Looking Back
Reckless
My brief mention to old Hollywood starlets in another post reminded me of one of my favorites, Jean Harlow (who was in love with one of my favorite male stars, William Powell). Jean Harlow was the original blonde bombshell (I'm not giving that term loosely out of fandom, this term was coined for her); she had a flair for drama and comedy. She tragically died young of poor health from which she had suffered all her life.
What I remember Harlow for through her films is how powerful she is on screen. She might give you a few laughs, but she always seemed a tough and strong woman--she didn't take crap from anybody. I am also given to singing her lyrics from Reckless (a reference that is always lost on my friends) at random.
The song lyrics, which really to my mind describe her personality better than I could ever (a woman who is ready to bruise, burn out, and be reckless):
Harlow: "What'll you ever BE? What'll you ever DO? How will you ever KNOW if you don't take a chance!?"
Girl Chorus: "You have got-to-get-ONE...SWEET...TASTE..."
Harlow: "I'm gonna LIVE long, LEARN a lot, I'll light my candle, and I'll BURN a lot!"
Girl Chorus: "You'll have your BEST shocks, HARD knocks..."
Harlow: "I'm on my OWN if I bruise!"
Girl Chorus: "And they'll be SMART TEARS, JUST TEARS!"
Harlow: "And I can take it on the CHIN if I lose,because I'm RECKLESS!!!"
Girl Chorus: "Because she's reckless..."
Harlow: "I'm gonna GO PLACES and LOOK LIFE IN THE FACE!!!!"
She's also given credit for a number of great quotes that evoke her sharp (witty, smart?) personality; my favorite being "When you lie down with dogs, you wake up with fleas."
CONVERSATION
The Midas Touch
Inspiration: where does it come from? We have to get inspired somewhere and many of us are inspired everywhere. Is there or isn't there a proper way to be inspired and interpret that? Why is it wrong for a western designer to be inspired by a eastern culture? Honestly, I'm a bit more upset that we lump everything up into "east" and "west" since this doesn't do justice to the variety of cultures in each.
Some designers seem to be inspired light years ahead of us(I saw other gold pants on the runway in addition to these):
I have a weakness for the mermaid hair on Jean Paul Gaultier's runway, but my heart was absolutely stolen by these umbrellas. They remind me of decrepit southern belles, maybe from a old elite family that is now impoverished. I have a tendency to develop a stories about pieces of clothing I like...
Some designers seem to be inspired light years ahead of us(I saw other gold pants on the runway in addition to these):
I have a weakness for the mermaid hair on Jean Paul Gaultier's runway, but my heart was absolutely stolen by these umbrellas. They remind me of decrepit southern belles, maybe from a old elite family that is now impoverished. I have a tendency to develop a stories about pieces of clothing I like...
CONVERSATION
An Eye for Detail
Haute Couture season is my season. This is the fashion I truly love, the designer's pieces that are deemed "unwearable" by the masses but I would bedeck myself in them in a moment. Who doesn't want to be a piece of living and walking art I would like to know...
I am already ecstatic over the Christian Dior show, with John Galliano's showmanship his pieces of art can be appreciated at any size. The Armani Prive show however did not stun me at first, I was actually think, this is supposed to be haute couture? It is so safe, so drab. Then I looked at the detail shots and suddenly I got it. Behold the details (and there are so many more, small origami fabric triangles, detailed beaded collars, so much to behold, visit Style.)
I am already ecstatic over the Christian Dior show, with John Galliano's showmanship his pieces of art can be appreciated at any size. The Armani Prive show however did not stun me at first, I was actually think, this is supposed to be haute couture? It is so safe, so drab. Then I looked at the detail shots and suddenly I got it. Behold the details (and there are so many more, small origami fabric triangles, detailed beaded collars, so much to behold, visit Style.)
CONVERSATION
The Path Less-Traveled
CONVERSATION
Le Mepris
A yearning for the spring and summer has me recalling the film Le Mepris or Contempt. Directed by Jean-Luc Godard the movie opens with a dream-like sequence as Camille (Bardot) lies in bed with her husband (Michel Piccoli) asking him if he finds her attractive. Through a blunder on his part their marriage starts to dissolve and Camille begins to show her contempt. This film offers insight into a young marriage and the pitfalls of misunderstanding, as well as showing how quick we are to go from love to hate.
Also, not to be missed are Bardot's outfits (when she is dressed...). I watched this film last year and couldn't resist dressing as Bardot the next day.
Also, not to be missed are Bardot's outfits (when she is dressed...). I watched this film last year and couldn't resist dressing as Bardot the next day.
CONVERSATION
Delving Deep
I've been tagged to reveal the contents of my purse by The Iron Chic and Big Glasses Girl and Tangg in the City. This isn't my usual tote bag (if I can claim to have a usual); I bought this bag at the Stadium in Hawaii and the white waves are actually pockets--a bit cutesy, but very convenient. The only thing not pictured is my camera, because that was taking the pictures! And no, I don't carry a cell phone...
CONVERSATION
Best of the Worst
Worst-dressed celebrity lists make little sense to me, because a.) they are made by people who have no personal style, b.) they are made by people who don't have to make numerous public appearances, and c.) what's the point--to be rude? Either way, I was still shocked to see one of my favorite red carpet starlets on this list--Eva Green. She has all the porcelain skin, red lips, and drama of Dita Von Teese, but twice the class. Her choices are always so off-beat, sinister, and strong--what's not to love? Pictures from EvaWeb.
CONVERSATION
All the Tough Girls Say "Grrr..."
So, I mentioned this briefly before but one of my resolutions for the New Year was to dress "edgier." I am far from being what I term a girly-girly (I can't bother with difficult hair, my make-up is the epitome of basic, I can't walk in heels, etc.), but still my outfits feel usually very soft and feminine. I don't want to be stuck in a fashion rut so I am intentionally looking to buy clothes outside of my usual patterns, namely: menswear inspired looks (vests, suspenders, trousers), darker and more stark colors (more black, grey, navy), heels (or other shoes with edge, no more ballet flats! or maybe just a few more...), stream-lined silhouette (pencil over a-line), etc. That is the basic concept. I can't abandon my style completely, I can't afford to throw out my closet for one, the idea is just to dress with more variation go from girly to tough in 48 hours.
CONVERSATION
Dancing Queen, Posing Mean
I get much of my inspiration for posing from dancers, so today I bring you the delightful Ann Miller. Known for her long legs and tapping skills, this lady earned her place among the Hollywood starlets of yore.
CONVERSATION
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CONVERSATION