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.

Post #73: Trend Report - A Cameo Reappearance

            Since the days of cave men and wall paintings, we as humans have had a knack for documenting our lives. Whether it be in an idealistic format such as a Romantic painting or as an exposure to the nitty gritty reality of the world in a documentary, the individual has always wanted to make his likeness a little more permanent and lasting. 

            In the world of clothing and accessories, the way that this knack/desire translates most explicitly is the cameo. Cameos date as far back as the 3rd century BC. In Greece the cameo took its most popular forms as signet rings and art. Made of stone (that involved two different colors in layers), cameos most often depicted Greek heroes and gods. As time progressed through the centuries, cameos tended to reflect images of women or loved ones. Typical cameos involve a side-view or silhouette of the face. And while they may have been made of precious stones in Ancient Greece or even when Queen Victoria made them popular in the 19th Century, they are now most commonly carved into shell.

            On Friday, I found a cameo necklace on sale at Club Monaco. Slightly surprised at seeing such a vintage-y item, I picked it up and tried it on. Next thing I knew, I was carrying the weight of one more shopping bag. I wore it all weekend and have no desire to leave it to collect dust in my jewelry box anytime soon. 

            My mother told me that cameos had been a big trend in the 1990s. More than that, some of the cameos that linger around her room date back to the 1920s and beyond. In my opinion, they can class up an outfit in a second, add just the right finishing touch, or give your look an eclectic (vintage) vibe. For years I've been wearing a cameo ring that was made in the authentic manner and came from Old Sturbridge Village. But with the chance sighting of that Club Monaco necklace, I feel a trend coming on...and that trend is cameos. 

            You can wear them as rings, necklaces, brooches, or bracelets (although I have yet to see a cameo bracelet, I would be very excited to hear about any one who has...it could be fantastic. I'm thinking cameos set into cuffs). They can be set in gold, silver, etc. placed on chains, rings, pearls and more. They come in blues, pinks, ivory and different shades. 

            If you're still unsure about the new passion for cameo fashion that lovers of style will be having this Fall and Winter, check out the pictures below. Perhaps they'll manage to spark your fancy. 

This was the necklace from Club Monaco that started this re-ignition of my passion for cameos. The blue on black is a more modern take of the cameo's traditional color balance. The black bow adds something sexy yet prim to the cameo's setting and acts as a softer transition from chain to art.

If you're looking for what a more classic cameo might look like, this is a fine example. The double pearl chain and larger cameo (this time with a more traditional color palate of light salmon and ivory) make this almost-choker something right out of 1928. Speaking of 1928, it's the company that made this piece. "For over 40 years, the 1928 Jewelry Company has drawn on a wealth of designs discovered in many unique, unexpected places. From the vaults of rich European capitals to the antique laden attics of old American estates, we’ve created modern replicas of the most beautiful, exquisite vintage jewelry ever made. The 1928 Jewelry Company was founded by Melvyn Bernie in 1968. Currently, the company has four lines under its signature brand name. The 1928 Brand has sought to provide exceptional value to the fashion savvy consumer who is dedicated to building her vintage jewelry collection with unique accessories. The jewelry in the 1928 collections are designed to respect the details of period pieces while offering fresh design interpretations to fit today’s styles and fashions" (www.1928.com). Personally, I wish there were more companies as dedicated to vintage as this one around. 

The ring that I've worn around for years, is what I'm wearing in the picture above. There is something so delicate and classic about it. And although you can't see it here, it is a charcoal dusty blue with a pearlescent carving. 

Jewelry makers have also taken some liberties with adapting the classic style. As you can see here with this ring, the artist chose an image of a mother holding her child (over the more favored old-fashioned silhouette). A piece like this beckons people to ask about it. 

For those who want the "real deal" with vintage cameos, this came from an antique show that my mother went to in the 1980s. It was made decades before then. My favorite thing about it is the sense of personal history it contains with the inscription on the back. 

And if you just can't get enough of cameos (before you get and wear your own), the video below is pretty interesting. It goes through exactly how cameos (today) are made.

Post #72: Fashion on Film/Something to Note: Thigh-Highs

For the past week I've been catching up on episodes of the ABC Family show Pretty Little Liars. One of the things that I forgot that I loved about this show was the clothing. I don't think I've ever seen four best friends who are all so well-dressed in their own unique styles. While next week, I will definitely write more about these girls, tonight's post refers to Hannah's stockings in the episode "The Bad Seed" in the first season. 

