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winter a-go-go
i've got the day off today! woo hoo!
whenever i have a day off, pretty much the first thing i'll do is flick on the tv and see what's on tap on TCM. if i'm lucky, it's film noir day or myrna loy's birthday or they will program an entire day of melodramas from the 40s and 50s.
today, my little feet hit the cold floor at right around the usual time (8:30) and i tip-toed over to the tube, hit # 82 on the remote, and saw that "winter a-go-go" was on.
crap.
i'd never heard of it.
the tv guide said something about 1965, richard benedict, and kids at a ski lodge.
clearly it's b-movie day.
drat.
i just wasn't in the mood!
not 3 seconds later, they're heavy into a dance number, a dude and a bunch gals in very tight, very colorful pants, sweeping, dusting, shimmying and shaking their pretty asses around this "ski lodge." (they were the cleaning crew.) go-go dancing with brooms and dust rags! so silly. and so MY LIFE.
(put some music on, and i am a dancing fool. true story. and consequently, it takes me twice as long to get anything done--cook, clean, get dressed for work, wrap christmas presents, paint my apartment. i just can't help it.)
anyway, the next few minutes of the film were fairly awful, so off went the tv and my own dance party started up.
and it's gonna go on all day, while i bake a bermudian rum cake, and some other sweet treats for tomorrow's new year's party. we'll see how long the neighbors can put up with prince.
a note or two about the film:
tag line: "ski buffs and ski babes on the go-go in the snow-snow." wow.
it features beverly adams, who made uncredited appearances in a couple of elvis movies (roustabout and girl happy -- a fave! shelley fabares, so cute), and married vidal sasson...she's BEVERLY SASSOON!!!( "ooh la la sassoon!")
the film also starred william wellman, jr., who seems to have built a fairly successful tv career, and whose dad directed carole lombard in "nothing sacred," her only color film appearance...
street chic and hollywood glam
when i'm too too distracted or brain-numbed to read (or write), i troll design blogs and fashion sites for inspiration--not so much for fashion inspiration (while i do love looking at how the gals on street chic and the sartorialist combine colors, choose accessories, layer upon layer, that kind of unstudied chic or high style is not something i am apt [read: able] to mimic) but for pure, romantic, creative jolts.
the actual photos are glorious for light and color. i love that some are charmingly posed, others discreetly snapped...
it's lovely escapism.
i can imagine the kiss of an autumn breeze in paris...
the sartorialist via style.com september 30, 2008
or happily growing old in milan...via the sartorialist, style.com, september 25, 2008.
i can witness "a moment"...
via the sartorialist at style.com, september 27, 2008.
i look at the backgrounds, the locations, and am reminded of my trip to france earlier this year and some of the things i loved: luxurious afternoons and evenings in outdoor cafes... blue-grey sky enriched by triumphant afternoon sun...mopeds and cool architecture... trees...windy strolls about the eiffel tower...crepes...
and sometimes from these blogs, i can uncover something new.
last week, i noticed the teaser for a post called "depression era beauties" that featured a famous george hurrell glamour shot of of jean harlow, and when i clicked through the accompanying slideshow, i fell in love with these photos of my favorite actresses:
myrna loy
i looked at the credits to note the names of the photographers, and found that more than a few were from the collection of john kobal. and i wondered, who is he?
it turns out he was a writer, film historian and the premier collector of hollywood film photography. if you read the bio on his foundation's website, you'll see he's basically a film superfan, who smartly amassed movie memorabilia, surely believing that others would share his obsession, and their preservation would be of eventual value to film historians and photographers.
there is a "made in hollywood" exhibition, featuring 90 vintage prints by some of the most important film photographers from the 1930s-60s that will open in may 2009, at the knoxville museum of art in knoxville, TN.
for a bit more context, check out this la times piece, first published in august 2008, when the exhibit opened in santa barbara.
exhibition "travel details" here.
and for a peek at photos from the accompanying book, "the glamour of the gods," visit newsweek's gallery.
NEW YEAR PARTY STYLE GUIDE - must haves
Read on.....
