Post #79: Fashion on Film - Crazy, Stupid, Love

Normally when it comes to the clothing in feature-length films, the women get all of the credit. And while a woman (Dayna Pink) was the costume designer for this summer's Crazy, Stupid, Love, it's Ryan Gosling's character (Jacob) who continually caught my eye. No, it wasn't just because Ryan Gosling is an incredibly good-looking male...it was actually Jacob's 36 costume changes that captivated me and made his character complete.

In an article in Entertainment Weekly, producer Denise Di Novi (referring to Gosling's character) said "His clothes are his art. It's a way of giving his life some higher meaning" (http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20513701,00.html).  I can certainly relate to this. Most times when I walk into my closet, I think to myself "what outfit will make me feel the most confident doing x activity?" or "what will make me look and feel studious?" A character is never complete without their costume (right down to their underwear). 

Gosling's character is a perfect and nuanced example of this. Being cocky and (somewhat rightfully) overconfident in his ability to woo the ladies, Jacob doesn't fear looking dapper or a little more "choosily dressed" than the above-average male. Dayna Pink dressed him in custom-made suits by Albert Hammon Jr. (of The Strokes) and Ilaria Urbinati (professional stylist). As if the suits themselves weren't enough, Pink made sure to take the next step in having Martin Greenfield (Brooklyn-based tailor and icon) produce the items, making sure that they perfectly fit Jacob's physique. 

Finished off with shirts from Alexander McQueen, Simon Spurr, and YSL, along with rings by David Yurman and shoes by Givenchy, Jacob's style is nothing short of the epitome of (albeit flaunted) sophistication. And his character is all the more believable because of it. 

Post #78: Spotted at Colgate - First Day Outfits

From sundresses to layered tops, from pre-Labor Day white to bright colors, from button-downs to t-shirts, Colgate students pulled out all the stops when getting dressed for the first day of classes. In honor of our lucky number, The Mannequin spotted 13 looks that ran the gamut of trends and styles. 

(click on pictures to enlarge them)

Post #77: The Mannequin's (Shoppable) Fall Picks - J.Crew

            Going back to school always puts me in a preppy mood. That being said, today's shoppable picks come from J.Crew, which is nothing less than the epitome of (non-edgy) prep. While sweaters and cardigans rule the scene, you can always count on a random piece or two to spice up these necessary classics.

            One of my favorite things about J.Crew is the quality. A sweater from here is infinitely warmer than one from my go-to Forever 21. That being said, here are The Mannequin's "top" picks:

The Merino V-Neck Sweater ($59.50)

Fisherman Sweater ($98.00)

(check it out in hthr acorn *above*, vintage champagne, and hthr moss)

The Jester Sweater ($118.00)

The Houndstooth Moore Blazer ($395.00)

This might just be on of my favorite blazers ever. It is beautifully classic. If anyone has a picture of how it fits, send it in!

For a fuller look, try the Blythe Shirtdress ($178.00). Although I might switch out the belt for a darker brown one. It would also look great with tights. 

For bottoms, J.Crew is offering a few nice twists on classically preppy pieces for Fall. The Mannequin's favorite shorts, skirt, and pants picks are below. 

The Origami Mini in Houndstooth ($128.00)

The Tweed Walkaway Short ($118.00)

(don't you just love the detailing on the pockets and belt loops?)

The Stretch Vintage Bootcut Cord in Gatsby Green ($79.50)

(All Pictures From: http://www.jcrew.com)

Happy Shopping Academic Fashionistas

Post #76: Fashion on Film - Florence's Favorite Hat?

Being an avid and almost obsessive lover of Florence + The Machine, I recently checked out their latest video (to the song "What The Water Gave Me"). While I was slightly disappointed with the video, because  Florence is normally a little more creative than that, I did perk up upon seeing one of her wardrobe choices. At multiple points in the video she wears a hat. As I sat there watching, I thought to myself "haven't I seen this hat before?" And indeed I had. The hat she wears in the video is the exact hat that she wore during her Good Morning America soundcheck this summer. Perhaps it's one of her favorite personal wardrobe pieces? I think it might be. Take a look. 

The Hat in the Video

Florence During Soundcheck

Post #75: The Mannequin's (Shoppable) Fall Picks - Urban Outfitters

            This week The Mannequin will be bringing you its favorite picks from all of your favorite stores as inspiration for that last minute Back-to-School Shopping. So get comfortable and make sure you have a pad and pen handy (or a printer...or a credit card), and start having some fashionable fun.

            For Fall, dresses are a really nice transitional look. While the dregs of summer send their final heat waves your way, a dress is a light and airy option. When the air starts getting a little colder, just add a pair of stockings/tights, maybe a pair of boots, perhaps a cardigan in your purse, and you're ready to go.

