Fashion in the Movies

Fashion on film can be a huge style influence. Because it is referencing real life, often the clothing we see in the movies can be much more wearable than what we see going down the runways. The first film to have a sartorial impact on me would have to be Clueless. In grade four I actually
wore a kilt with knee socks and chunky heels to school. Totally inappropriate for a nine year old, I know. I blame Cher.



Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz, shopping on Rodeo Drive.


Cher and Dionne rocking the plaid. This is the look I tried to emulate.





Unfortunately, I was also inspired by Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion. Fortunately, it only went as far as a lime green pleather jacket, and I managed to avoid the marabou-trimmed PVC dress.


Hooker-chic...terrifying.

Another unfortunate film I took inspiration from was Spiceworld. I suppose I was a fan of the giant foam platforms worn by the girls before the film came out, but in the movie I got to watch them all prance around in them for a full 90 minutes! I couldn't resist, and I bought a huge foam black and white pair.




Now that I have shared some of the poor fashion choices from my past, it's time to talk about the films that one should take some fashion cues from.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

A classic choice, Ms. Audrey Hepburn as the ultimate girl about town - the original Carrie Bradshaw - shows us that great style will always endure. Every girl needs a perfect little black dress (obviously), pearls, oversize black sunglasses, and a trenchcoat.

Stay chic, rain or shine.

La Belle de Jour

I must admit I have never actually seen this film (it's on my list), but it stars the French actress Catherine Deneuve and it came out in the 1960s. She plays a hooker, which is not genrerally someone I would advise emulating, but this is the classiest hooker I have ever seen. and she gets the cat-eye makeup down perfectly. She wears lots of perfect trenchcoats (not sure that there is anything underneath, though), and all her shoes are designed by Roger Viver.

To Catch a Thief

Cary Grant and Grace Kelly come together to show us how to do glamour properly. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock and set on the French Riviera, Grant plays a retired cat burgalar and Kelly is the woman who catches his eye. The famous costume designer Edith Head brought the glamour of the 1950s to life on-screen (she even won an oscar for it).

This really makes me want to get away to St. Tropez and put on all my most glam outfits.

The Devil Wears Prada
Although this movie is basically just a parade of one designer after another, there are ways to make it work without the Vogue closet. Just please, please don't scrimp on the shoes! Never run out for the subway without the perfect bag and coat combo. Say yes to tailored jackets and skirts. And always accessorize!


Anne Hathaway discovering the importance of designer shoes.


Head to toe Chanel...if only...



Wherever you get if from, be sure to always some inspiration in your fashion choices!

Topshop is Coming to Canada!

Fashionistas rejoice! British fashion retailer, Topshop, is coming to Canada. In partnership with The Bay, there will boutiques within the department stores, as well as free-standing stores. I have been to the flagship store in London's Oxford Circus, and it is amazing. Topshop is bit like Zara, featuring up-to-the minute fashions at easily accessible price points, but with a mix of brands. And also amazing shoes. Kate Moss and Sienna Miller are both fans, and in the past Kate has done capsule collections for the brand. I really hope it doesn't take too long for Topshop to make it's way out west...I'm already making room in my closet!

In Loving Memory of Elizabeth Taylor

The world has lost one of its greats. Elizabeth Taylor passed away on March 23rd, 2011. One of the most talented and beautiful actresses of Hollywood's Golden Age, with her bewitching violet eyes, she will not soon be forgotten. She won two Academy Awards, for her performances in Butterfield 8 and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, as well as a Humanitarian Academy Award for her work fighting AIDS. In the 1950s she was voted the most beautiful woman in the world.



Throughout her colourful life she was married eight times, twice to the same man. That man was Richard Burton, whom she called the love of her life. In one of her last interviews, she was asked if he were still alive would they have been married again, and her reply was, "It was inevtitable that we would be married again, but it's not up for discussion." According to reports, she had saved all the love letters he had ever written her. Theirs was a love story for the ages. Perhaps the two are reunited at last.


Elizabeth Taylor is best known for her roles in National Velvet, A Place in the Sun, and of course, Cleopatra. She met Burton on the set of Cleopatra; apparently during the filming of a love scene the director had to yell "Cut!" several times before they broke apart. The term "paparazzi" was coined during the filming in Rome in response to the chaos that follwed the pair as they began their romance.


