Welcome to HNGN's weekly top picks, where we cull the best and brightest releases in music, fashion, tech, and pop culture. Come back each week for more of-the-moment goodness.
MUSIC
Foxygen: ...And Star Power (Jagjaguwar)
Foxygen - the duo of Jonathan Rado and Same France - formed when they were only 15. Nearly 10 years into their career, Rado and France have released arguably their best effort in "...And Star Power," with strong reviews already issued by the New York Times, Esquire and NPR. A 9-piece version of the psychedelic band hit the road this week for a tour to support "...And Star Power."
Watch Foxygen's new video for "Coulda Been My Love" here:
Jessie J: Sweet Talker (Lava/Republic)
British singer/songwriter Jessie J this week releases "Sweet Talker," her star-studded third album which features guest appearances by Ariana Grande, 2Chainz and Nicki Minaj. The album's lead single, "Bang Bang," because Jessie J's third No. 1 hit in the UK.
U2: Songs of Innocence (Island)
When U2 included a free copy of its new album on the iPhone 6, the backlash proved that even the (arguably) biggest band in the world can't get away with forcing itself on listeners. The Irish juggernaut gets a second shot this week with the physical release of "Songs of Innocence."
The Game: Blood Moon: Year Of The Wolf (Blood Money Entertainment)
West Coast rapper and star of VH1 reality show "Marrying The Game," The Game drops his sixth album this week.
Bob Seger: Ride Out (Capitol)
Classic rocker Bob Seger this week releases "Ride Out," his first studio album since 2006's "Face The Promise."
"This album touches on how I think a lot of us feel about finding our place in a more complicated world - from how we appreciate things as simple and pure as love, to navigating through the corruption and violence that permeates the news," Seger said in a press release. "It sums up a lot of feelings I have about a variety of subjects."
Watch the video for the rocking "Ride Out" tune "Detroit Made" here:
We Were Promised Jetpacks: Unraveling (FatCat Records)
The Scottish indie rock band with the curious name returns this week with its third album, "Unraveling." You can hear the polished, expansive and propulsive lead track from the album, "Safety In Numbers," here:
FASHION
Robe coats
Stay warm from your neck to your knees this winter with the robe coat, which was a major trend for the fall 2014 collections of Balenciaga, Chloe, Altuzarra, The Row and other labels.
Wearing a robe coat doesn't mean you'll step out looking like you raided Hugh Hefner's closet, but the oversized coat makes a statement with earth or jewel tones like deep plums, dramatic silhouettes and the waist-defining "I mean business" belt.
As Fashionista pointed out, robe coats can be paired with a pencil skirt or a pair of silk trousers. Mango has a few ranging in price from $170 to $230.
Aerie Bright Pink Charley Bra
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month (October), loungewear and underwear brand Aerie is selling a limited-edition pink bra for $29.95. And yes, the bra is a push-up, so you can get all the perkiness you need while showing support for a breast cancer cure.
Unlike other brands that donate only a small portion of the sales for charitable projects, Aerie will donate all of the proceeds to the women's health non-profit Bright Pink, according to The Huffington Post.
Lancôme Grandiose Mascara
Fresh out of Lancôme's beauty factory is the first-ever mascara with a curved wand that outlines the shape of your face so application is easier than ever.
The brush is outfitted with an array of jumbled long and short bristles that reach those stubborn corner lashes your ordinary wand never wants to reach. There's also the ultra-sleek mascara formula that's made with rose cell extract (not sure what that means, but it sounds lovely).
The Grandiose Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara launched this spring and is available now for $24.50.
Sweatpants
Even the most rigid of fashionistas can't ignore the sweatpants trend. Once confined to be worn on rainy-laundry-workout days, designers like Alexander Wang, Balenciaga and Stella McCartney have now embraced sweatpants, StyleCaster noted.
But how can one rock the sweatpants, or "athleisure," trend without looking like a confused athlete? Here is a tutorial on how to put together a show-stopping sweatpants ensemble, compliments of Refinery 29.
Dalys 1895 cufflinks
High-end men's accessories designer Dalys 1895 presents a new addition to the wearable technology trend with cufflinks that double as a USB drive. Handmade in Texas, each pair of sterling silver cufflinks comes with one that pops open to reveal a 16 gigabyte USB drive inside - perfect for any man dying to unleash his inner James Bond.
Dalys 1895 Sterling Silver 16GB USB Cufflinks retail at $200. The 119-year-old company will also personalize the cufflinks with a monogram upon request, but of course that's extra.
APPLES
Fuji
Although it was developed in Japan, the Fuji apple is an all-American favorite. It was crossbred by Delicious and Ralls Janet (a crossbred apple similar to a Macintosh) at the Tohoku Research Station in Japan in 1962. We love Fujis in applesauce and for the fact that they are in season all year round.
Jonagold
The Jonagold apple is a mix of the Golden Delicious and Jonathan varieties. First crossbred in 1943 in New York, we love them in pies, apple sauce and cider. Jonagold apples are a must-have during their peak season (September-April) because of their unique tangy-but-sweet taste.
Spartan
The Spartan apple tastes as awesome as its name. We love it because it's a sweet, all-purpose apple that can be cooked in just about anything. It was first bred in 1926 in Canada between a Macintosh and Newton apple. (Side note: The Newton apple is also crossbred, but its parents are unknown). We are entering Spartan season now, as this variety is usually found between October and July.
Gala
The Gala is a beautiful heart-shaped, light-skinned apple which was parented by Golden Delicious and Kidd's Orange Red in New Zealand way back in 1085. We love Gala apples as a take-along snack or cut up in salads. They are in season from August through March.
GADGETS
Kindle Fire For Kids