At the very end of the episode, when the girls get up from their table to follow the police officer, Hanna is wearing lacy thigh-high stockings with her outfit. Reminiscent of the G by Guess and Legs Avenue stockings below, these (to me) feel like they belong more in the bedroom than the classroom. However, at the same time, they also feel kind of chic.
Put in your two-cents on the subject by answering the poll on the upper-right section of the screen. 

Picture From: http://www.gbyguess.com/ProductDetails.aspx?style=D3939T&image=D3939T-BLK&CMP=CSE-GBGGoogleProd&mr:trackingCode=386B1838-0191-DF11-953F-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1#

Picture From: http://www.folio-gothichippy.com/ekmps/shops/folio/images/page_379_9215.jpg

A Brief Note

Calling all shopaholics who live near or love to go to The Mall at Short Hills: 

There is currently a sale at J. Crew that is absolutely amazing. And if you don't believe me, then maybe you will after I tell you that it involves taking 40% off the final sale price of garments. If you still don't believe me, then let me tell you that I got a $158 100% cashmere cardigan for $25 today (along with a $59 shirt for $6). 
And while we're on the subject of SALES there, Reiss London (yes, Reiss as in the store Kate Middleton loves) is also having a fantastic sale. Who doesn't love $310 dresses that are on sale for $93?
Go forth and take advantage. 

Post #71: Spotted - This Blogger

Spotted in her own home, this blogger documenting her new trench coat from Express (and talking about herself in the third person). To me this look is reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's, but with a modern flair, due to having it styled with retro sunglasses and black flats with chain detailing. What I particularly love about the coat itself though is the belt-detailing on the cuffs and the black piping.

Post #70: Fashion on Film - A Final Bit of Potter Fun

Hopefully, most of you Potter fans out there have seen the eighth movie at least once (or better yet twice) by now. If not, then I am going to spoil one small thing that has nothing to do with the plot or the execution of it in the film other than a small bit of costuming. I am writing this post to declare Hermione Granger (or at least her costume designer) an outfit repeater. Well, not exactly a full outfit, but more specifically a sweatshirt.
After seeing Deathly Hallows: Part 2 the first time, I noticed that Hermione's pink sweatshirt/jean jacket combo looked familiar. So, I decided to do a bit of research. Turns out that Jany Temime has been the costume designer for the Potter films ever since Prisoner of Azkaban (Chamber of Secrets was designed by Lindy Hemming and Sorcerer's Stone was designed by Judianna Makovsky). Now, visually, I think this all of a sudden makes a lot of sense. While there were minimal changes in the costuming between Chamber of Secrets and Sorcerer's stone, the costumes remained light and fanciful as a whole. However, when Alfonso Cuarón came in for the third movie, the tone of the Potter films changed completely. All of a sudden, the students were more casual, the grounds of Hogwarts kept changing, and the lighting was different. Jany Temime was responsible for the initial look of their transfer to casual clothing and then kept it consistent (almost like a calling card) throughout the next five films.
Perhaps she was referencing her start on the Potter films or perhaps she simply forgot, but Jany Temime put Hermione Granger in an almost identical pink sweatshirt. Upon close inspection, the sweatshirt is technically different. The third movie had a more salmon version and the eighth had a more purplish/pink version. However, in different lighting they look almost exactly the same. The only real difference is the pull tab and the lack of hood draw strings on the Deathly Hallows sweatshirt. Still, the concept is the same and cannot be hidden by a jean jacket. Check it out.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Picture From: http://www.availableimages.com/images/pictures/2004/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/aph_3.jpg

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Picture From: http://www.oimag.com/iwave/images/44/o-new-harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-2-poster.jpg

Its prevalence in the trailer does not even compare to its prevalence in the film itself. 

Post #69: Fashion on Film - The Potter Awards

Most stories have their archetypal characters. There's the villain, the hero, the damsel in distress...etcetera, etcetera. However, when you narrow things down to various trends and styles, you end up with labels like "prep," "goth," "hipster," and more. So, after looking at all of the Harry Potter films, I thought I would give out a few "archetypal" awards to our cast of characters.

