Happy December!
Pictures taken with an Olympus SP-600UZ
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
The Emptiness of American Propaganda/The Rise of The Composer
I have an obsession with "Epic" films. To this genre, I count pieces like Petersen's Troy (2004), Mankiewicz's Cleopatra (1963) and, believe it or not, Bay's Pearl Harbour (2001).
I recently saw the latter again by chance encounter and the nostalgic melodies (courtesy of the ever-so-great Hans Zimmer) and "epicness" of the film were not lost. I personally am not a Michael Bay fan - I agree with the many who claim his films are no more than soft-core pornography for the new generation. In the case of Transformers: The Dark Side of The Moon I can not deny that the argument is spot on; recall the bum shot? Nevertheless, I have my doubts when it comes to Pearl Harbour.
Should I just come out and say it, loud and clear?
I like the film.
Apart from being a disgustingly transparent piece of American propaganda, it carries human sentiment and melancholia with it. Now this may not be the deep-rooted feeling that the likes of Elia Kazan (A Streetcar named Desire) and Bernardo Bertolucci (The Dreamers) portray in their films, nevertheless one must remember a crucial fact: Michael Bay makes films to entertain and, let's face it, to make money. I do not believe that he will be remembered as one of the great directors of our time; Bay will be remembered as an action-fuelled, muscles-and-cleavage type of guy and purely a money-making machine. His other works lack any kind of feeling, whichever direction he has taken them in.
But let us for a moment forget the horror of all the tough men and robots running around trying to save an already mutilating world.
Pearl Harbour is not a film by Michael Bay.
It is a star vehicle for its three main actors as well as the ones assigned to minor roles -
How could one forget the mumbling Ewen Bremner or the cynical Michael Shannon, the shy Jennifer Gardner or the bubbly Jaime King?
The three major stars are naturally Ben Affleck in the role as the tougher-than-life, big, bad boy Rafe, Josh Hartnett in a calmer and more poetic version of Affleck's character and Kate Beckinsale as the strong, sensual woman they both fall and fight for.
Beckinsale's beauty shines through the ages as usual and no one can break the two main male actors' persona. All simple, non?
What if Bay would have made things less typically American? What if instead of killing off Danny (Hartnett) in an act of heroism and supposedly inspiring display of brotherhood, Rafe had lost his life? Or would that have made him the true hero of the story after all, a nomination which passes on to Danny? Rafe begins and ends his story with all the spoils and Evelyn (Beckinsale) lets him get away with it, after having told him that she would give her love to Danny and Danny alone. Perhaps unintentionally, she lets an indication of a possible future together slip before Rafe departs. This unfulfilled promise then claims her life as she ends up where she began: in Rafe's sun-tanned arms.
The emptiness of the basic story is filled by the performances and the music, mainly, then pumped up by the largely American audience, who would gulp down the blatant propaganda as if it were a cold ice tea on a steamy summer's day.
Hans Zimmer, one of my two all-time favourite composers (the other one being James Horner), accompanies and seamlessly holds the picture together, bringing unwilling tears to our eyes during the many boy-leaves-girl scenarios.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Pearl Harbour is not a film by Michael Bay.
It is a film by Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale and Hans Zimmer, for the propaganda-hungry Americans of today.
I recently saw the latter again by chance encounter and the nostalgic melodies (courtesy of the ever-so-great Hans Zimmer) and "epicness" of the film were not lost. I personally am not a Michael Bay fan - I agree with the many who claim his films are no more than soft-core pornography for the new generation. In the case of Transformers: The Dark Side of The Moon I can not deny that the argument is spot on; recall the bum shot? Nevertheless, I have my doubts when it comes to Pearl Harbour.
Should I just come out and say it, loud and clear?
I like the film.
Apart from being a disgustingly transparent piece of American propaganda, it carries human sentiment and melancholia with it. Now this may not be the deep-rooted feeling that the likes of Elia Kazan (A Streetcar named Desire) and Bernardo Bertolucci (The Dreamers) portray in their films, nevertheless one must remember a crucial fact: Michael Bay makes films to entertain and, let's face it, to make money. I do not believe that he will be remembered as one of the great directors of our time; Bay will be remembered as an action-fuelled, muscles-and-cleavage type of guy and purely a money-making machine. His other works lack any kind of feeling, whichever direction he has taken them in.
But let us for a moment forget the horror of all the tough men and robots running around trying to save an already mutilating world.
Pearl Harbour is not a film by Michael Bay.
It is a star vehicle for its three main actors as well as the ones assigned to minor roles -
How could one forget the mumbling Ewen Bremner or the cynical Michael Shannon, the shy Jennifer Gardner or the bubbly Jaime King?
The three major stars are naturally Ben Affleck in the role as the tougher-than-life, big, bad boy Rafe, Josh Hartnett in a calmer and more poetic version of Affleck's character and Kate Beckinsale as the strong, sensual woman they both fall and fight for.