I am not sure there has been a stonger woman in Hollywood than Elizabeth Taylor. She has survived divorces, widowhood, alcoholism, and multiple illness, all the while being scrutinized by the public. A woman of true gumption, she will forever live on in our hearts.

With Richard Burton, wearing the famous Burton-Taylor diamond, weighing in at 69.42 carats.

Taylor as Cleopatra.







With Paul Newman in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Wearing a turban, a fashion statement Taylor championed.

A still from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

With Burton in Cleopatra.

Fabulous headdress.

In National Velvet at age 12.

The famous violet eyes.

Farewell, Elizabeth. We will never forget you.

The 83rd Academy Awards

I am disappointed to say that this year's Oscars were the worst I have ever seen since I first started watching, about ten years ago. This goes for everything; the dresses, the hosts, the ceremony, the live performances of the best song nominees, just everything. The sad part is - aside from the whole thing - is that the selection of films nominated were all terrific. They sure did a poor job of giving the nominees the type of celebration they deserve. Now, on to the fashion. Since it was such a poor showing, I am going to classify the dresses simply as good or bad. Let me know what you think about the leading ladies fashion choices!

The Good


Natalie Portman in Rodarte.
This is pretty enough to wear even when you're not preggers.


Mila Kunis in Elie Saab.
Gorgeous, so flowing and feminine, and the hair and makeup looks flawless.


Hilary Swank in Gucci.
I love this, and it's a little bit edgy with the ombre-effect feathers.



Anne Hathaway in Givenchy.
Sadly, this was the only one of her many looks that I liked, all the rest were a yawn. Her stylist, Rachael Zoe, gets a big, fat FAIL.

The Bad


Nicole Kidman in Dior.
Terribly unflattering shape and the embroidery is awful. It looks like a hideous beadspread that you always find in old people's spare bedrooms.


Marisa Tomei in vintage Charles James.
All kinds of wrong. It doesn't even fit her properly!


Melissa Leo in Marc Bauer.
Dear Melissa Leo: This will forever be what you wore to accept your Academy Award. You must live with this fact forever.

Jennifer Hudson in Versace.
After losing so much weight, it's a shame she didn't wear something better. The colour is okay, but the fabric is awful and cheap-looking, the shape is boring and something really weird is happening with her boobs.

John Galliano Brings the Swagger

When it comes to theatricality, few men compare to John Galliano. I really don't think that there is anyone else who can manage to accessorize with a sword and pull it off. Except for maybe Napoleon. Here is a small gallery dedicated to the famous runway bows taken by the king of couture.















This outfit is my favorite!

The Shoes To Wear (or not to wear) This Summer

February does not often entice one to slip on a nice little pair of sandals, or a cute cork wedge, but it does make one long for the day when we can. All the magazines have been full of summer offerings since November, and now the stores are too, and if you don't snap up the summery object of your desire, someone else will. There is one trend that all the magazines would have you buy, but I would not. I feel you should be warned. Behold the massive platform with no pitch. Also known as what you put on when you decide you never want to have sex with
a man again.

Prada



Marc Jacobs



Michael Kors

Now, I obviously love fashion, but I also love personal style. If these atrocities are your personal style, then have at it If not please, please don't wear them just because they are in fashion. And remember, fashion does not always flatter. What is the point of a high heel if it doesn't arch your back and give you the sexy walk?

On to better things. Now, I don't really consider any of the above to be an actual wedge, since they are more block-shaped, but I love a good wedge. They seem to always return to runways every spring. I have showed you a nude one from the Lanvin collection and here is more. I ADORE the pink snakeskin! The YSL is amazing, but looks like a sitting shoe.







Lanvin




YSL
The wedge is the perfect choice to pair with the wide-leg and super flared pants and jeans that I will be wearing for spring. You should too!
One trend for spring that I can get on board with is colourful shoes. Black is boring, we did nude last year, so now try something bold. John Galliano's showing at Dior had a tribal inluence, while Karl over at Fendi went for a colour-blocking approach to the trend. If you're too scared for this, then you need to read more of my blog and grow some fashion balls (which, by the way, would not be black).

Dior


Fendi

There are, of course, shoes that defy all trends. Unsurprisingly, they come from Alexander McQueen.


It seems that although she will never replace him, Sarah Burton has managed to fill his shoes...with butterflies.

Whatever you choose to put on your feet this spring, I hope they make your heart soar like butterflies.