Mock Necks and Layered Necklaces

Good afternoon ladies and gents! I don't know what it is but today seems like the perfect day to be PRODUCTIVE. Yeah, I mentioned before that I have been off my game in the efficiency aspect as of late and it has been a rough road getting back into it. With a bit of self pep talks and some stepping outside of my new found, lazy comfort zone, I have been able to light my fire again! Thank goodness. 

  

Anyway, I've decided to feature, not only my store, but also one of my favorite new trends; the Mock neck. They have not been very "hip" in recent years but I have been seeing them EVERYwhere. Whether it's Vogue, Cosmo or even just on the street, everyone seems to be picking up on this modest neck line. Needless to say, I am definitely on the band wagon;)

My mock neck tank, sateen skinnies and layered neckalce are all from good ol' Free People. Gotta love that discount (pretty sure I work for trade). The floor length kimono WAS from Lola Bella Boutique and the black booties can be found at Asos. 

< SamANTHEM > Chromatics - "Cherry"

TGIF!!!! The weekend is here and I'll be honest... I'm still recovering over the passing of Halloween. Seriously, best. holiday. EVER. As much as I'm mourning Halloween's memory, I am SO excited for the upcoming events! Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you kidding? Yeah, I'm kind of excited, I guess.  The only drawback with the coming of the holidays is catching unwanted germs. I'm sad to say I had my first taste of it this week and I'm still a bit chapped about it. I NEVER get sick and even when I am, I find a way to continue on with my daily routine but this time I was knocked out pretty good. So take your vitamins loves!
Today's pick was introduced to me by a friend a couple of months ago and I've been stoked on it ever since. Cherry by Chromatics gives off more a retro feel than we're used to these days but that is why I dig it. I'm sure many of you were like me and had heard the sample featured in ScHoolboy Q's Man of the Year. Don't get me wrong, I was wayyy big on that song for quite some time and I still am! But hearing Chromatic's version of it was definitely a treat to my young ears.

Have a GLORIOUS weekend:) Get out and enjoy this gorgeous planet we call home.

 -sam

< SamANTHEM > Wild Nothing - Chinatown

I know I said SamANTHEM was to be posted on Fridays but hey, why not post one on a beautiful, crisp November Monday? When I say crisp, I mean it. Fall is in full swing here in SLC and I'm diggin the sweater weather. Walking around Downtown Salt Lake and seeing everyone in their usual hustle and bustle has a better light to it when the leaves on the trees are an array of warm tones and we're all bundled in our thick scarves and heavy knits. Here I am talking about the weathaaaaa. I guess you could say I'm an admirer of the simple things in life.
Today's SamANTHEM is Chinatown by Wild Nothing. I recently stumbled upon this band this week and I'm so stoked that I did. I have been listening to them on repeat and, me being my loser self, listened to them ALL night on Saturday night. Who needs a social life when you've got headphones and a killer new artist to indulge in, am I right? This is probably why I'm predicted to never marry and live a life with a multitude of felines and endless amounts of coffee. Good tunes, cats and caffeine? Sounds like a stellar life to ME!
Enjoy KittyCats.

PS Happy November

-sam

SO Much Music! AH!

DING DING DING!! I have decided to do an entire playlist for today's post... YAHOO! Why? There's no particular reason other than the fact that I just wanted to give all my loyal followers a treat. Love you all and I thank you for all your support:)
I have been slacking a bit on here and I'll be honest, it isn't because I've been busy, it's because I've been LAZY. Not only have I been putting the blog on the back burner but I've pretty much put everything else back there as well. I don't know why, I've just been in a funk but that will last no longer! I'm back and back for good.
The personal life is still a good as it has ever been! I could not be more grateful for all that I have right now. I really don't know what I did to deserve everything that I've been given, especially as of late. I guess it could all be a manner of perspective. With keeping the great company that I have been, I have learned to always keep a positive outlook on EVERY situation. Whether it's a bad grade on a test or being lucky enough to hit every red light on my way to school, I have challenged myself to figure out how or why that was a GOOD thing. Sounds lame and corny, I know haha But I promise you, it will change your life. So I guess this is me challenging you all to do the same. Find the good in everything this week and try to analyze how it affects you and your level of happiness:)
K, I'm done preaching, now on to the good stuff. MUSIC!! This playlist is what I would refer to as the "Happy Happy Hipster" playlist. "Hipster"..... what a lame yet redundant term. Whatever, it was made with the intention of brightening your day just like your positive perspective will;) 

Enjoy your abundance of music today, my friends. I hope this week brings magic for you all! 