Beckinsale's beauty shines through the ages as usual and no one can break the two main male actors' persona. All simple, non?
What if Bay would have made things less typically American? What if instead of killing off Danny (Hartnett) in an act of heroism and supposedly inspiring display of brotherhood, Rafe had lost his life? Or would that have made him the true hero of the story after all, a nomination which passes on to Danny? Rafe begins and ends his story with all the spoils and Evelyn (Beckinsale) lets him get away with it, after having told him that she would give her love to Danny and Danny alone. Perhaps unintentionally, she lets an indication of a possible future together slip before Rafe departs. This unfulfilled promise then claims her life as she ends up where she began: in Rafe's sun-tanned arms.
The emptiness of the basic story is filled by the performances and the music, mainly, then pumped up by the largely American audience, who would gulp down the blatant propaganda as if it were a cold ice tea on a steamy summer's day.
Hans Zimmer, one of my two all-time favourite composers (the other one being James Horner), accompanies and seamlessly holds the picture together, bringing unwilling tears to our eyes during the many boy-leaves-girl scenarios.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Pearl Harbour is not a film by Michael Bay.
It is a film by Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale and Hans Zimmer, for the propaganda-hungry Americans of today.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
The Goddess
Name a contemporary actress that is talented as much as she is beautiful, not in an All-American way but in a whirlwind of grace and old school glamorous way, presenting mystery and seduction, all without seeming to care or even to realize. Here's my answer:
Eva Green.
She only started out in the film business in 2003, with the scandalous Bernardo Bertolucci and "The Dreamers" - It's an incredibly underrated film, watch it if you can. You might be shocked at first, but don't let all the nudity scare you away. Keep both ears open for the insanely good soundtracks and, while you're at it, keep an eye open for the constant cinematic references. Being a devout cinephile, I adore when a filmmaker creates an ode to cinema itself. In fact, some even express their vision by creating an ode to an actor or an actress. In the case of Eva Green, I believe that every film I've seen her in compliments her without restraint. Below you'll find the list of films starring Green I have had the pleasure to see.
No matter how much of an utter nutter her character might be, Eva Green always pulls it off, with impeccable charm. Think Angelique Bouchard (Dark Shadows), think Miss G (Cracks). How does the woman do it? Plus, she inexplicably looks good in every century - Kingdom of Heaven is set during the Crusades of the 12th century, Dark Shadows takes place in the 1700s and in the 70s, Perfect Sense is contemporary - She shines like a goddess through every single one.
When you watch films with Johnny Depp, you realize that as much as the characters he plays vary from one motion picture to the next, Depp never loses himself. This same phenomenon of being true to one's self, also seen with actresses like Elizabeth Taylor and Kaya Scodelario, is the case with Eva Green and it is one of the many reasons I like her as an actress.
Here's to a timelessly talented woman, who maintains her dignity no matter how mental her character is. Cin cin to you, Eva Green!
The Dreamers (2003), directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, also starring Michael Pitt and Louis Garrel.
Kingdom of Heaven (2005), directed by Ridley Scott, also starring Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson.
Casino Royale (2006), directed by Martin Campbell, also starring Daniel Craig and Judi Dench.
The Golden Compass (2007), directed by Chris Weitz, also starring Nicole Kidman and Dakota Blue Richards.
Cracks (2009), directed by Jordan Scott, also starring Juno Temple and Maria Valverde.
Womb, also released under the name Clone (2010), directed by Benedek Fliegauf, also starring Matt Smith and Hannah Murray.
Perfect Sense (2011), directed by David Mackenzie, also starring Ewan McGregor and Connie Nielsen.
Camelot (TV series, 2011), created by Michael Hirst and Chris Chibnall, also starring Jamie Campbell Bower and Joseph Fiennes.
Dark Shadows (2012), directed by Tim Burton, also starring Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Eva Green.
She only started out in the film business in 2003, with the scandalous Bernardo Bertolucci and "The Dreamers" - It's an incredibly underrated film, watch it if you can. You might be shocked at first, but don't let all the nudity scare you away. Keep both ears open for the insanely good soundtracks and, while you're at it, keep an eye open for the constant cinematic references. Being a devout cinephile, I adore when a filmmaker creates an ode to cinema itself. In fact, some even express their vision by creating an ode to an actor or an actress. In the case of Eva Green, I believe that every film I've seen her in compliments her without restraint. Below you'll find the list of films starring Green I have had the pleasure to see.
No matter how much of an utter nutter her character might be, Eva Green always pulls it off, with impeccable charm. Think Angelique Bouchard (Dark Shadows), think Miss G (Cracks). How does the woman do it? Plus, she inexplicably looks good in every century - Kingdom of Heaven is set during the Crusades of the 12th century, Dark Shadows takes place in the 1700s and in the 70s, Perfect Sense is contemporary - She shines like a goddess through every single one.
When you watch films with Johnny Depp, you realize that as much as the characters he plays vary from one motion picture to the next, Depp never loses himself. This same phenomenon of being true to one's self, also seen with actresses like Elizabeth Taylor and Kaya Scodelario, is the case with Eva Green and it is one of the many reasons I like her as an actress.