            At Urban Outfitters this fall, the choices are classic, bringing in muted florals and gray tones. My favorites include:

The Kimchi Blue Lace Dress ($59.00)

The Kimchi Blue Wildflower Dress ($69.00)

The Cooperative Backless Tweed Dress ($69.00)

            For jackets and blazers, try breaking into patterns. It's a good way to put a new spin on an old look. Just throw on a solid colored shirt or cami underneath and you're good to go. If you do choose to go the classic route, I suggest getting it tailored (or at least having it give you more of a figure than a box).

The Ecote Navajo Surplus Jacket ($89.00)

The Urban Renewal Surplus Jacket ($89.00)

            For those days when you're not in the mood to wear a blazer or those nights when you're feeling a little daring (and have some form of stick-on bra...no headlights, please), you can try the following looks...they definitely got my attention. 

The Silence & Noise Cropped Tee ($34.00)

The Lucca Couture Cowl Back Top ($44.00)

            If you're feeling collegiate (and you should be since you're going back to school), try the sweater below. It's sure to make for comfy nights studying at your desk or in the library. Pair it with jeans or leggings. 

The Levi's 3/4 Sleeve Pullover Sweater ($68.00)

            And now for bottoms, because no one should be seeing your panties while you're out and about in public...Since midriff baring tops seem to be all the rage, try a pair of higher-waisted jeans (maybe in a fun color) to get rid of muffin-top and unsightly stomach bulge, while still feeling stylish. If you're bored of your same high-waisted skirt silhouette, try a high-waisted midi skirt to give a little extra length and coverage. Personally, these skirts make me feel like Belle in Beauty & the Beast. Otherwise, there are a couple of other fun variations/suggestions for fall. 

The BDG Cigarette High-Rise Jean ($58.00) 

(note: these come in a plethora of colors including Berry, Pink, Navy, Grey, Washed Black, White, and Yellow)

The Cooperative Pleated Knit Midi Skirt ($54.00)

The Cooperative Buttoned Skirt ($49.00)

The Staring At Stars Paperbag Skirt ($59.00)

(All photos from http://www.urbanoutfitters.com)

Happy shopping fashionistas.

Post #74: Spotted/Fashion on Film - The LRD

            The classic "little black dress" that is go-to cocktail party (and numerous other events) attire dates back to the 1920s and Coco Chanel. It will be forever in vogue and women will never forget its simple sexy and slimming effects. However, as has come up in magazines over the years, the LBD has its own distant cousin with a fair amount of allure...the LRD. 

            Songs have been written about it (i.e. Lady in Red by Chris DeBurgh), movie scenes have been dedicated to it, so if you're tired of a color palate reduced to that darkest of dark shades, the little red dress may be just the option for you. Made in a color that has signified sex and passion throughout history, the little red dress is not for the meek. However, I suggest that you all take a walk on the wild side sometime and try it out. 

            In the finale of Oxygen's The World According to Paris, Paris Hilton is shown donning one for her 30th birthday party. Determined to stand out in a crowd in a flirty (but more mature than pink and girly) way, Paris commissioned her Moulin Rouge-inspired dress to be made...and personally I just love it. 

Picture From: http://cdn.sheknows.com/articles/2011/02/paris-hilton-30th-birthday-red-party-dress-photo.jpg

            Now, because she's Paris and because it's a themed party, Hilton completely got away with this look. However, for the average wearer, I would advise against matching red shoes and black fishnets. After all, you don't want to look like a hooker. 

            Personally, I found my own LRD on sale at Express the other day. It's made of cotton jersey and is extremely comfortable...but the best thing about it is how versatile it is. For one, there's the "basic" look: dress, strappy heels, and thin purse with a long strap. While carpet is sucking up my own heels in the photo below, I do advise maybe trying a pair of black pumps (or if you have the budget for it, a pair of Christian Louboutin black pumps with the signature red soles would be amazing) for a simple yet classy look. 

The "Basic"

            If you want to add a little more glitz and glamour to your overall ensemble, try a pair of killer earrings. The ones I'm wearing were bought at Bebe. However, you could try a longer all black pair as well. However, I would stay away from adding a necklace due to the shape and draping of the front of the dress.

The "Glitz"

            If you're feeling more of a club vibe, add a thin black scarf or a thicker belt and booties. Black booties will instantly give a cocktail dress more edge as they're tougher than your average heel. A black belt will help break up the block of red if your figure is getting lost beneath the fabric. However, in the case of a dress like this, I would advise belting it just below the bust with a thicker belt so as not to make the draping look awkward. As you can see by the second and third pictures below, it's much more flattering that way (as in the second photo over the third). 

The "Club"

 "Edge" Look One

"Edge" Look Two

            Finally, if you want to dress down your little red dress while still feeling fierce, you can add a leather jacket to the mix. Always tough, it'll rough up your look and add some great texture to it. 

"A Touch of Leather"

            Dare to mix things up a little. It's not like I'm suggesting you wear animal print or some crazy pattern. I'm also telling you now that smoky eye shadow (but not red lipstick) will make this dress scream "sex kitten."  So go on and take one for a spin. You may just stop some men dead in their tracks.