-sam

The Mother We Share                         CHVRCHES

In The Morning                                 The Coral

Silver Timothy                                         Damien Jurado

Sleepless                                                 Flume

Abandon                                                 French Kicks

Supreme                                                 Postiljonen

All Those Friendly People                      Funeral Suits

When They Fight, They Fight                The Generationals

Naked Trees                                           Me Like Bees

Sunlight                                                Yuno

Bonneville                                   Golden Sun

Friday Night                                        The Last Royals

Blister In The Sun                          Nouvelle Vague

Long Time Coming                                The Delays

Modern Jesus                                        Portugal. The Man

Union                                                Deptford Goth

Comin' Through                                The War On Drugs

Elevate                                                St Lucia

Everybody Wants To Rule The World  Tears For Fears

Preppy Prepster

Happy Monday everyone! It's safe to say that today's weather in SLC is more than incredible on this fine morning and of course that causes for a perfect day:) That being said, I took the liberty of skipping school today to enjoy it.... shhhhhh. I usually stress out about missing school or work so much that it's not even worth it but today, I have found it in me to make an exception. In other news, I have finally decided to take the plunge to move out for the first time! Ahhhhh! I probably should've moved out a long time ago but hey, better late than never:) I actually almost moved out last Fall but I decided to travel through Europe for a month instead.... yeah, definitely worth it! Anyway, with the decision of moving out on my own, comes a massive amount of new responsibilities, the biggest being financial responsibilities. Of all things that scares me in this world, not being about to pay bills and buy the things I need would definitely take a place near the top of the list. This all causes for budgeting and saving! Two words I've loved to ignore while living for free with my parents and buying whatever I want, when I want. No more reckless shopping!:( how will I ever survive? haha 

With the theme of pinching pennies, I have decided to feature a thrifted sweater. I got this insanely comfortable pull-over from Pib's Exchange, the layered, chambray button up from Forever 21, the leather leggings from Bohme Boutique, shoes from Asos and the grey bag for Tilly's is back! 

Till Next time loves:)

-sam

< SamANTHEM > Wildcat! Wildcat! - Garden Grays

Feliz Viernes mis amigos! With the arrival of the weekend, comes the weekly SamANTHEM! Hollaaa! My pick today goes to the incredibly talented Wildcat! Wildcat!. I have decided to feature them on this fine Friday for 3 reasons: 1. They are obviously insanely talented! 2. I discovered them last fall and they became the anthem to all my frantic study sessions for my anatomy class. 3. They are performing TONIGHT in Salt Lake City at Kilby Court. That being said, if you're in the Downtown Salt Lake area tonight, I highly suggest you stop by for a listen! Enjoy this easy-going track and have a gorgeous weekend kiddos!

-sam

The Bag Lady

Hi hi HIIII! I want to start of this week by making fun of myself. Yup. By the title, you can already guess that I'm poking fun of the fact that I am a "BAG Lady". Not meaning, I love to shop for bags or something lame like that, I am merely signifying that my busy schedule requires me to basically live out of my numerous bags that I take with me everywhere. So, therefore, I'm constantly looking borderline homeless. But hey! We deal right?;)

In other news, life is in an upswing..... AGAIN. Honestly, I'm wondering when the dreadful day will be when my amazing luck is going to run out. But for now I'm going to relish in the positive vibes:) What's got me so excited these days? The only thing I like other than clothes and music.... Obviously a boy. Like.... I'm kind of embarrassed that I'm even blogging about this hahaha but, for those who know me, I've been so anti-relationship to the point that we all thought I'd end up alone with a double-digit amount of house cats. I mean, that is definitely still a possibility and is not something I'm remotely opposed to but it's also refreshing to know that I DO have feelings towards people (that has been questioned a time or two).  

Outfit wise?..... The burnt orange beanie is from rvca, the jacket is from Urban Outfitters, the tank is obviously from Brandy Melville, the Jeans are from Top Shop, Boots are Bed Stu, the fringe bag is from Free People, the grey bag is from Tilly's and the black bag was actually a free gift with purchase from the Oxford Trunk! Oh.... the glasses.... I honestly have NO idea where these bad boys came from. I'm pretty sure I wore them for a nerd costume back in high school and now I'm featuring them on my fashion blog. Haha talk about upcycling fashion.... right? 

Farewell for now sugar plums! Have an amazing week and, on a side note, Salt Lakers take advantage of the unbelievable mountains we have been so blessed to live by this fall! The colors will rock your world.   

-sam

< SamANTHEM > James Vincent McMorrow - Red Dust [Audio Stream]

 

GOOD afternoon ladies and gents. I'm just going start off by saying this week has easily been one for the books, the good ones that is! Opportunity has knocked on my door more times than I even feel deserving of and the personal affairs are fending completely in my favor. Ahhhhh! Needless to say, I'm a lucky girl:) So what is all this excitement about? I have found new employment haha sounds lame, I know, but I could not be more excited to jump into my positionS. Yes, that is plural! The first, I have been hired on at Free People to do their visual merchandising. For starters, I'm embarrassingly obsessed with Free People and to be able to work for such a creative company is more than a blessing in my eyes. My other position is at The Bride's Shop in downtown SLC. I will be working as a bridal consultant, which could be completely terrifying or super fun.... Gahhhh wish me luck!