Here's to a timelessly talented woman, who maintains her dignity no matter how mental her character is. Cin cin to you, Eva Green!
The Dreamers (2003), directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, also starring Michael Pitt and Louis Garrel.
Kingdom of Heaven (2005), directed by Ridley Scott, also starring Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson.
Casino Royale (2006), directed by Martin Campbell, also starring Daniel Craig and Judi Dench.
The Golden Compass (2007), directed by Chris Weitz, also starring Nicole Kidman and Dakota Blue Richards.
Cracks (2009), directed by Jordan Scott, also starring Juno Temple and Maria Valverde.
Womb, also released under the name Clone (2010), directed by Benedek Fliegauf, also starring Matt Smith and Hannah Murray.
Perfect Sense (2011), directed by David Mackenzie, also starring Ewan McGregor and Connie Nielsen.
Camelot (TV series, 2011), created by Michael Hirst and Chris Chibnall, also starring Jamie Campbell Bower and Joseph Fiennes.
Dark Shadows (2012), directed by Tim Burton, also starring Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer.
A Full Indonesian Moon
The first stop on our transcontinental journey was the stunning Indonesian island of Bali.
We drove for a good hour from Denpasar International Airport before finally arriving on location and being able to catch our breaths. It didn't take Flea long to change and run to the beach - She loves it. Elizabeth and I took time and care when applying sunscreen on our delicate pale skin, we didn't really fancy going back to Europe looking like two lobsters.
In the evening, we took a little trip to Uluwatu, to visit the temple and watch the traditional Kecak dance, also called Ramayana Monkey Chant - Needless to say, it was absolutely mesmerizing. The opulence of the costumes, the lavish dancing, the musings of the relationships between men and women.. If you have the chance, don't miss it!
The story behind the Kecak dance is similar to the star-crossed lover's tales we have all been told since we were little, but there is a more animalistic twist to it, so to speak. However, I would not want to spoil the story for you, so I'm going to egg you on to see the Kecak dance purely with pictures - The first two are of the lovers Rama and Sita, the last one is the antagonist of the tale:
We drove for a good hour from Denpasar International Airport before finally arriving on location and being able to catch our breaths. It didn't take Flea long to change and run to the beach - She loves it. Elizabeth and I took time and care when applying sunscreen on our delicate pale skin, we didn't really fancy going back to Europe looking like two lobsters.
In the evening, we took a little trip to Uluwatu, to visit the temple and watch the traditional Kecak dance, also called Ramayana Monkey Chant - Needless to say, it was absolutely mesmerizing. The opulence of the costumes, the lavish dancing, the musings of the relationships between men and women.. If you have the chance, don't miss it!
The story behind the Kecak dance is similar to the star-crossed lover's tales we have all been told since we were little, but there is a more animalistic twist to it, so to speak. However, I would not want to spoil the story for you, so I'm going to egg you on to see the Kecak dance purely with pictures - The first two are of the lovers Rama and Sita, the last one is the antagonist of the tale:
Monday, September 10, 2012
La Joie De Vivre
Last day in Paris.
As Flea, Elizabeth and I dance around our room to Edith Piaf's La Foule while we pack our bags, it dawns on us. Leaving the City of Lights is always an unwelcome task. The atmosphere of Paris is so different to what the guidebooks tell us, yet so similar to what films show it to be.
In the end we went out yesterday night and we got drunk on Paris. On the flirty waiters and on the street performers. On the silver lining of the moon upon the gentle ripples of the Seine as the boats floated past us, as we screamed "Bonsoir" and "Je t'adore" at them. The French largely ignored us, the Korean and Japanese tourists were enthralled and waved back energetically. And although Elizabeth and I know that no city could take London's place, we find ourselves wondering when we will be able to come back and enjoy all these lights, these pain au chocolat smells, these couples fighting and making up a minute later, strolling off to some dark corner of Paris to kiss the night away.
Maybe next summer we'll manage to rent an apartment in Les Halles and literally street style the city to our liking. We would spend our time largely in Montmartre, sipping tea (English habits die hard) and philosophizing the afternoon away. Flea would probably get bored and wonder off to find another waistcoat and some clothing with Aztec prints (she's been going for the tribal trend lately and it looks really good on her, with her ever so tanned skin). Elizabeth and I would challenge Jean-Paul Sartre, while toying with our new foulards.
Oh the fun, the mind games!
As Flea, Elizabeth and I dance around our room to Edith Piaf's La Foule while we pack our bags, it dawns on us. Leaving the City of Lights is always an unwelcome task. The atmosphere of Paris is so different to what the guidebooks tell us, yet so similar to what films show it to be.
