News — Merch

You know what my favorite thing to do while working from home is? Blasting reality TV in the background. When I am not blogging, I need constant background noise. What better way to fulfill that need than to have adults looking for love, screaming at each other? 

As a surprise to no one, because I am tragically single, I love the show “Are you the One.” This show is pure chaos. Let me give you a brief synopsis, so juicy, that you will want to immediately leave here and go binge it yourself. Don’t worry, Seasons 1 and 2 are on Netflix at your disposal. In short, the show is SUPPOSED to be about finding your soulmate. Based on a single survey. Like are you kidding? If that’s the case, I can find my soulmate from my sandwich order at Which Wich. C’mon now. Anyways, like I said, the whole point is to find love, right? Well then why do they offer you A MILLION DOLLARS if you all pair correctly? Motive of the whole show changes, f love, I want money. It becomes chaotic when most people realize, they in fact LOVE WHO THEY LOVE, and don’t want to base it off of the survey. Yet, there are the select few, who really really want the money. I actually don’t even know if it’s a million, I just know it’s a large sum. 

So you’re probably wondering why you are reading the ramblings of a lunatic addicted to reality television. WELL, because one of our very own, Tai Verdes...was a star. Going by Tyler, he debuted on Season 6...fresh off the heartbreak express. He was very open about, well, not being able to open up in a relationship. All with good reason, heartbreak is no joke. One of my favorite moments, however, came after the chaos of the show. When the whole cast sits down and reflects on their triumphs or mistakes, Tai and co-star Ethan had a little ukulele rap performance for the audience. While that sounds like it entirely doesn’t go together instrumentally and lyrically, IT DOES. While I can’t speak on Ethan’s rapping career, I can definitely say that for Tai this was just the beginning. I mean, look where he is now! He just dropped a new music video today, which I WILL be reviewing for you guys this week...don’t worry. So, you better go watch it before I write a novel about the whole plot.

Moral of the story...if you’re looking to take off in your career. Start on reality TV. Or at least pretend. I sit in my house, working away for the public, and find myself staring into imaginary cameras often. Like I am the main character….okay I’m lying I definitely don’t do that. Mentally, though? I 100% do. If staring into imaginary cameras, or let alone HAVING REAL ONES SHOVED IN YOUR FACE, isn’t your thing...you’re in luck. There’s this super cool thing called streaming, and you can watch everyone else live the chaos instead. While season 6 of “Are You The One” doesn’t appear to be on Netflix, I definitely think it’s worth at least a free trial to MTV’s streaming to watch Tai find love. You can watch him find love and take off his music career all in one. A real do it all guy. You can also tune back here this week to see me reviewing his newest music video. 

‘Til next timeeeeee!

Julianna Taylor

Ethan and Tai’s Performance Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy187f1oNp0

I know what you're thinking...where has she been?

Honestly, I know absolutely nobody is thinking that. I'm acting like little miss influencer whenever I login over here, but hey, Twitter has been giving me a little ego boost lately.

What you might be wondering is if you've missed anything. While there have been plenty of drops that came and went, a lot are still up for grabs. Who doesn't love a little post-Christmas shopping spree? It's the perfect time to stock up on next year's not so ugly holiday sweater. I can't be the only one who thinks "ugly" sweaters are actually extremely cute...right? Someone back me up here.

2020 was a doozy. I mean, the music industry pretty much shut down for a second there with no clear path to recovery in sight. However, we all made the collective decision to not let it kill our drive. I'm not going to say we carried this industry...but...in my heart we did. I mean personally, my favorite memory was getting laid off, but we won't go there. I may ride that joke out until my career is over. My boss will never hear the end. However, I did get to stick around and talk all of your ears off...so really I think the COVID layoff was more of a character builder. Trying to find the positives in everything here. Which, I would argue was the learning curve for everything that happened this year. Finding the positives.

