Stylish Cinema: Becoming Jane

I can't even begin to describe to you how much I loved this movie. Yes, I am quite the sucker for a good romantic period piece drama, but this one struck me to the core. It is one of those films that I am sure I will watch over and over. With Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen and James McAvoy as Mr. Lefroy, Jane's love interest, the story is one of passion and absolute loyalty. It is no wonder Jane Austen was able to write her incredible love stories with social constraints as the antagonist; she lived it everyday. I don't want to tell you the entire movie because maybe you have not seen it, but I absolutely recommend it. Even though it is set in a totally different time period and  we dress nothing like Jane Austen, we can still enjoy the style and probably draw some inspiration from its simple beauty.

Can I talk about how much I love him for one second? He honestly seems to be
completey underrated, and I have no idea why. Every movie I have seen him in
as the lead male has been amazing. You feel his character's every emotion.
He is seriously incredible. 

Lady Gresham: 

 "When a young women such as your self receives the addresses from a gentlemen, it is  her duty to accept at once. But what do we find?" 

Jane Austen:

"Independent thought." 

Sincerely, Darcy 

Stylish Cinema: French New Wave Part 2

Une Femme est Une Femme (1961)

(A Women is A Women)

Back to some French New Wave: Stylish Cinema! Did you see this post?? If not you might want to check it out for some explanations of French New Wave cinema, and the Part 1.

Okay, if you have never seen this film, go straight to netflix and stream it STAT, or wherever you get your movie fix. It is so so adorable and fun. It literally put me in a fabulous mood after I watched it! As far as style goes, I am loving the bright red tights, and Anna Karina's hair and makeup. It is the reason why I had to try and copy it with Samantha in this post.

Hope you all are having a wonderful day! I have been soooo busy with work so today, since I am home, I am indulging in only guilty pleasures. I need to unwind, rewind, and rest. Ahhh.. It is wonderful.

Hearts.

Sincerely,
Darcy 

Stylish Cinema: French New Wave Part 1

Breathless is a must see, not only from a cinema standpoint but also from a style one. This film is directed by Jean-Luc Godard, takes place in 1960, and is part of the French New Wave cinema movement. This is one of those movies that has helped craft the idea that the French just get it when it comes to style. 

A bout de souffle(1960)

(Breathless) 

Clip

Trailer

Stripe obsession? Absolutely, and I love it. I love that these looks are timeless. 

French New Wave

 (What is French New Wave anyway?)

"Although they admired many of the studio films being made at the time, they also felt that most mainstream cinema, especially in France, was not expressing human life, thought, and emotion in a genuine way. Many of the popular movies of the era, they argued, were dry, recycled, inexpressive and out of touch with the daily lives of post-war French youth.

While the Nouvelle Vague may never have been a formally organized movement, its filmmakers were linked by their self-conscious rejection of the‘cinéma de qualité’ (‘cinema of quality’), the pompous and expensive costume pictures that dominated the French filmscape at the time. Besides being made to impress rather than express, these films generally afforded their directors very little freedom or creative control, instead catering to the commercial whims of producers and screenwriters. "

Don't forget it is not too late to enter the giveaway: HERE!!
I will announce the winner this weekend. Cheers everyone! 

Sincerely, 

Darcy 

Fashion Through Film: 'Midnight in Paris'

 I FINALLY watched Midnight in Paris this morning and gah! I absolutely loved it. I loved that Owen Wilson was a complete representation of Allen. It sounded just like him, which was a fully appreciated surprise. I am mostly a fan of Allen's earlier films, but I really enjoyed this one because it was so fun and relatable. I loved the embodiment of Hemingway and the Fitzgerald's, and the total dream of being in Paris with them in the 1920s.  I also felt so similar to Gil, I am altogether nostalgic about everything. I typically think that the past was a better time and place, just as I am sure many do. It's like it is part of the human condition to never find satisfaction in life. We definitely don't want it to be mediocre, so then our dreams can often times become grandiose and we can't see the beauty around us. 

Basically, sometimes I am just waaaay too romantic for real life.....sigh.

The last photo above is my favorite 1920s inspired dress in the film. So gorgeous. Costume designer for the film is Sonia Grande. See this link for more photos and explanations of costuming. Apparently, she went on a 

"tireless search of half the

 world's antiques in Paris, London, Madrid,

Buenos Aires and their sultry boutiques,"

......um that would just be AMAZING.

Happy Friday Everyone 

Sincerely, 

Darcy 

late night movie + fashion

Last night I watched the film Atonement (2007), when I should have been sleeping (because I had to be up at 0545). And gah! I just love this movie. I know it is horribly tragic and sad, but its just an amazing story, and somehow beautiful. I am going to go ahead and admit (sadly) that I have not read the novel (yet), but it is on my list of things to do tomorrow, along with vintage shopping, and acing my French test. On to fashion...I am only going to post photos from this film and let them do the talking. The clothes are incredible. So thank you to Jacqueline Durran costume designer behind this film and many others. 

Aside from that amazing green dress, I do think we can find things in our everyday wardrobe that are similar to these classic looks. Blazers, basic button downs, silk shirts, and classy skirts.

Hope you all have a great night. Watch a movie that inspires you tonight, you are sure to have a better day tomorrow. 

Sincerely, 

Darcy 

1950's Fashion through 'Rear Window'

 Alfred  Hitchcock's film 'Rear Window ' is an unforgettable film from the 1950's.  While we could talk about how the film was considered one of Hitchcock's best, I really just want to talk about Grace Kelly, and her exquisite wardrobe though out this film. It was 1954 and you could not leave your house without your best string of pearls, red lipstick, and a well tailored, extremely feminine ensemble. My love for this era continues to get stronger, especially when I watch films from that time frame.  We have been looking to fashion in film for years, and in this film they were not shy about glamming up Grace Kelly. In every scene she has a fabulous wardrobe change, each one more wonderful than the next, and as exciting as the last. 

Grace Kelly in 1954's 'Rear Window'

Some scenes from the film: 

Since we are living in a time where anything really goes, it is not too hard to find 1950's inspired looks. Some websites to check out with some vintage appeal:

http://www.poshgirlvintage.com/

 http://www.modcloth.com/

 http://us.asos.com/?hrd=1

And don't be afraid to go to your local thrift stores. You never know what cool things you will find.