In the end we went out yesterday night and we got drunk on Paris. On the flirty waiters and on the street performers. On the silver lining of the moon upon the gentle ripples of the Seine as the boats floated past us, as we screamed "Bonsoir" and "Je t'adore" at them. The French largely ignored us, the Korean and Japanese tourists were enthralled and waved back energetically. And although Elizabeth and I know that no city could take London's place, we find ourselves wondering when we will be able to come back and enjoy all these lights, these pain au chocolat smells, these couples fighting and making up a minute later, strolling off to some dark corner of Paris to kiss the night away.
Maybe next summer we'll manage to rent an apartment in Les Halles and literally street style the city to our liking. We would spend our time largely in Montmartre, sipping tea (English habits die hard) and philosophizing the afternoon away. Flea would probably get bored and wonder off to find another waistcoat and some clothing with Aztec prints (she's been going for the tribal trend lately and it looks really good on her, with her ever so tanned skin). Elizabeth and I would challenge Jean-Paul Sartre, while toying with our new foulards.
Oh the fun, the mind games!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Une Ombre De La Rue
Only our second day in Paris and already our trio has inspected most Vintage stores in the area. We are all most satisfied with our finds, which includes Flea's moss green waistcoat (pictures to follow) and Elizabeth's red 60s cape with black, faux-fur collar and cuffs (pictures to follow).
This (partially) was the home of the waistcoat:
This (partially) was the home of the waistcoat:
The address is 147 Rue Sant. Martin - the shop is small and crowded, so take your time when exploring it. Do not write it off just because you might get a little sweaty and a little dusty in the process of treasure hunting.
Elizabeth's cape was a lucky find; we were about to give up our quest when she stopped in front of two side-by-side vintage shops run by two elderly Frenchmen, both puffing on cigarettes, and asked them if they had a cape. She has been obsessed with finding a velvet cape like the one Emily Browning wears in the Australian shocker film by Julia Leigh, Sleeping Beauty (2011), which incidentally Elizabeth and I both loved - It was crude, direct, honest, disturbing. What's not to love?
Anyway, she was lucky and one of the men told her to look next door (the two shops are at 83 and 85 Rue Sant. Martin). Ta-da! One coat plus a good discount equals one happy Elizabeth and a hungrier Flea. We headed for a restaurant, which happened to be La Coopérative on Rue de Rivoli.
Needless to say, Flea was extremely happy:
Cheesecake, cheesecake and more cheesecake!
For Elizabeth, the safe bet were the Crêpes au Nutella:
The French really do have a very peculiar way of doing things - I mean, look at the way that crêpe is folded - but apart from the individuals who decide that it is in the city's sewers best interest if they urinate in the streets, we quite enjoy the change.
Our little trio ended up going back to the hotel in the late afternoon and decided that we weren't going to do much in the evening, since we stupidly wore heels during the day. Even if you're used to it, even if you brave the London Tube everyday in Jeffrey Campbells, don't prance around Paris in heels. Don't do it. Think of the hours of therapy your feet will need afterwards.
Parisian women's feet are immune to pain by now, after centuries of coercing by their masters.
Don't fret, there is an elegant alternative: watch Funny Face (Donen, 1957), Audrey Hepburn dancing around Paris in perfect flats. You'll feel better about wearing ballerinas or brogues while elegantly floating through Paris, I promise.
*
? ..Je pense que je suis amoureuse de toi
These past few weeks have been absolutely crazy, and after A LOT of hassle, Elizabeth, Flea and I are heading out to dear old Paris for a pre-holiday stop. Flea has been in love with Paris since she was a little girl and every time we land in Charles de Gaulle, she looks just as excited as she did all those years ago, setting foot in the French capital for the first time.
Tip: first two songs to listen to as you proceed into the city are Sous Le Ciel De Paris by Juliette Gréco and La Mer by Charles Trenet. You might have heard both before, the first in An Education (Scherfig, 2009) where Carey Mulligan sings along to it in her room and the latter in The Dreamers (Bertolucci, 2003) when Eva Green fulfills a daring dare.
Naturally, any Edith Piaf song may create the husky, Sun-setting-on-the-Seine feeling -
A few personal favourites are La Foule, Milord and Hymne à L'Amour.
*
Just arrived at the hotel, a clean and simple place in Les Halles - the centre of Paris, almost everything is walking distance and we like it that way. There are awful stories about what happens in the Métro de Paris. First thing's first, we're leaving all our luggage here and delicately plonking ourselves in the nearest café for a croissant or two and a cafe au lait. More details on where we ended up later.
*
We got lucky! La-di-da, sexual meaning aside, even though it was quite late, Elizabeth, Flea and I found a lovely place to rest our tired bones and soak up the feel of Paris. The name of this haven is Le Sarah Bernard on Place du Châtelet Nr. 2 - It masquerades as a timeless, tasteful café when really it's an ode to the Divine Sarah. I'm not going to digress into her life story and her relationship with the theatre and cinema, since what I want to concentrate on is Paris itself, but visit it if you can. Tomorrow our little Bande à Part (yes, that's a reference to the 1964 Godard film) have a long day of Vintage Hunting ahead of us, and although we won't be dancing in cafés, we do need our sleep. Bonne Nuit!