Anyways, we can talk about merch now, since I know that's what you all come for anyways. While I would love to tell you that there's a FAT discount you can use on all your next purchases, there isn't. However, a little birdie told me that everyone's starting to get their $600 stimulus checks overnight. I think it's time to spend all that on clothes. I mean...not like it can cover rent or bills anyways. I mean, at least if you're in Southern California. So, might as well TREAT YO SELF.

If we're getting specific, Four Year Strong is STILL running their holiday merch until January 1st. Some of it isn't even Christmas themed. It ties into their livestream, so you can build your own bundle AND rewatch the online concert. What more could you ask for to end the year?? 

We ALSO still have Charlotte Sands merch up and running through our website. I will say the "This Sweatshirt Was Yours," long sleeve is still the best seller. It's cozy AND a diss to your ex in a way. Kiss the year goodbye and your gross relationship history. We aren't bringing that into 2021 with us, I WILL NOT ALLOW IT.

If you're interested in that NEW NEW, we have a K.Flay line. This one's really taking me back, there are CASETTES AND SLAP BRACELETS. My childhood self is thriving with this drop. She even has a cute poster of her posing with a LAVA LAMP. I mean, if that doesn't sell you, I don't know what will. Nostalgia sells, right?

I really really really want to talk about stand out music for me this year. I know I blab on and on about it in separate posts, but it truly made the grueling year special. I mean, all we really got to do was sit inside and listen to music. It was a completely different experience than hearing it at the club or at a show. Something about being isolated and only having music, felt more intimate. Don't get me started on the song, "Bitter," with Fletcher and Trevor Daniel. For some reason that song is STILL resonating with me and it's been three months since I last spoke to you guys about it. However, a song quickly taking heed in my mind, is "Dress," by Charlotte Sands. I'm not even going to tell you WHO the song is about, because I feel like it's more exclusive and like an inside joke. Although, it is definitely easy to google. If you need more musical highlights, you can always checkout our playlists on the Absolute Merch Spotify. I clearly had fun during quarantine conjuring up different playlists out of my comfort zone. I promise to be more punk rock in 2021, okay?

Well guys...I guess this is see you next year?! HAHA. Classic dad joke. I promise also to be less MIA, disconnecting for the holidays made me realize how much I miss sitting down and vibing on this blog. SO GET READY. 

'Til next timeeeee!

Julianna Taylor

Hello everyone...it’s your favorite garbage human. Me. Duh.

So, today, I thought I would switch it up a bit. Mainly because I had no luck posting my spooky season post. It was a sign. Today, we’re going to get a little up close and personal. Whether you like it or not. For some of you, working from home has become second nature. Others may be working in an actual office setting, wondering what all the hype is about. Let me break it down for you.

When the pandemic first happened, I had no idea how to behave like a normal human being and work from my living room. My mentality was, if I’m home, I’m relaxing. Reality smacked me in the face real hard when I saw what my “relaxing” income was. I had to get on my grind. Mentally, once you find the motivation, working from home is easy. You set up camp anywhere but your bed, and you don’t leave for 8 hours. DREAMY. Once you start to get into a routine...that’s where the real trouble begins. Let me give you a little example.

Working from home has literally no schedule. You can clock in whenever you want, as long as you’re making your hours for the week. There’s no need to report to the office at 8am and tell your boss what’s on the agenda for the day. Honestly, don’t think my boss and I were ever even at the office before 8am pre-covid either. SO, this is where you can walk a thin line. Last night, I clocked out around 6pm. Dangerously close to Happy Hour o’clock. I threw on some jeans and decided to meet my friend for some dinner and wine. Socially distanced, of course. Unfortunately, two glasses of wine turned into four. Maybe four and a half...who’s counting? There was no turning back. I decided to let the wine decide my fate for the night. While my fate only involved sipping and watching movies...this morning’s headache would have suggested otherwise. If I didn’t know we were in a pandemic, I would’ve assumed I somehow made it out to Encore Beach Club in Vegas. My temples are throbbing.

However, here I am. WORKING!! Just like that. Easy peasy, right? Wrong. 