1. DRESS IT UP
Elegant and feminine, DRESS is a MUST-HAVE for this NEW YEAR PARTY. A fabulous dress will make you feel a million dollars instantly. So add glamous and sophistication to your special occassion dressing with YOUR DRESS.
Styles you can wear:
- Look out for shape and opulence in fabulous jewel-encrusted satin and silk dresses or cascading frilled one-shoulder numbers.
- For a more girly and glamorous look pick cocktail dresses or prom dresses, they are especially popular with the younger party-goers.
Black is always glitzy, but Look out for colours for this new year eve - purple, yellow, silver, red (is the new black this season), blue, gold and their variations.
Below are some Hot Dresses for New Year Party
- One-shouldered Dress
These dresses are one of they key trends this season and was a favourite on runway with Lanvin, Valentino, Missoni. This style works well with women of all sizes and are flattering on both petite and plus sized women.
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This dress will emphasize your figure. Don’t forget about accessories: earrings, bracelet, cocktail ring and clutch and choose comfortable and right colour heels.
Stockist: ASOS; Price: £37.20
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- Halter Dress
Halter is one of the most flattering style. Pick a dress in halter for turning heads.
This dress is sophistication to the max and I just adore the satin fabric and ribbon layered style which makes it that extra bit special. Echoing Herve Leger's signature bandage dress, at $200 it for sure would make a statement on the NYE. This halter number will look stunning teamed with a smart clutch with matching shoes (in colour) and chandelier earrings.
A similar styled dress is also available at Lipsy for £34.25, click here to view and buy.
- Lace
Lace is very popular and is the one of the hottest trends of this season. The age of romance comes alive in a lovely silhouette and delicate lace.
The Black and Gold Lace Dress is perfect for the New Year Evening, whether you're going for a dinner party or clubbing. Accessorize it with gold earrings and bracelet and a nice pair of gold stillettos to make a glamorous entry.
Stockist: ASOS; Price: £28
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Forever New: Lace and Ruffle are the trend this season, they look feminine and flirty. This style works best on skinny girls. The Victorian lace rufle detail dress from Forever New will make all the heads turn to you.Stockist: Forever New available in Australia and India (Mumbai, Bangalore and Ludhiana).
Oasis: So romantic, black colour in lace. I think you'll look absolutely fabulous in thuis strapless dress. Click here to buy Oasis Lace Corsage Dress
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- Tafetta Dress
Glamour at its best: iridescent taffeta finds itself in a flattering silhouette with soft pleats and a cinched waist.
Stockist: Banana Republic; Price: $99.99
Whatever you wear, make sure you have a great one!
2. JEWELLERY THAT ROCKS
Bling on, jewellery is a must – add chunky metallic and jewelled cuffs, chandelier earrings and droplet necklaces (though not all at once – less is more).
3. HIP HEELS
High enough to make a statement but comfortable enough to party all-night the choice of shoe is crucial. Choose platform stilletos for a sleek sexy look and they would be comfortable .
4. LET YOUR HAIR DOWN
Complete your party look by letting your hair down. So what is the difference between party hairstyles and other formal hairstyles? Party hairdos are generally a little more cute and fun, a little less serious and formal.
Blow-dry them to get flirty waves or thick bangs. If you are looking for a significant change in your look, go for a bang or fringes, the hottest this season are long thick bangs that go passed the eye brows.
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Bangs - they're in and they look hot. Long, sideswept bangs, heavy curtains of bangs....there's no hotter trend right now.
Choose from side sweeping bangs (like Mughdha Godse, below), straight bangs (like Sarah Michelle Giller above or Ira Dubey below), wavy bangs, choppy bangs or heavy bangs with layered hair (like Ashlee Simpson, above). Check with your hair stylist what kind of bangs will suit your face shape the best.
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5. CLUTCH
Clutches are a quick, one-accessory way to make your outfit pop. Oversized Clutches are hot and will give some extra space for all your goodies.
