milestones that have changed the course of modern music forever. Bowie’s vision and creative genius drove him to push the envelope, lyrically and musically — writing songs that challenged convention, changed the conversation, and have become part of the canon of global culture. His work spanned massive pop hits and experimental adventures that have inspired millions of fans and countless innovators, not only in music, but across all the arts, fashion, and media. We are looking forward to tending his unparalleled body of songs with passion and care as we strive to build on the legacy of this most extraordinary human being.

Allen Grubman added on behalf of the David Bowie Estate and RZO: “We are truly gratified that David Bowie’s body of music will now be in the capable hands of Warner Chappell Music Publishing. We are sure they will cherish it and take care of it with the greatest level of dignity.”

Let’s Eat Grandma Share Video for New Song ‘Happy New Year’

Let’s Eat Grandma have shared a new song called ‘Happy New Year’, the latest offering from their upcoming album Two Ribbons. Following ‘Hall of Mirrors’ and the title track, the single comes with an accompanying video featuring Let’s Eat Grandma’s Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth playing a tennis match. Watch and listen below.

“I wrote ‘Happy New Year’ after a breakdown between us that lasted for a long period of time, to communicate to her how important she is to me and how our bond and care for each other goes much deeper than this difficult time,” Walton explained in a statement. “I used the setting of New Year as both an opportunity for reflection, looking back nostalgically through childhood memories that we shared, and to represent the beginning of a fresh chapter for us. I’d been struggling to come to terms with the fact that our relationship had changed, but as the song and time progresses I come to accept that it couldn’t stay the way it was when we were kids forever, and start to view it as a positive thing — because now we have been able to grow into our own individual selves.”

Two Ribbons, which will follow Let’s Eat Grandma’s 2018 LP I’m All Ears, arrives on April 8 via Transgressive.

The Weeknd Releasing New Album ‘Dawn FM’ This Friday

The Weeknd has announced a new album: Dawn FM is set to arrive this Friday, January 7. The record features appearances from Tyler, the Creator, Lil Wayne, Quincy Jones, Oneohtrix Point Never, as well as actor Jim Carrey (whose role in the album is unclear, though the pair recently bonded over their love of telescopes). A new one-minute trailer bills it as “a new sonic universe from the mind of the Weeknd.” Check it out below.

“Everything feels chaotic again. Music can heal and that feels more important than another album rollout,” Abel Tesfaye wrote in a message on Instagram last week. “Let’s just drop the whole thing and enjoy it with the people… XO”

Last August, the Weekend shared ‘Take My Breath’, his first track since 2020’s After Hours. He followed it up with a string of collaborations, including ‘Tears in the Club’ with FKA twigs, ‘LA FAMA’ with Rosalía, and ‘One Right Now’ with Post Malone. He has also been developing the upcoming HBO series The Idol with Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.

No One Will Tell You These 7 Tips to Nail the Photos With Wood Backdrops

Backdrops are game-changers when it comes to capturing memorable photos indoors. Using suitable backdrops can make the picture a clear, clutter-free image that focuses on your subject and makes the photos appealing. 

However, not many people are experts when dealing with backdrops. This is why we have compiled useful tips to help you click unforgettable photos using backdrops. 

Do Photo Backgrounds Really Matter?

Yes, they do. 

Backgrounds can help the photographer to create a narrative. As a result, the image’s background is neat; the subject stands out. Moreover, the subject’s position, angle lighting, and depth work together with the environment to create an attractive image. 

Fun tip: Wood backdrops look great in pictures and go well with almost anything. 

That said, let’s look at how you can click sharp photos using backdrops. 

7 Tips to Click Unforgettable Photos Using Backdrops

Good Lighting is a Game-changer

A great lighting source is the foundation of any excellent photo. Keeping the contrast within a specific range is crucial if using a backdrop. 

Dark backgrounds could bring out the issue in a way that isn’t flattering. A too-light backdrop could be distracting from the subject and draw attention away. Therefore, you need to choose the backdrop according to your subject. 

The Subject Should be the Focus

You might have observed that the backdrop shines more than the subject in specific pictures. So, make sure you focus on the subject and not on the backdrop. This hack keeps the object in the center of the focal point and makes the background a support tool.

