MODA Blog Favorites: May 2020
Welcome to MODA Blog Favorites! This is our monthly series where MODA Bloggers, photographers and editors let you know what we’re loving this month! From binge-worthy series, to our favorite books to some Holy Grail skincare products, the team wishes you all a safe, and healthy spring quarter. Here’s what the team is loving, hopefully bringing you a monthly dosage of inspiration!
Andrew
Hollywood
I very rarely sit down to watch any kind of show that doesn’t include a drag queen in it, but after a bit of prodding, I sat through an episode of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s Hollywood; and then I proceeded to finish the entire miniseries. I think it’s hard to describe the miniseries, but perhaps something along the lines of a reinvented vision of the golden age of Hollywood. There were certainly many creative liberties taken with the show's direction, as the miniseries seemed to be an attempt to dismantle the power dynamics of the entertainment landscape for a new, more contemporary audience, and while some of the choices seemed naïve at times, I’ll give the show credit for making the attempt. Aesthetic often consumes most of my reading of a show, and I think if you’re interested in that glossy vision of old Hollywood, the miniseries does a really great job of capturing that glow of cinema.
Persona 4
Being quarantined has kind of made me rethink how I carry through a daily schedule. When it all started, I tried to reconnect with things that make me feel happy and more relaxed, and video games was that for me - specifically Persona 4. I hadn’t really played any games in the Shin Megami Tensei universe before, but Persona 4 for the PS2, is a game that I highly recommend. On top of an incredible aesthetic and world, that mixes elements of Japanese mythology and street style, with a gripping murder mystery narrative, I was floored by how the actual mechanics of the game combine elements of traditional RPG/JRPG’s, Visual novels and simulation-style gaming, adding to the aesthetic hybridity of the game. But I think what still stands out to me about Persona is the types of stories it engages with and the themes of identity, self-worth and acceptance it explores. I really recommend you play it if you’re interesting in gaming; I also think it’s pretty amateur gamer friendly so don’t let it intimidate you.
Chromatica
Lady Gaga is back y’all. And I think that’s kind of an interesting loaded statement, as Chromatica really feels like a return to an old-school version of Gaga, but with the influence of whole new slew of experiences. I was blasting ‘Stupid Love’ when the single first dropped, (and i suppose so was Apple) and I think during this pandemic, the album does remind me of the healing powers that music can have on its listeners. A much more electronic album, I find that Chromatica invokes a new kind of sound from Gaga that builds on personas from Artpop, and even from the Fame, but I think with even stronger vocal range. And I think I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my top song from the album, Sour Candy featuring BLACKPINK. Give me an album with consistent dance beats and a BLACKPINK Feature, and I will put you on my favorites list for many years to come.
Laura
Virtual Tarot Readings
It hit me one day during quarantine that I had I had to get my cards read. This was a vital piece that I was missing and I felt like it had been ripped out of my life due to social distancing. However, that is when my friend recommended me that I try out tarot readings videos on YouTube. While it may not be the same thing as picking out a card that is drawing your energies to it in real life, the process of online tarot readings is not as different as you would imagine. One of my favorite readers right now, Venusian Soul Tarot, lays out the cards on the frame and allows you to meditate on them and choose the card you are drawn to. Then, you can skip to the part of the video where she is speaking about your card. The medium might have changed but the energies of the tarot are the same!
Guys by The 1975
Being far from your friends is hard. Being in the same place as your friends but not being able to see them is even harder. The 1975’s new song “Guys” reflects upon missing your friends and the relationship you share with them. I think this song came at the perfect time for me and spoke straight to my soul and I have not been able to stop listening to it. I identify myself deeply with Matty Healy’s words about how his friends are the best things that have ever happened.
When Matty Healy said “It was the best thing that ever happened” about his friends, yeah I felt that.
Sophia
Cooking Tree Youtube Channel
My recent coping mechanism for staying at home every day has been to bake profusely. I really like Cooking Tree’s baking videos because they are very aesthetically pleasing and calming. Sometimes the videos are even ASMR videos, so if you like ASMR too this is perfect. The strawberry chiffon cake on the left is what I baked for Mother’s Day.
Kaco Soft Touch Gel Ink Pens
For those of you who are also a slut for stationary, these 0.5 mm gel pens have been my favorite recently. They flow so smoothly and I can write tiny with them. They are very light and the matte finish on them makes it very comfortable to grip.
Any Song by ZICO
The song mixes lively piano chords with a bouncy backing track, which yields a very upbeat song that leaves me vibing out no matter the time of day. He sings/raps about going out with friends, not thinking about the future, and just enjoying the time you have with them. Being stuck at home, where all I can do is think about the future, this song lifts my mood when I miss the excitement of being on campus.
Parentheses
I stumbled upon Parentheses’ music by chance while scouring Spotify for new music. Since then, I’ve been listening to their two albums, {} and Technicolor Bluebird on repeat. The songs are vibrant and upbeat, with an indie rock feel reminiscent of Hippo Campus or Vampire Weekend. My personal favorite songs rom the band are “Jackson Pollock,” “It’s Always Sunny With You,” and “In Need of a Cure.”
The Half of It
Netflix recently released The Half of It, a heartwarming coming-of-age film. It focuses on Ellie Chu, an introverted student who is hired by classmate Paul to write love letters to his crush Aster. Ellie happens to secretly be in love with Aster herself. Seeing the relationships between the characters develop throughout the movie is incredibly rewarding. The engaging plot is made even better through the cast’s emotionally compelling performances.
Some Good News
John Krasinski’s Youtube channel seeks to spread some positivity. The show highlights happy stories, surprises viewers with Zoom calls from their favorite celebrities, and features virtual reunions of the case of The Office. What’s not to love?
Candles from BASIK CANDLE CO
These candles are anything BUT basic. They are coconut wax candles handmade in San Francisco. I the “No. 5 mediterranean fig tree” and the “No. 4 Blood Orange and Bergamot” which I highly recommend. Unlike some candle scents that can come off as quite overwhelming and artificial, these candle scents are subtle and fresh. I enjoy burning them as a way to unwind and relax.
Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers’ debut album Stranger in the Alps was released 3 years ago but lately I’ve found myself listening to her music more. Her songwriting and lyrics are quite poetic and have a healing quality like that of rupi kaur’s poetry. Along with the tracks from “Stranger in the Alps,” her most recent songs include “Kyoto” and “Garden Song.”
Spring Bloom
Last weekend was mother’s day, so I picked up a bouquet for my mom. My favourite flowers to display around the house are a vase filled with peonies. Spring bloom can really brighten up and add colour to a space. Having flowers around the house right now really feels like a luxury, but a bouquet of flowers can be a great mood booster and a way to support small businesses in your neighbourhood.
Audrey
Sun Bum Hair Conditioner
Missing the beach? Sun Bum’s daily conditioner includes ingredients like banana and coconut oil, so it smells just like a tropical smoothie. Even better, this conditioner also rejuvenated and hydrated my long hair, after just a few washes. And using it always makes me happy, because its fruity scent reminds me of going to the beach!
Aromatherapy Crystal Mist No. 9: Love + Comfort
My mom gave me a couple bottles of Ark Made’s arometherapy mists, and I’ve been using them ever since. I often spray scent No. 9: Love + Comfort near my desk, while studying. The mist gives my surroundings a calming, flowery scent. (And mist No. 9 is my favorite!)