*
Tip: first two songs to listen to as you proceed into the city are Sous Le Ciel De Paris by Juliette Gréco and La Mer by Charles Trenet. You might have heard both before, the first in An Education (Scherfig, 2009) where Carey Mulligan sings along to it in her room and the latter in The Dreamers (Bertolucci, 2003) when Eva Green fulfills a daring dare.
Naturally, any Edith Piaf song may create the husky, Sun-setting-on-the-Seine feeling -
A few personal favourites are La Foule, Milord and Hymne à L'Amour.
*
Just arrived at the hotel, a clean and simple place in Les Halles - the centre of Paris, almost everything is walking distance and we like it that way. There are awful stories about what happens in the Métro de Paris. First thing's first, we're leaving all our luggage here and delicately plonking ourselves in the nearest café for a croissant or two and a cafe au lait. More details on where we ended up later.
*
We got lucky! La-di-da, sexual meaning aside, even though it was quite late, Elizabeth, Flea and I found a lovely place to rest our tired bones and soak up the feel of Paris. The name of this haven is Le Sarah Bernard on Place du Châtelet Nr. 2 - It masquerades as a timeless, tasteful café when really it's an ode to the Divine Sarah. I'm not going to digress into her life story and her relationship with the theatre and cinema, since what I want to concentrate on is Paris itself, but visit it if you can. Tomorrow our little Bande à Part (yes, that's a reference to the 1964 Godard film) have a long day of Vintage Hunting ahead of us, and although we won't be dancing in cafés, we do need our sleep. Bonne Nuit!
*
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Feathers and Time
Oh to have nothing but time on one's hands...
So what are this season's trends?
Free flowing, Just Got Out Of Bed hair with braids. Beads around the ears.
Cut-offs, cut-outs, crop tops. More beads.
Tiny feathers in one's hair and long necklaces.
Summery cocktails such as Piña Colada and my personal favourite, the Strawberry Caipiroska.
I actually need to start learning to whip up a few drinks, just for fun's sake, and I might just start with the latter. Want to join me? Here's how to whip one up yourself - a BIG thank you to the person who made the tutorial!
Hmm, what else is In right now...
Leather shorts, anything High-Waisted.
Florals (groundbreaking, huh?).
Boots during summer? And why on earth not?
This is officially the most boring list I've ever written. Even the shopping list this morning was more exciting. Damn the sun for not shining, ergo not letting me shoot the "Ode To Gold".
Sorry guys, it just ain't gonna happen today.
So what are this season's trends?
Free flowing, Just Got Out Of Bed hair with braids. Beads around the ears.
Cut-offs, cut-outs, crop tops. More beads.
Tiny feathers in one's hair and long necklaces.
Summery cocktails such as Piña Colada and my personal favourite, the Strawberry Caipiroska.
I actually need to start learning to whip up a few drinks, just for fun's sake, and I might just start with the latter. Want to join me? Here's how to whip one up yourself - a BIG thank you to the person who made the tutorial!
Hmm, what else is In right now...
Leather shorts, anything High-Waisted.
Florals (groundbreaking, huh?).
Boots during summer? And why on earth not?
This is officially the most boring list I've ever written. Even the shopping list this morning was more exciting. Damn the sun for not shining, ergo not letting me shoot the "Ode To Gold".
Sorry guys, it just ain't gonna happen today.
Ode To Gold - The Start
I was planning on shooting another look today, however the idea was sadly smashed by a hefty amount of clouds hiding the sun - a prop which is fundamental for my "Ode To Gold", no sun no shimmer. And I need shimmer for the golden look.
While I was rummaging around my (Vintage-loving) grandmother's things, I found a pair of stunning 19th century Croatian earrings and promptly started filing through one of the closets to look for that golden dress, another miracle produced by the wonder that is Topshop.
Hopefully, I'll have more luck tomorrow.
So instead of shooting another look, I've been looking at old Gossip Girl episodes. I was never a massive fan, but as the fifth season drew to an end, I found myself actually interested in what was going on. Yes all the drama is brilliant, and Chuck & Blair and bla bla bla - but honey, have you seen THE CLOTHES? To be honest, I'm not liking what the first couple of episodes (the very beginning, series 1 episodes 1 and 2) have to offer. Clothes and accessories-wise, I much prefer the later creations (see seasons 4 and 5).
Here's a question: is it good cinema? I was asked this a couple of months ago and the person addressing me was surprised at how quickly I retorted something along the lines of "It's not good cinema, nevertheless it's a fantastic television piece". Think about it. All the drama makes people glad that their lives are a lot more calm and that they don't have to navigate the dangerous waters of etiquette OR they find it hilariously American, perhaps a little vulgar. Personally, I fancy the clothes more than anything. Yes yes, all the parties and the lifestyle and all that jazz are fun to look at, but can you imagine having to compete for power with someone like Blair, or set your beauty standards on someone like Serena? No thanks. I'd rather compare myself creatively with the crowds of Camden.