Your background should complement the subject and make it stand out. It often happens that a clumsy environment makes the subject look unattractive.

Pay Attention to Detail 

If you’re using a wood backdrop or forest background, check out horizon lines, tree branches, power lines, etc. Sometimes, it could appear as that a tree’s branches are growing out of the subject’s head, or a horizon line cuts them off from the neck. It might sound simple now; perhaps it can make the picture look somewhat odd.

You can also observe the props and make adjustments accordingly to suit your subject. Alternatively, if you aren’t using any props, you can use a quirky backdrop like a wood backdrop.

Fantasy Land

Backdrops can take your subject anywhere! You can make your subject look like they are sitting in Italy while in your home or studio. Make sure you choose a setting that will match the “theme” that you want to convey in your photograph. 

For instance, a stunning ballroom with sparkling chandeliers would be perfect for a couple dressed for a gorgeous party.

Try Using Matte

Shiny backgrounds may be beautiful and all, but they might not be ideal for photography. Matte doesn’t create glare or creepy orb-like designs, whereas glossy sets can have reflections and make the photograph look shoddy.

Positioning of the Subject

It’s not always a good idea to place your subject in the middle of the frame. You can follow the three-thirds rule. Imagine two vertical and two horizontal lines, and then place your subject in the area that the lines meet. 

However, it isn’t a rule you must adhere to strictly. Still, many times will help improve the overall composition of your photograph. The correct positioning depends on subject to subject. It may take a few trials and errors, but you will get it.

Check the Proportions

If you’re using props for your photo, be sure that they are proportional to the scenery you are setting. For instance, if your backdrop features the Eiffel Tower in a distant distance, it’ll appear relatively small. The props you use in your photograph must be in direct proportion with the Eiffel Tower so that the picture seems to appear authentic.

Final Word

Photography is an art that you can master over time and experience. Make sure to follow the tips mentioned above to get the most from backdrops!

Got any questions or comments? Drop them in the comments below.

Tips and Tricks for Winning More Matches in Rainbow Six Siege

Rainbow Six Siege is a highly competitive game. It is also one of the first first-person shooters, besides CSGO to incorporate a ranking system that ranked players according to their skill after taking into account player stats such as the number of wins and number of kills. Players spend tons of hours trying to get better at the game and win more matches. Here is a complete guide on how you can win more matches in Rainbow Six Siege.

Find Your Operator

Rainbow Six Siege is a character-based game. In other words, R6S has several different in-game characters, called operators that have a unique set of abilities and weapons. Hence, there is an operator for all kinds of playstyles.

Not all operators are suited for every playstyle though. For this reason, a player may find that they win more matches with a particular operator while another player loses more matches with the same operator. We recommend that you take your time trying out different operators and see which one suits your playstyle. This is by far the most important thing that you can do to get more wins in Rainbow Six Siege. If you don’t have access to the game, you can always buy a Rainbow Six Siege cd key for a discounted price at eldorado.gg.

Develop a Game Plan for Every Round

Rainbow Six Siege is a game that does not reward fast and brainless rushing. You need to develop a game plan before starting around. You need to know exactly which operator you are going to choose and how you are going to use the abilities before the round even starts.

Find a Squad

While it is not easy, finding a squad that is as dedicated as you are for winning matches in Rainbow Six Siege is a must. Your squad will always know which operator you usually pick and what role you usually play as. This will eliminate unnecessary thinking time and make you much more efficient.

Be Useful To Your Teammates

Picking an operator with tons of utility and not providing that utility to your teammates is one of the worst things you can do in R6S. If you have chosen thatcher it’s your job to stay close to a hard breached and assist them in breaching a reinforced wall.

Communicate

Rainbow Six Siege heavily revolves around information. If you know that a team is breaching a wall directly above you and the floor is soft, you can easily chuck a C4 to kill multiple attackers. You will only know this information if your teammates communicate it to you so make sure that you do the same.

Practice

If you want to get better at something, then nothing beats practice. Take your time and play tons of T-Hunt to practice your aim and other skills such as peeking. All the tips and tricks in the world won’t help you if you haven’t clocked several hundred hours practicing.

