I can’t be the only one out there who’s dreamt about having her own theme song (I blame The Pink Panther, mostly… and Kronk, who makes up his own). But you know what’s better than a theme song? An entire playlist to keep you motivated, no matter what you’re doing. Whether it’s the morning of your wedding (butterflies!) or you have some resolutions to tackle, I’ve uncovered some song selections that will get you through pretty much anything.

Pre-Wedding Primping
The big day has finally arrived (with no jitters in sight), so gather the bridesmaids, pour the champagne, start the hair and makeup, and crank up these nuptial numbers. Upbeat and playful, some songs may inspire the use of a hairbrush microphone.

Football Fun
Given the upcoming game this Sunday and the so-close-we-can-almost-taste-it Super Bowl (go Pats!), these game-inspired songs are only appropriate. “Eye of the Tiger” isn’t on it, but pretty much any football-themed song ever (with video) is.

Workout Warrior
Shockingly (insert sarcasm here), there are only about a thousand playlists to choose from for fitness: some perfectly timed to your cardio and weightlifting routine, some that inspire endless running endurance, and some that are crafted specifically for exercises like yoga.

Road Trip
For something like this, I’m not convinced a stranger’s playlist will make the cut – but it certainly helps you get started. No matter how long your trip will last, make sure you’ve got tunes that help you stay entertained and alert. Number one on my list? “Low Rider” by War – call me cliché, but it’s an awesome song.

Continue reading “Get-Up-and-Go Playlists for (Almost) Everything” »

Break out those Playskool xylophones – based on Jimmy Fallon and Mariah Carey’s rendition of “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” elementary school music toys are the only things you need to create some holiday magic. Okay, and maybe a pop star with a fabulous voice…

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This year marks the 40th anniversary of the American Music Awards, which has spawned some truly memorable fashion moments over the years. Here, a look back at a few of my favorites.

Michael Jackson was feeling “Dangerous” in 1993 and his AMAs performance – complete with male backup dancers wearing matching black suits, skinny ties, and fedoras – made him look like the leader of an army of well-dressed mobsters.

In 2007, Fergie took to the stage in a barely there sequined Jenny Packham sheath and sky-high red stilettos, giving Tina Turner a run for her money in the legs-up-to-there department, while her Black Eyed Peas bandmate will.i.am looked every inch the gentleman in his top hat and velvet smoking jacket. That same year, Avril Lavigne transitioned from teen punk rocker to grown-up divorcée in a black T-shirt and silver skirt.

A year later, Beyoncé channeled her alter ego, Sasha Fierce, and tore up “Single Ladies” wearing a plunging black and white Armani Privé satin jacket with matching black booty shorts beside backup dancer (and current Glee star) Heather Morris in a coordinating one-armed bodysuit.

Jennifer Lopez went for the gold – literally – during her boxing-inspired 2009 AMAs performance of “Louboutins,” with a 24K microphone and glittering gold, leather, and lace romper that almost made us forget she fell on her butt mid-song, while Rihanna opted for a skin-baring white bandage jumpsuit. Thankfully, there were no wardrobe malfunctions during her performance, despite having only a thin strip of leather covering her lady bits.

Not one to be outdone, Lady Gaga also went the jumpsuit route in 2009 but in her case, it was flesh-toned, covered by a plastic exoskeleton that extended from her ankles to her rib cage, completely obscuring the upper half of her face and lighting up when she moved.

And in 2010 Katy Perry set off “Fireworks” in a sparkly crimson Marco Marco jumpsuit that did her figure all kinds of favors.

With Nicki Minaj and Rihanna leading the 2012 AMAs with four nominations each, and Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Adele, and Taylor Swift also in the running, we know this year’s AMAs is sure to have more than a few looks to remember.

The 2012 American Music Awards will be broadcast live on Sunday, November 18, at 8PM ET on ABC.

Lauren David Peden writes for Rue La La as a Contributing Editor.