While I did just roll out of bed, open my laptop, and clock in; it feels so much worse. In normal times, if I were to go be reckless on a Wednesday, the next day I am forced out of bed and into an actual workplace setting. Where I really have to get myself together. I mean, I can’t have my peers knowing I am unwell. FROM HOME THOUGH? I have no peers. The only judgement is radiating from my robot vacuum. 

With my bed just steps away, those four glasses of wine are really starting to feel like twenty. The temptation is right there, and I can’t have it. I mean, I CAN. However, speaking for future me, she would want me to be chasing this bag right now. It’s also not all bad, I mean, my job is pretty cool. Look at me, hungover, getting paid to write about it, right here. Blessed. I can even go Tweet about my struggles too...and it’s all work. 

While this hangover feels like a punishment for being a garbage wine drinking human on a Wednesday, I love having a creative job that lets me capitalize on my struggles. I mean, do you guys also want me to give a little OOTD? I am currently in the baggiest sweats you can find, and my favorite Half Alive hoodie. C’mon...you really thought I would come on here and roast myself without giving a little merch plug? Don’t be dumb. Not only do we represent some of the best artists, but those artists create some of the best hangover outfits you could imagine. I dare you to go read my hoodie season post...you’ll find all your new favorite hoodies to hide from your mistakes in. 

With that being said...I’m going to close my eyes at my desk for a few seconds…

‘Til next timeeeeee!

Julianna Taylor

Y'all know what time it is? It’s time to spend some cash.

I bet you all are waiting on the day when I run out of catchy things to say as my title. I’m going to be honest...I think that time is coming soon. However, this Monday’s is a little less clickbait. Remember when I used to tell you about all the fun drops coming up? Clearly I’ve been a little side-tracked thinking of all the new music. SO sorry I neglected you and your bank accounts. I know you guys are probably dying to spend money. 

So I touched briefly on this on Friday, but Blackbear got a whole new merch website. It’s literally all interactive. I’m going to be completely transparent and say I spent a couple hours just continuously going back and playing around with it. The concept is you can pretty much design the merch you want. You can choose if it's a hoodie or tshirt, then pick the color, then the color of the font. This makes things so much more unique. Like yeah you might have the same hoodie conceptually as someone else, but the colors could be totally different. If you’ve already used it, I want to see your combinations!

I know, I know. I’ve been getting a little too Pop over here. What can I say. However, The Used dropped 100 “Gravity’s Rainbow” zip up hoodies. If you don’t follow them on social media, and couldn’t get your hands on one, I still recommend checking it out. The artwork is phenomenal. They tagged the artist on their Instagram, and their page is wild to checkout. I love when The Used does these little artists series! I think it's amazing. 

Next exciting one, Dayseeker Summer Line. Guys, this is the epitome of hot girl/boy Summer. I don’t even know what to talk about first...KIDDING YES I DO. Bodysuits??? Like seriously??? I am obsessed with bodysuits. It’s the lazy girl way. However, it still looks so hot. I’ve always wanted to rep an artist on a onesie. I have no idea why. Again, this is my fave going out look. The bodysuit is so simple too, it could be a great conversation piece for when bars safely reopen again next year. Men, I didn’t forget about you. I told you it was hot boy Summer too.  While of course you could rock anything other than the bodysuit, unless that’s your vibe, then I LOVE THAT FOR YOU. They have some spicy shorts for you guys. They come in green and pink. You’ll be the hottest one at the pool, I guarantee it. 

Beartooth also had their own Summer drop, and guess what? TIE DYE. You guys thought you heard the last of my tie dye rambles. Well, me too. The merch gods sensed this and decided to drop some more for me to talk about. Literally everything, but one, is tie dye. Can you believe it? I’m literally in heaven. However, while this is totally my vibe, I have to say one item that’s my favorite isn’t even the tie dye shirts. Don’t panic. IT’S SUNSCREEN. Literally what. I have yet to see someone come out with this, and it’s the perfect edition for a SUMMER line. I mean, yes, we are still in quarantine. I don’t want to talk about it. However, some of us have beaches and pools that we can safely distance at. Sunshine is good for the soul, trust me. So, you obviously need protection! This was definitely a solid add to their collection.