There is one more thing I'm itching to say... somehow the drama does not feel real. Don't get me wrong, I adore all the "she said this but she did that and he saw it and told her mum who's sleeping with his best friend" stuff, but I don't feel soaked in it.
This actually links quite nicely with a fashion AND a drama point: Skins. The British series set in Bristol, created by Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain.
And there is only one person that mixes drama with a unique fashion sense like a pro.
That, Ladies and Gentlemen, would be Effy Stonem (played superbly by Kaya Scodelario).
And since I know what I'm like when I start on Skins, I'll save my praise for Effy's fashion sense for another post.
While I was rummaging around my (Vintage-loving) grandmother's things, I found a pair of stunning 19th century Croatian earrings and promptly started filing through one of the closets to look for that golden dress, another miracle produced by the wonder that is Topshop.
Hopefully, I'll have more luck tomorrow.
So instead of shooting another look, I've been looking at old Gossip Girl episodes. I was never a massive fan, but as the fifth season drew to an end, I found myself actually interested in what was going on. Yes all the drama is brilliant, and Chuck & Blair and bla bla bla - but honey, have you seen THE CLOTHES? To be honest, I'm not liking what the first couple of episodes (the very beginning, series 1 episodes 1 and 2) have to offer. Clothes and accessories-wise, I much prefer the later creations (see seasons 4 and 5).
Here's a question: is it good cinema? I was asked this a couple of months ago and the person addressing me was surprised at how quickly I retorted something along the lines of "It's not good cinema, nevertheless it's a fantastic television piece". Think about it. All the drama makes people glad that their lives are a lot more calm and that they don't have to navigate the dangerous waters of etiquette OR they find it hilariously American, perhaps a little vulgar. Personally, I fancy the clothes more than anything. Yes yes, all the parties and the lifestyle and all that jazz are fun to look at, but can you imagine having to compete for power with someone like Blair, or set your beauty standards on someone like Serena? No thanks. I'd rather compare myself creatively with the crowds of Camden.
There is one more thing I'm itching to say... somehow the drama does not feel real. Don't get me wrong, I adore all the "she said this but she did that and he saw it and told her mum who's sleeping with his best friend" stuff, but I don't feel soaked in it.
This actually links quite nicely with a fashion AND a drama point: Skins. The British series set in Bristol, created by Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain.
And there is only one person that mixes drama with a unique fashion sense like a pro.
That, Ladies and Gentlemen, would be Effy Stonem (played superbly by Kaya Scodelario).
And since I know what I'm like when I start on Skins, I'll save my praise for Effy's fashion sense for another post.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Lilies
How very exciting, my third post today and first one with pictures!
I thought it's such a beautiful day over here, why not construct a simple, early evening outfit while I'm at it?
So here it is, the No Fuss, No Stress, Let's Have Dinner At A Nice Place outfit - please note that my wilder inspirations will arise in about a month or so, when I'm back in the UK.. I'm usually a little more creative:
White Dress with Floral Detail and Corset Back by Topshop
Black Ankle-Bound High Heel Shoes by Office
Red Over-Sized Clutch by Next
Red Nail Varnish (barely visible) by Topshop
Pictures taken by myself and my sister Flea.
I thought it's such a beautiful day over here, why not construct a simple, early evening outfit while I'm at it?
So here it is, the No Fuss, No Stress, Let's Have Dinner At A Nice Place outfit - please note that my wilder inspirations will arise in about a month or so, when I'm back in the UK.. I'm usually a little more creative:
White Dress with Floral Detail and Corset Back by Topshop
Black Ankle-Bound High Heel Shoes by Office
Red Over-Sized Clutch by Next
Red Nail Varnish (barely visible) by Topshop
Pictures taken by myself and my sister Flea.
All The Road Tunes (Part One)
Cruising down an empty highway, windows rolled down and feet sticking out seems like the perfect location to blast out a couple of Road Tunes. These are mine:
Taste It by Jake Bugg (which I mentioned for kicks on shopping trips as well)
Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf (the Easy Rider opening song!)
Escape by Rupert Holmes
Riders On The Storm by The Doors
Big River by Johnny Cash
All Along The Watchtower by Bob Dylan
Chupee by Cocoon (reminds me of the South of France)
The Passenger by Stars (My favourite band in the entire galaxy. If my life would be composed by only one group's songs, it would be them, without the shadow of a doubt - I love them.)
Blowin' In The Wind by Bob Dylan
Come Fly With Me by Frank Sinatra
Don't Let Me Down by The Beatles, covered by the Across The Universe cast
Final Countdown by Europe
And with this I conclude Part One of my All Time Favourite Road Tunes - Part Two to be published soon!
(Disclaimer: I do not own any of these songs.)
Taste It by Jake Bugg (which I mentioned for kicks on shopping trips as well)
Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf (the Easy Rider opening song!)