Most Fashionable

Rita Skeeter and Gilderoy Lockhart

With Ms. Skeeter's gossipy agenda, tailored silhouettes, and sexy librarian glasses, there is no denying that she trumps almost all other Potter characters when it comes to caring about her looks. Silks (such as the one seen on the left) and elaborate leather details (see right panel) add just the right touch of chic to her witchy apparel. 

At the same time, Ms. Skeeter may have met her opposite sex match in the form of Gilderoy Lockhart. Rocking even lavender robes and waistcoats, he always looks quite dashing. And rightly so, seeing as how most of the female wizarding world is in love with him. Just imagine the size of his wardrobe!

Picture From: http://style.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/rita-skeeter.jpg

Picture From: http://images.wikia.com/harrypotter/images/3/36/Gilderoy_Lockhart_002.JPG

Picture From: http://images.wikia.com/harrypotter/images/6/66/LockhartCos.PNG

Picture From: http://www.branaghcompendium.com/lockhart_and_portrait.jpg

The Girly Girl

Lavender Brown

With her affinity for pink headbands and pet-names for her "sweetheart" (Ron Weasley), Miss Brown is definitely the archetypal girly girl of Harry Potter.

Picture From: http://images.wikia.com/harrypotter/images/5/57/LavenderBrown.jpg

Picture From: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVS5nQ0L5_Wxg0icIvOitgncpjoSm9lRLlHHTU8kqKo0wXjpR1tBPNx_c7xuHQfjJO56-UGsxyeEFBznG8ArCTuP_GT7OdKtXB2Wm1dKt7Or_M0mbJXcFQrvJmXK1zgmiZoPSvO4oB2lg/s1600/lb.jpg

The Fairy Princess

Fleur Delacour

From her perfect Parisian-esque blue Beauxbatons uniform to her outfit at the beginning of Deathly Hallows: Part 2 to her wedding dress, Fleur floats through the fashion world like the perfect fairy princess. Many have compared the gown to a dress from Alexander McQueen's Fall 2008 collection. The major differences between the two are the length and top of the bodice. McQueen's dress involved two peacocks facing each other while Fleur's involved two phoenix heads that rose above the top of the bodice. Nevertheless, this is the perfect wedding dress for the wizard world. 

Picture From: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvUb9E-lnL4/TOaYIyCfopI/AAAAAAAACyg/ityc5LMAmrk/s640/fleur.jpg

The Goths

The Death Eaters

The "goth" look is best wornby  Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, Snape, and Bellatrix Lestrange. Lucius and Snape in their long black robes (combined with their pale skin and long hair) show a very muted side of the goth look. Here Lucius' cane and silver buttons add just the right creepy touch. Narcissa does the same, but in the form of long gowns with fitted bodices. Meanwhile, Bellatrix Lestrange puts her own BDSM spin on things with corsets, leather, and cut-outs. 

Picture From: http://images.wikia.com/harrypotter/images/c/cf/Lucius_malfoy.jpg

Picture From: http://images1.fanpop.com/images/photos/1300000/another-bellaphoto-bellatrix-lestrange-1355233-399-299.jpg

The Hippie

Xenophilius Lovegood

The vests, the patterns, the fit of the clothing, and the color palette all fit into the category of flower power. And while we're at it, let's add Professor Trelawney with her headscarves and necklaces to this category. 

Picture From: http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_larzl7xy4F1qaqe19o1_400.jpg

Picture From: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71DGWA1af2lqxwak0-AobA0g5QX2XzFstOPEwpFwN5Px9k-MMEZzj14cryDau144T5PmSp4zOVFPF_QdOc5BNkfy6Kg9Jt0ofUy49OCc8hdnahOSccGEJc7Py0dFHw20zjhi_ZHnFHDFz/s1600/xenophilius_lovegood.jpg

Picture From: http://www.festiveattyre.com/gallery/trelawney/trelawney.jpg

Have more thoughts? More categories? More characters that fit certain style labels? 

Comments are welcome.

Post #68: Fashion on Film - Harry Potter (Part 3)

            Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince marked the last time that I was decently happy with the costumes throughout the entirety of a Harry Potter film. I think this is partially due to the fact that it's the last film that takes place (for a majority of the run-time) at Hogwarts. That being said, it still had its questionable fashion moments. 