Alright Madeon fans, we heard you. The corduroy hat is back! This one sells as fast as it comes, I can’t even get my hands on one. You guys are wild. However, this one is such a Summer staple, so I understand. You deserve it more than me, honestly. Is anyone thirsty? Silverstein came out with an aluminum bottle for anyone who just can’t get enough water. Also, get this. They came out with a BASKETBALL HOOP. Literally all these artists are just screaming for you guys to get outside. Cure that quarantine depression. Maybe I’ll get one too and we can all virtually shoot some hoops on our lunch break...could be fun??? 

Clearly, we had a lot of exciting things happen. They’re all so good this time I can’t even play favorites. I want them all. So, as always, links are below. Get yours and tag us in it!

‘Til next timeeeeeeeeeeee

Julianna Taylor

Blackbear New Site:

https://blackbearmerch.com

The Used Hoodie (SOLD OUT):

https://heartwork.theused.net/collections/all-products-1/products/gravitys-rainbow-zip-hoodie

Dayseeker Summer Line:

https://dayseekerband.co/#merch

Beartooth Summer Line:

https://beartoothmerch.com

Madeon Hat:

https://madeon.store/collections/all/products/navy-corduroy-hat

Silverstein Hoop and Water Bottle:

Woohoo! We made it! Friday. Suddenly, the air is clearer, and people’s spirits are lighter. You know what else is about to have a little less weight? Your wallet. We have sales on SALES happening right now, even I’m excited about it. 

Before we get into our Spring cleaning sales we have happening, remember when I went on a tangent about The Used weekly drops? The tarot cards have flipped today, to reveal a new long sleeve! It’s called The Moon Long Sleeve. Which came at a perfect time! This weekend is a full moon. What better than to admire nature’s beauty in your new cozy merch item? Literally nothing. 

Up next, we have a new drop from, Asking Alexandria. This one is pretty steamy, so get ready. Not only are there EIGHTEEN new bundles, yes you read that right, but there are also several individual items as well. Like joggers. Our artists are all over the jogger trend lately, and I love it. So do you guys. Wait, there’s more. The first 2,000 CDs sold will be SIGNED. Totally unique, and totally going to sell out fast. If I were you, I would order them before I even finish reading this paragraph. 

Beartooth also decided to drop a hot pair of pants for you guys this week. They’re the Zubaz pants. So funky. The perfect pants to spice up any outfit. You can even get a little saucy and wear them to whatever tour/festival you’re excited about this year. Me, personally? I would wear them on a night out. Maybe someone will buy me a drink. 

The Story So Far added some new items to their store. These new items are perfect to add to your Spring wardrobe!  Items you can get starting today are: the Dark Green Leaf Logo Hoodie, White Block Letter Crewneck, Tan Block Letter Tee, and the Proper Dose Embroidered Hat. So much to choose from! Such a variety. My favorite new item? The Hoodie. Of course, it’s getting hot again and I want a hoodie. It’s cold in the office, okay? I’m sure some of you feel the same!

Now moving on to the part where I help you save a little moola. Spring Cleaning Sale! Is it just me, or is there something about the word sale that makes me want to buy MORE than what I need? I hope not. If you’re like me, this first one is going to be for you. Motionless in White is having a whole 20% off store sale. When you are going to check out, type in MOTION20, and bam, it’s like you didn’t even spend money at all. That’s how it works, right? LIMBS is having a huge sale over on our website. Everything is $10!! The hoodie is $20. This one is major because once these are sold out, they’re GONE. With their Loser Hat already sold out, it’s no telling how much longer the rest will last. Who doesn’t love $10 tees? Perfect to wear to a casual day at the office, or to crop for the summer! 

Check back in next week, for the exciting things we have for you!

https://absolutemerch.com/collections/limbs-1

https://heartwork.theused.net

http://thestorysofarca.com/#MERCH

https://miwmerch.com/collections/all-products

Julianna Taylor