Escape by Rupert Holmes
Riders On The Storm by The Doors
Big River by Johnny Cash
All Along The Watchtower by Bob Dylan
Chupee by Cocoon (reminds me of the South of France)
The Passenger by Stars (My favourite band in the entire galaxy. If my life would be composed by only one group's songs, it would be them, without the shadow of a doubt - I love them.)
Blowin' In The Wind by Bob Dylan
Come Fly With Me by Frank Sinatra
Don't Let Me Down by The Beatles, covered by the Across The Universe cast
Final Countdown by Europe
And with this I conclude Part One of my All Time Favourite Road Tunes - Part Two to be published soon!
(Disclaimer: I do not own any of these songs.)
Doing The Fashion Thing
As far as drowning myself in the absinthe of fashion, I'm just getting started.
I adore the British High Street Fashion mixed with a little Vintage, topped up with a few European twists (think Berlin, think Amsterdam, think Málaga) as well as the latest "Vogue talents" (see Alexander McQueen and Marchesa - my current top 2 choices).
Just recently, I had the pleasure to stumble upon the Marchesa Spring 2012 collection. It's like stepping into a jazzy and deliciously frivolous dream. If you have the chance, look it up, it's worthwhile. My favourites are definitely the 1920s inspired and golden gowns.. Oh to lose one's self in an afternoon of frills and thrills!
Back to British High Street, let me just say that there is no place like Topshop.
You walk into one of their shops, expecting fairly little (if you haven't visited or heard of them before) and you waltz out after about five hours, feeling elated and perhaps a little concerned that your wardrobe will never be the same again. Before Topshop and I met, my dress style was dull and plain. I dressed because I had to, not because I particularly enjoyed it. Oh yes, and I probably would have been arrested for indecent exposure in public, or something like that. Anyway, I dressed like everyone else in my area and I hated it:
Where was the creativity? Where was the originality? Where was the struggle to find that one item of clothing that would put a smile on one's face every time she or he wore it? Where, where, where?
And then, it happened. I met Topshop and fell hook, line and sinker. I was in love and this love has never disappointed me. Scratch that, it has never greatly disappointed me - there were angry mutterings against the prices, I do admit that. Nevertheless, Topshop has always found a way to make my wardrobe glitter with pride.
Back in the day when I lived in a country without Topshop, I dreamed of jumping in a cab once I touched down on British soil and proudly direct the cabbie "to Topshop!". The fare would have killed me, no doubt. But then my soul would have swayed itself to Topshop. Bit of a creepy image, someone's soul happily floating around the lingerie department, or trying desperately to find the right shoe size at Kurt Geiger (-1 floor in the Oxford Street Topshop, if I'm not mistaking). Hmm. I shall retain my soul for now.
And here I am, stuck in another place without Topshop. I've been here since June. It's horrible, but at least I'm saving money for when I finally return to Ye Olde "Queendom"...
Who knows what I'll find?
PS - Try this song for a kick to your shopping trips, Taste It by Jake Bugg.
I adore the British High Street Fashion mixed with a little Vintage, topped up with a few European twists (think Berlin, think Amsterdam, think Málaga) as well as the latest "Vogue talents" (see Alexander McQueen and Marchesa - my current top 2 choices).
Just recently, I had the pleasure to stumble upon the Marchesa Spring 2012 collection. It's like stepping into a jazzy and deliciously frivolous dream. If you have the chance, look it up, it's worthwhile. My favourites are definitely the 1920s inspired and golden gowns.. Oh to lose one's self in an afternoon of frills and thrills!
Back to British High Street, let me just say that there is no place like Topshop.
You walk into one of their shops, expecting fairly little (if you haven't visited or heard of them before) and you waltz out after about five hours, feeling elated and perhaps a little concerned that your wardrobe will never be the same again. Before Topshop and I met, my dress style was dull and plain. I dressed because I had to, not because I particularly enjoyed it. Oh yes, and I probably would have been arrested for indecent exposure in public, or something like that. Anyway, I dressed like everyone else in my area and I hated it:
Where was the creativity? Where was the originality? Where was the struggle to find that one item of clothing that would put a smile on one's face every time she or he wore it? Where, where, where?
And then, it happened. I met Topshop and fell hook, line and sinker. I was in love and this love has never disappointed me. Scratch that, it has never greatly disappointed me - there were angry mutterings against the prices, I do admit that. Nevertheless, Topshop has always found a way to make my wardrobe glitter with pride.
Back in the day when I lived in a country without Topshop, I dreamed of jumping in a cab once I touched down on British soil and proudly direct the cabbie "to Topshop!". The fare would have killed me, no doubt. But then my soul would have swayed itself to Topshop. Bit of a creepy image, someone's soul happily floating around the lingerie department, or trying desperately to find the right shoe size at Kurt Geiger (-1 floor in the Oxford Street Topshop, if I'm not mistaking). Hmm. I shall retain my soul for now.
And here I am, stuck in another place without Topshop. I've been here since June. It's horrible, but at least I'm saving money for when I finally return to Ye Olde "Queendom"...
