San Diego Songbird

For Your Listening Enjoyment // Hot Snakes

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:29:00 +0000

If you're just learning this for the first time, I am sorry. Hot Snakes are playing two shows in the next couple of months here in San Diego... and they sold out. If that bummed you out, stop reading because I'm about to rub it in your face. I am going to both! Hey, they might stop playing again and I need to soak it all in while I can. Hot Snakes (and all things Swami) 4-eva.

Look of the Week // The Muumuu

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:01:00 +0000

Look, I know you might think of muumuus as something your grandma wears around the house but I'm here to tell you that not only can they be done right, I am going to claim that they'll be this season's hottest item. Probably not but I think you'll see them around... and then they'll hit the clearance racks and I will buy them all. Here's a look at some muumuu-esque pieces from Stella McCartney (all available here):

And just to prove to you how much I stand behind the muumuu, here are some variations I've enjoyed in the past. Personally, I like to find them at the thrift store and then hem the hell out of them. Expert tip: the ones with belted waists (on the inside or on the outside of the dress) make you look less fat.

Also, please don't worry... I hate talking about myself so this blog is not turning into a place where I take pictures of what I'm wearing everyday. Because it would be boring and filled mostly with Canadian tuxedos, my outfit of choice. Other miscellaneous notes... that is a chocolate mustache lollipop on the left, I'm in the Turf Club bathroom in the middle and that's a celebrity/candid shot on the right. I almost made it into Us Weekly as Cher.

Currently Coveting // Directional Motivation

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:52:00 +0000

I'm in love (in lurve. in loave. in luff.) with these bags from Directional Motivation (found via A Time To Get):

Look of the Week // Reef Bella Costas

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:12:00 +0000

These new Reef Bella Costa flats make me want to take a trip down to Mexico. Sayulita anyone? Tulum maybe? Anyway, they're super cute and they're giving away a pair a day this month on their Facebook page.

Shop more Reef and get free shipping over $75 here.

P.S. Punxsutawney Phil is an asshole. Summer or bust.

Tuesdays are Rad // Surfing Wookie

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:42:00 +0000

I Instagram'd this last week mostly because it's basically a portrait of my friend, Matt. I've always wished I could get that gutteral Chewbacca noise to work out for me but I just can't pull it off. It would pair so well with this. Anyway, hope this inspires an epic week.

Found via Rad Dudes

For Your Listening Enjoyment // Hollywood Killers

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:56:00 +0000

I posted this a long time ago but it's kind of an old stand-by of mine so it's worth a re-post. It always makes me happy... which is just the mood we need to be in to launch into the weekend.

p.s. I'm not sure who the dudes are in that main image in the video. The real Hollywood Killers look like the dudes in the TV screen in that top image... but hey, I'll take it. Rad dudes on rad bikes is always accepted here.

Back In Stock // Samudra Pouches

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:46:00 +0000

After being sold out for what seemed like forever, Samudra pouches are back in stock. I got my hands on this bad boy and I am in lurve:

Samudra Mokulua Pouch

I have to say, it was a tough choice with so many rad options:

Samudra Tahiti Reef Pouch

Samudra Tulum Wave Pouch

Samudra Flamingo Pouch

Tuesdays are Rad

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Ok, I've missed the past couple of Monday posts but this week, Tuesday is going to be rad. I mean, we made it through Monday so it's all downhill from here, right? Yes, because Pete Townsend says so.

image via

For Your Listening Enjoyment // Fox Rox

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:41:00 +0000

Do you know what I miss? Fox Rox. This clip of No Knife on the show is so good. Come on, San Diego... let's step it up again music-wise. P.S. Rest In Peace, lovely Etta James.

Mother Denim // Summer Prints

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:48:00 +0000

To the pants on the left I say, "YES PLEASE."

Mother Denim via Refinery 29

For Your Listening Enjoyment // The Flamin' Groovies

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:04:00 +0000

I've had The Groovies on repeat lately. This song just doesn't get old. Happy weekend, y'all!

Apolis x Aloha Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:59:00 +0000

Dudes, we all need this bag. It's great for the farmer's market or the playa. Available for purchase here.

Also, thanks to the deal the Aloha Sunday dudes hooked up, enjoy a meal or drink at any of their partnered establishments. Just bring in your receipt and receive $10 off your purchase from January 12th-22nd.

Local Establishments Include:

Caffé Calabria

URBN Coal Fired Pizza

The Linkery

El Take It Easy

Bottlecraft Beer Shop and Tasting Room

I'm cold...

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:57:00 +0000

I am cold blooded (in more ways than one... ha!) and I am freezing right now. I wish I was on the beach (with no wind,) juggling croissants (chocolate croissants, that is.)