Röyksopp Release Video for New Song ‘(Nothing But) Ashes…’

Röyksopp are back with a video for the new song ‘(Nothing But) Ashes…’. The track marks the Norwegian electronic duo’s first new music since 2020. Check it out below.

Torbjørn Brundtland and Svein Berge released their last studio album as Röyksopp, The Inevitable End, in 2014. They declared it their final LP, although they promised to keep making music in other formats. In 2019, they announced a series of rarities that were released periodically as Lost Tapes throughout 2019 and 2020.

 

Parannoul Side Project Mydreamfever Releases New Album ‘Rough and Beautiful Place’

Parannoul, the one-man shoegaze project from Seoul whose 2021 LP To See the Next Part of the Dream landed on our list of the best albums of the year, has released a new album of ambient/new age instrumentals under the moniker Mydreamfever. It’s called Rough and Beautiful Place, and you can stream it below via Bandcamp.

A few days ago, Parannoul unveiled a piano-based instrumental called ‘Glow’. “I’m reluctant to put it in an album…” they wrote. “It’s not good to include it in a regular album, so I’ll have to put it in as a bonus.” You can check it out below, too.

Daniel Bachman Releases New Covers Album ‘Lonesome Weary Blues’

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Virginia guitarist Daniel Bachman has released a new album titled Lonesome Weary Blueswhich features covers of obscure folk tunes and traditionals. Stream it below.

Bachman explained in a statement about the new project:

The tunes presented on Lonesome Weary Blues have brought me a lot of comfort throughout the rolling waves of this pandemic. They are songs that consistently bring me joy through listening, learning, and playing them around the house, and have really helped to smooth over some of the rougher days of the past couple years. The first track, “Lonesome Weary Blues,” is an adaptation of Roy Harvey and Leonard Copeland’s duet with the same name. “Beautiful Eyes Of Virginia” is an obscure Lemuel Turner steel guitar track that to my knowledge has never been re-recorded. Thanks to Joe Bussard for letting me copy it to my phone. “Blind Al Blues” is my own name for one of Alan Wilson’s unreleased recordings “Blind Lemon,” from when he was hospitalized for depression in 1969. “Rappahannock River Rag” is my take on a favorite Jack Rose tune. “Maiden’s Prayer” is a country steel guitar classic that I learned from YouTube. “Til We Meet Again” is a beautiful sweet repeating melody from Elizabeth Cotten. The final track, “Amazing Grace,” has an arrangement that comes from King Edward Smith, Hobart Smith’s less known brother. Endless thanks to Jeff Campbell for access to his home tape recordings. I hope you enjoy it.

Lonesome Weary Blues follows Bachman’s 2021 album Axacan.

claire rousay and more eaze Announce New Album, Share New Singles

claire rousay and more eaze have shared two collaborative singles, ‘same’ and ‘hands’. They’re taken from the duo’s forthcoming album Never Stop Texting Me, which is set for release on February 11 via Orange Milk. Check out the new tracks below, and scroll down for the album’s cover artwork (by Seth Graham) and tracklist.

claire rousay and more eaze’s new LP, which will follow last year’s an afternoon whine, includes collaborations with Bloodzboi and How to Dress Well. According to the album’s Bandcamp bio, “Never Stop Texting Me by More Eaze and Claire Rousay is a pop record. Melodies and chorus in every track about crushes, collaborating with friends, and the mundane of everyday life. Maybe the first mention of Bandcamp Friday in a pop song? Mari and Claire share an equal amount of duties on the record, rendering it a pure representation of their collaborative work. The appeal of this record is the assertive pop blending w Robert Ashley like moments which simultaneously satiates the desire to hear structure and the abstract.”

Earlier this week, claire rousay released the one-track album sometimes i feel like i have no friends, which featured more eaze on violin as well as Pale Spring’s Emily Harper Scott on piano.

Never Stop Texting Me Cover Artwork:

Never Stop Texting Me Tracklist:

1. Same
2. hands
3. kyle
4. iphone2
5. stairs
6. camille
7. missed [feat. bloodzboi and How To Dress Well]
8. art
9. arms
10. floor pt2