Enough about me! More about music:) So today's pick is a smooth number by one of my favorite artists, James Vincent McMorrow. And holy moly, this man is talented! He has one of those voices that makes you feel like you're melting into a vad of total tranquility and sheer awesomeness. It is my pleasure to share with you the geniuses that my boy, James, has to offer.:)

 

 

 

-sam

Everything is Just Better in the Fall

YES! I honestly love nothing more than AUTUMN and it's finally here! I mean, there's pumpkin flavored everything, crisp nights and cozy, earthy-toned apparel. How could you NOT love Fall? Running on my Fall-time high, I have revived one of the lamest fashion trends of the 90's. Yup, Turtlenecks. I have always poked fun of such a neckline in the spirit of it having TOO much coverage but I'm now eating my words..... This emerald Turtleneck Dress was purchased at Asos, the tights from KarmaLoop and the Booties were actually one of those RARE, amazing finds at Platos Closet. Finding those was like finding gold! I wear them almost too often so they mayyyyy be featured on here again. I wish you a very merry autumn, may it be filled with oversized scarves and pumpkin spice chai:)

-sam

< SamANTHEM > Owl Eyes - 'Closure' (Official Video)

 

Here we are again, it's FRIDAY! And that means it's finally the weekend annnnnd I know you were all just dying to see what song I was going to post about today;) Today's pick is a new addition to my music collection. I've chosen "Closure" by Owl Eyes. Australian-native, Brooke Addamo, took the world by storm with her unapologetically pop album this past Spring. This song definitely caught my attention and I'm not usually one for pop music but this one calls for an exception. Have a safe and magical weekend, my friends:)

 

-sam  

< SamANTHEM > ODESZA - Say My Name (feat. Zyra) - Lyric Video

 

TGIF! Gosh, that acronym has never rang more true than this week. All I have to say is, if you're in school full time and are thinking you want to work full time as well, be prepared to talk yourself out of running away and dying because that's where I'm at right about now. I may have doused that last sentence with a large helping of drama but you catch my drift, right? Haha.

Well, in commemoration of Odesza's new album release last week, I have decided to give them a HUGE shout out. Seriously, this entire album just kills it and I highly recommend that you check it out. Say My Name feat. Zyra was recently featured in Almost Ablaze, a new ski movie by Teton Gravity Research, so I find it only appropriate to go with this track! Have a glorious weekend, lovelies♥

 

 

-sam 

i hate fashion blogs

The title of this post caught you off guard, I know it did. Yes, it is true, I am the most hypocritical blogger there ever was. I am a fashion blogger who HATES fashion blogs. I find them a bit cheesy and there are sooooo many these days! Now you're wondering why on earth I would ever have one if I hate them so much. If you read my very first post, I mentioned that this blog is my dumping ground for all things creative that I love and there is nothing I love more than music and CLOTHES!
So bear with me here, as a hater of fashion blogs and all pictures taken of me, I'm baptizing myself with fire and composing this post with both of those very components. Gahhhhh here we go!
These pictures were taking by my sweet 14 year old little brother. He aspires to be an accomplished photographer one day and I'm beyond honored to be apart of helping him get there! My hat is from Bohme Boutique, jeans are from Gap, booties and blazer are from Forever 21 and my tank is from Penny's. Have a beautiful day, my friends!

-sam

< SamANTHEM > Dawn Golden - All I Want (Manila Killa Remix)

Hello lovely loves. Happy Friday:) This week's SamANTHEM is another stellar remix.... I am a such sucker for a good remix. Needless to say, I have been quite impressed with "Manila Killa", (I laugh while I type this because if I were to say his name out loud, I would sound like such a white girl). Annnnyways, he is a Philippians-born artist who has the rare ability to reconstruct a once mellow Indie track into a spectacular, mood boosting number. Relish in the magic this young artist has to offer on this fine Friday. Till next time....

-sam

< SamANTHEM > The Rosebuds - Give Me A Reason (Live on KEXP)

Awwww it's finally Friday! The weekend is here and it has been much anticipated after a full week of school and work. Although, I am enjoying the hustle and bustle of my new schedule, it is quite the adjustment from my leisurely Summer of little work and more play. Maybe I'm just lazy, I don't know haha. Well, with the arrival of Friday comes my SamANTHEM song of the week. I decided to go a little more calming today with a track from The Rosebuds. I knew I wanted to feature them all week but I honestly could NOT decide on which song of their's to post, so after much deliberation with myself, I finally chose Give Me a Reason. Why? I quite honestly just really liked the mellow ease it gives me. I hope it does the same for you! Enjoy:) 

-sam

Back to school. Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool.