Image by James Bowden. See more selected images by James on The Post Social!

Your ego...

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

...is not your amigo. So true.

Thanks for the reminder, Tony.

Poler Napsack

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

The Poler Napsack is the most genius creation I have ever seen. It's a sleeping bag...

But wait! You can walk around while wearing it. It's like taking the Snuggie to a new, radder, less-ugly level.

Mondays are Rad

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:06:00 +0000

This reminds me of being a little kid, popping wheelies on my BMX. So fun. Let's try to have that much fun today... and this week. Mondays are so rad (don't forget... this is my way of forcing a smile.)

For Your Listening Enjoyment // RFTC + Yo Gabba Gabba

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:14:00 +0000

This is old news but I keep forgetting to post it. Since no crazed RFTC fans have uploaded the video to YouTube yet, all I have is this amazing photo and this quote from Swami:

AP-ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT REUNITE! apparently no one got the email invites to witness the sole reunion performance of the defunct San Diego rock n roll band Rocket From The Crypt. The band played a surprisingly tight and choreographed show on the set of Nickelodeon's children show Yo Gabba Gabba. The unfortunately small audience (about five to ten 3 year olds) did not hamper the bands energy as they played favorites from their first 4 LP's. One attendee was overheard saying " I'm thirsty". When asked about future Rocket performances the band answered, " No. We are only interested in playing to audiences of 5 to 10 people between the ages of 3 to 6. Although we were surprisingly tight and choreographed, we will most likely never play as a band ever again."

So how about we just sing along to this flashback/classic instead?

P.S. The Beehive/Mrs. Magician show at Bar Pink on NYE was rad. I'm pissed at you if you missed it. To make it up to me, you may attend any Mrs. Magician show in the future because they are SO good and you will love them.

Shoe Love // TOMS Ballet Flats

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:09:00 +0000

I can't wait for these TOMS Ballet Flats! It sounds like they'll be available in time for Spring 2012. I'm excited to have a new variation of comfy-feel-goodness to basically live in.

Mondays Are Rad

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

I ~~usually~~ always complain about Mondays. My New Year's resolution is to be less negative in general... but mostly on Mondays. That is not an easy task so I'm going to just post something positive and rad every Monday to aid in the process. It's like how people say that forcing a smile will actually make you happy. Something like that.

image via

For Your Listening Enjoyment // Jimi Does Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 06:50:00 +0000

Before there were Trans Siberian Orchestra "hard rock" Christmas songs... there was Jimi. Happy Christmas y'all... I hope Santa doesn't gip you.

Image via The Impossible Cool

Things I've Been Doing While Neglecting My Blog

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:57:00 +0000

Just in case you're wondering how I've been spending my time while I haven't been here at the good 'ol Songbird... here's an overview.

I just hiked Cowles Mountain (Don't judge my crappy photo. I took it on my 1985 Blackberry.)

I've been adding succulents to a Trader Joe's wreath...

I've been making ornaments for my door...

I've been making pomegranate-infused vodka for my in-laws...

I've been digging through boxes at Ikea, looking for the last of these bottles in which to store my pom-vodka...

I've been hanging Christmas lights from my Ace Hotel shelves... and getting so attached to them that I don't think I want to take them down...

I've been making snowflakes and hanging them on my windows. Yep. Because I'm on holiday vacation from work and I have time to breathe. And make snowflakes.

I've been watching the best show on TV right now. Yes, Workaholics is possibly surpassing my love of Parks & Recreation.

Also, we've had some rad Gift Guides (aka our Fave Fives Series) on The Post Social and I just posted a swanky little gift wrap DIY that's not too shabby if I do say so myself. I really hope you guys are loving TPS. When I read the posts and Post Marks from Haydes and Heather, I'm always stoked. They really kill it... great taste, those two. I'm so proud to be a part of this project.

For Your Listening Enjoyment // Feliz Navidad

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:43:00 +0000

There's nothing quite like an adorable girl with a great voice (Jorge and Alexa Narvaez) and photo of Freddie Mercury in a sombrero to start out the weekend. Sorry for my lame lack of posting this week... I swear I'm not abandoning this blog for The Post Social!

amazing image via Awesome People Hanging Out Together

Worn In // Vans Classics

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000

This is a seriously worn-in pair of Vans:

via Saturdays Surf NYC

For Your Listening Enjoyment // A Very Disco Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 16:40:00 +0000

Want to get into the Christmas Spirit AND do The Hustle? Well I have the tune for you!

For Your Listening Enjoyment | Oi To The World

noreply@blogger.com (julia wheeler) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:11:00 +0000

It feels like a whole lifetime has passed since the last time I saw The Vandals play live. Oi To The World is a punk rock Christmas classic. This will be most appreciated by Taryn, I'm sure!