            Looking at this panel of six (below), it is clear that (as per all Potter films since Prisoner of Azkaban) a filter was used on filming to make everything darker. However, the colors on each character's outfits have definitely become more muted. The adults in the film still carry more of a wizard look than the students, as can be seen by Dumbledore and Snape's long robes. However, I personally think that while Draco's tailored jacket, turtleneck, and pants definitely look like something you could buy at a high end store, they still work. Because of the cut of the clothing (a longer jacket with stronger shoulders) along with the charcoal gray and black color palate, he still looks magical. Ron's Quidditch robes and pads make him look a little ominous, but definitely not like a Muggle. Meanwhile, Harry and Hermione's outfits could have been purchased at the mall. 

Picture From: http://img.omgstars.com/1130.jpg

            However, the movie isn't a failure with respect to the clothing. While you now see people in their casual clothing at the tables in the Great Hall, you also get brief moments of light. Reminiscent of the lighting and color palette of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the Gryffindor Quidditch uniform shines brightly in the scene below. 

Picture From: http://thecia.com.au/reviews/h/images/harry-potter-and-the-half-blood-prince-11.jpg

            But more than anything else, I would say that the introduction of Professor Slughorn is one of the main driving forces of the fashion in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. In the classroom, you have the same uniforms as the last few movies: same tie, same robes (note the maroon trimming the inside of their hoods and sleeves). What I find most entertaining though is Professor Slughorn's "wizard" version of the cap and gown look. At least his robes have intricate embroidery even though the suit underneath screams dapper but absent-minded professor. 

Picture From: http://www.firstshowing.net/img/halfblood-prince-usatoday-03.jpg

            Slughorn's exclusive dinner party also made for some interesting costuming choices. It is here that I pose a question: where does Harry get all of his "nicer" Muggle clothing (like the suit below) and why does he bring said clothing to Hogwarts. After all, you never hear about him going shopping while staying at the Dursley's. Ginny's dress seems suitable for the occasion, but I also have to wonder where the Weasley's got it and how they afforded it. It would have been nice to see a return to fashions circa the Goblet of Fire Yule Ball era here. 

Picture From: http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/sites/tv/img/28815_00019973.jpg

And then there was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

            Deathly Hallows: Part 1 felt very casual to me, but that's partially due to its content. You're not going to see Hogwarts' robes when Harry, Ron, and Hermione are everywhere but Hogwarts. However, the scenes at Bill and Fleur's wedding and the Ministry of Magic add some variety to the mix. 

            The movie poster itself leaves our heroic trio in very bland outfits. The whole jeans, jacket, shirt thing is the stuff of any movie about teenagers. I guess they did need to have utilitarian garments for running through the woods and apparating all around the world though. 

Picture From: http://www.comingsoon.net/gallery/20446/Harry_Potter_and_the_Deathly_Hallows_-_Part_1_104.jpg

            However, when Harry and Hermione have their dance moment in the tent the whole casual thing becomes a little too much. Wouldn't you peg Hermione for more of an argyle girl than a flannel one? I mean, if she were a Muggle she would definitely act the part of prepster and probably dress it as well. 

Picture From: http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lgf4fiA04T1qauaxto1_500.png

            After that hipster mess of clothing, you would hope that things would get better. However, the last strike against the clothing in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 was the whole Snatcher thing. I'm sorry, but Twilight should not be making an appearance in Harry Potter. Although I do kind of like the outfit on the far right. 

Picture From: http://ryanlamont.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/scabior.jpg?w=468&h=278

            Bill and Fleur's wedding does make up for a lot of the fashion faux pas in the film. Fleur's wedding dress is magical bliss (check back for tomorrow's post, which will contain an image of it) and the garments worn by the attendees are better than Muggle dress clothes. Hermione's dress could have been bought at an elegant department, but Harry and Ron's suits are a great step up from the suit that Harry wore during Slughorn's dinner party. The velvet of his waistcoat is a really nice detail. 

Picture From: http://www.shockya.com/news/wp-content/uploads/deathly_hallows_part_2_red_dress.jpg

            Finally, I thought I'd leave you with a scene that cleverly lets each character display their own personal style. While I do adore Kingsley Shacklebolt, Hagrid, and Mad-Eye Moody for dressing in traditional wizard garb that could have passed in any of the films, Fred and George get my wizard "best dressed" awards. And Mundungus Fletcher gets "worst dressed" for looking like Danny DeVito in Matilda. Oh the funny things that arise when there are seven Harrys. Enjoy.