It's official, school is HERE! For most, that last line is a dreadful thought but I would have to say I do not fall under that category anymore. With changing my major and transferring schools, I have never been more excited to engulf myself in my education. I can't not put into any other words than, it just feels right. I am studying Fashion Design right in the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City and things just seem to be falling into place here. I believe I have quite possibly found my nitch. :)

These lovely photographs were taken by the incredible Dean Chytraus, whom of which is bursting with talent! We actually shot these back in March but I have been awaiting the completion of my blog to post these. For those who know me, I dread the thought of having any picture taken of me, so this is extremely out of my comfort zone but life is all about breaking those amenities, am I right?

For those curious, I found my dress at a local boutique in SLC that is actually no longer in business but I have attached a few sources with similar characteristics. :) My shoes are Steve Madden and the sunnies were surprising purchased a Tai Pan Trading. 

-sam

http://us.asos.com/ASOS-T-Shirt-Dress-in-Textured-Floral-Mirror-Print/13w0b2/?iid=4478021&cid=15801&Rf980=3674&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Print&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1ULVNoaXJ0LURyZXNzLWluLVRleHR1cmVkLUZsb3JhbC1NaXJyb3ItUHJpbnQvUHJvZC8.

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-dresses/4130342480068.jsp#/

< SamANTHEM > The Delays - Wanderlust

 

Helloo:) My apologies for the slight delay on this post. My normally relaxing Friday turned into a crazy, hectic day of very FORTUNATE events. To add to my high of good luck this week, I was able to make the sketchiest/most successful KSL deal for an 80gb iPod on Thursday. To give you a little background, I had an iPod since I was 12 years old and the loyal, old guy finally saw its final day last Summer. So, yes. I, Sam Hobson, did not have an iPod for a full YEAR! I merely lived off of my 16gb iPhone (do not do this). In commemoration of my new-to-me iPod, I have been rediscovering some of my old favorite tunes. Here's the winner of the week: Wanderlust by The Delays. To be honest, I completely forgot about this band until I decided to dive in to my ancient playlists on my parents' computer, and what a shame it is that I went all these years without them. With my reenlightenment, I shall awake you all to the harmonious sounds created by the oh-so-talented group, The Delays.

Feast in the sweet melodies, my friends!

 

-sam

< SamANTHEM > New Navy - Zimbabwe (Flume Remix)

Hola RAGcoasters! I've decided to start a fun little tradition called, "SamANTHEM," this will be my favorite song of the week and will be posted every Friday. I will be posting songs that I have either recently stumbled upon or just good ol Sam Hobson classic tunes. Today's pick is New Navy - Zimbabwe (Flume Remix). My best friend introduced me to Flume a few months back and I have been obsessed ever since! They have such a unique sound and I personally feel that they remake songs to be better than the original version. Haha is that bad?.... Well I hope you enjoy! And don't be surprised if I post more and more about Flume;)

-sam

If you're from SLC, you have a picture in front of this.

Awe, the iconic SLC Pepper mural, located on 400 West between 200 South and 300 South, has been a cultural treat to good ol' Salt Lake City. Inspired by the album artwork of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, artist Jann Haworth made her piece a 50 ft by 30 ft into a mural in the heart of Downtown Salt Lake. She plans to create more in Los Angeles and Barcelona. Crazy to think the first one started in Utah... how lucky are we? 

On a less cool note, I have to give my kid brother credit for my outfit because, after all, I had to raid his closet for these killer joggers. Nothing better than a pair of throwback, acid-wash jeans and blacked out chucks for the day. 

Until next time, my loves.

-sam 

Here We Go

With the start up of school again this fall, I have officially/ finally decided to start up my blog that I have so awfully longed for. So, for my NUMEROUS followers, welcome to the life of Sam Hobson. To introduce myself and my vision, I'll give you a rough explanation as to what inspired me to blog. As long as I can remember, I have LOVED clothing. It's like art that you get to wear on your body and everyday you have the opportunity to create something new and unique. Not only is my love for fashion design extremely prominent in my life but so is my obsession with music, primarily Indie and early 90's, but I like finding the magic in any genre. It's a rare and strange occurrence to find me without some sort of background music, I can't explain it but music just ups every situation. Haha maybe I'm just crazy, but it's whatever. And, lastly, I have found a new appreciation for art. Whether it's actual paintings, sculptures or photography or even just the art of a certain culture, I'm in love with seeing how others like to portray particular messages and/or themselves. It's an infatuation that I think I've alway had but I never really put it to use, so that's where the blog comes in. RAGcoast will be my dumping grounds for the things I find symphonies in. Whether anyone is reading this, or not, I'm ecstatic to get started and put beautiful thoughts on to something that will last forever. HERE WE GO!!

-sam