Who knows what I'll find?
PS - Try this song for a kick to your shopping trips, Taste It by Jake Bugg.
Monday, August 13, 2012
The Handshake and The Curtsey
So.. Who is Elizabeth?
Elizabeth is the muse of a tormented artist. She is the light at the end of the long and dreary tunnel. She is the flash of genius that passes through a schoolkid, just minutes before the end of the most important exam of them all. She is novelty and inspiration and grace and more than I could ever hope to write here.
The logical next step would be to explain why this is called "Dressing" her. Well you see, Dressing Elizabeth is more than just simply throwing a few clothes on her and writing about it. It's more than taking a few pictures of the finished product and naming the brands she prefers. Apart from clothes, there is so much more that a person can wear, or "wear" (in a more spiritual/metaphorical sense). One can wear a smile or an attitude for instance.
Elizabeth, here, wears films and musical taste, ideas for travels and book reviews. To just clothe her and tell you about it, would be like selling her short, omitting parts of her if you will.
You might say that I am in love with her. Perhaps in a way I am - She is a source of joy and vision, of illumination and clarity. She is the door to a better world, as cliché as it sounds.
Here I give you bits and pieces of Elizabeth.
It should have been a simple fashion blog, with my preferences and my inspirations.. but it became much more and soon I'll be able to start properly, uploading pictures and working with music, writing book and film reviews and perhaps even a little travel guide now and again.
Stay tuned, there comes Elizabeth!
Elizabeth is the muse of a tormented artist. She is the light at the end of the long and dreary tunnel. She is the flash of genius that passes through a schoolkid, just minutes before the end of the most important exam of them all. She is novelty and inspiration and grace and more than I could ever hope to write here.
The logical next step would be to explain why this is called "Dressing" her. Well you see, Dressing Elizabeth is more than just simply throwing a few clothes on her and writing about it. It's more than taking a few pictures of the finished product and naming the brands she prefers. Apart from clothes, there is so much more that a person can wear, or "wear" (in a more spiritual/metaphorical sense). One can wear a smile or an attitude for instance.
Elizabeth, here, wears films and musical taste, ideas for travels and book reviews. To just clothe her and tell you about it, would be like selling her short, omitting parts of her if you will.
You might say that I am in love with her. Perhaps in a way I am - She is a source of joy and vision, of illumination and clarity. She is the door to a better world, as cliché as it sounds.
Here I give you bits and pieces of Elizabeth.
It should have been a simple fashion blog, with my preferences and my inspirations.. but it became much more and soon I'll be able to start properly, uploading pictures and working with music, writing book and film reviews and perhaps even a little travel guide now and again.
Stay tuned, there comes Elizabeth!
Saturday, August 4, 2012
And Then, There Was One..
The turning of a page, a beginning in medias res.
Since it is my very first post, I think it only right to introduce "Dressing Elizabeth", and tell you a little bit about it. I'm very passionate about what the Italians call "Le Belle Arti", the beautiful arts, and I've had the idea of creating a blog for quite a while, but it just never seemed like the right time to start and I postponed it again and again. Then, out of the blue, someone close to me who had no idea of my contemplating this blog, told me I should start something like this. BOOM. So here I am.
Cinephile, photographer, fashion addict, Anglophile, writer - all of these describe me in some way.. nevertheless, in the end, they're just labels. I want more. You'll notice, as the blog grows, that I have a flair for the dramatic. I adore the Roaring 20s and the Swingin' 60s, the glamour of Old School Hollywood, the British stiff upper lip and any road trip tune that makes a head bob in acknowledgement. I appreciate different cultures and I'm an avid traveller. After a long day, I relax with classic literature, Billie Holiday or "Gone With The Wind" (Fleming, 1939), which is one of my favourite films of all time. And I believe this is sufficient for a first post -
I bid you welcome to "Dressing Elizabeth".
Since it is my very first post, I think it only right to introduce "Dressing Elizabeth", and tell you a little bit about it. I'm very passionate about what the Italians call "Le Belle Arti", the beautiful arts, and I've had the idea of creating a blog for quite a while, but it just never seemed like the right time to start and I postponed it again and again. Then, out of the blue, someone close to me who had no idea of my contemplating this blog, told me I should start something like this. BOOM. So here I am.
Cinephile, photographer, fashion addict, Anglophile, writer - all of these describe me in some way.. nevertheless, in the end, they're just labels. I want more. You'll notice, as the blog grows, that I have a flair for the dramatic. I adore the Roaring 20s and the Swingin' 60s, the glamour of Old School Hollywood, the British stiff upper lip and any road trip tune that makes a head bob in acknowledgement. I appreciate different cultures and I'm an avid traveller. After a long day, I relax with classic literature, Billie Holiday or "Gone With The Wind" (Fleming, 1939), which is one of my favourite films of all time. And I believe this is sufficient for a first post -
I bid you welcome to "Dressing Elizabeth".
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