Related Posts and Articles:
Oversized Clutches
Ten Best Perfumes For Winter
FASHION’S HOT TRENDS
Avoiding fashion no-no’s on New Year’s Eve
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Trend Watch - Oversized Clutches
The OVERSIZED CLUTCH was the hottest accessory last year with many celebrities (Victoria Beckham, Lindsay lohan, Mary-Kate Olsen, Sarah Jessica Parket) sporting the style generously and IT IS STILL A HOT FASHION TREND. "I think it's so chic and glamorous. I love it for day; I love it for night", stylist Nicole Chavez says. They're an instant way to bring an outfit up to date.
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The oversized clutch has ample space for all your essentials but doesn't lead to lugging shoulder-killing loads around. As well as being elegant to look at themselves, the oversized clutch bag forces you to carry yourself more elegantly too, rather than hunching up under a heavy shoulder bag. It's been spotted all over the runway from Bottega Veneta and Lanvin to Missoni.
The best part of carrying the overnight clutch is that it gives you freedom to carry something fashionable and chic while being able to carry everything you need with ease.
Budget Buys
1. Matt and Nat Japanese Paper Oversized Clutch for £50 now (earlier was £100), click here to buy
2. Suzy Smith Oversized Twist Lock Clutch for £25 now (earlier £39), click here to buy
3. Linea Satin Oversized Flap Over Frame Clutch for £48 from House of Fraser. Available in three colours - purple, black and silver. Our pick: Purple. Purple in satin looks very elegant and rich. Click here to buy.
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Q&A
What can I accessorize it with?
If you are a subtle dresser then you can let the oversized clutch be your main accessory. But if you love to accessorize then pile on the bangles so all the attention is drawn towards the bag.
I am petite, can I still carry an oversized clutch?
Petite girls don't need need to skip the trend. It will look great on you too.
So follow the lead of famous fashionistas and carry a clutch with space to spare.
Smart Tip: Invest in one with a detachable strap so it transforms into the next big thing - a sling bag.
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Celebrity Watch: Grey Moods and Black Magic
Shoe Trends this Season
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Grey Moods and Black Magic
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Victoria Beckham
Who do you like better, Bollywood girls Priyanka or Karisma in their skirts or Victoria in her calf-length dress (which at one glance looks like skirt and a blouse)?
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Celebration Time - gift ideas
It’s that time of year - celebrations and decorations. Shopping and gifting.
Includes: 60ml Strawberry Shower Gel, 60ml Strawberry Puree Body Lotion, 100g Strawberry Heart Soap, Red Bath Lily.
Costs: Rs. 895 ; UK - £6.4 ; USA - $7.5
Includes: 50ml Warm Amber Body Butter, 250ml Warm Amber Shower Gel, 50ml Warm Amber Body Scrub, Warm Amber Mini Votive and Two-tone Orange Bath Lily.
5. Cranberry Celebrations
ROMANCE - It's pink. It's perfume. It smells divine. And it's even got the word "romance" on it. It's the best Christmas/New Year Gift for your girl friend (and girls wanting to gift their men, Romance for men is good too).
A glimpse at Sensational Kingfisher Calender
Paying tribute to the rich heritage of India, this calender features seven gorgeous models: Deepti Gujral, Sheetal Menon, Monikangana Dutta, Shruti Agrawal, Preeti Desai, Melissa Mehra and Tamara Moss sporting some of the finest and luxurious brands in the world which include swimwear by La Perla, shoes by Jimmy Choo, sunglasses by Roberto Cavalli and Christian Dior, watches by Watches of Switzerland and accessories by Christian Dior.
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Celebrity Beauty and Make-up Must Have
Katrina Kaif, the pretty British born actress who has taken Bollywood by storm by her pretty looks and beautiful skin, says that the secret behind her fresh, luminous looks is being natural. She loves Body Shop's Cocoa Body Butter and never goes to bed without removing the makeup and applying the La Prairie Cellular Night Cream.
Katrina's Heaven Scent: Gucci Rush
Katrina's make-up must haves:
1. MAC Lipstick in Creme d'Nude
2. Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara
3. Shu Uemura Glow on Blush
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Diana Penty
Diana Penty, the super model who replaced Deepika Padhukone as the new face of Maybelline, keeps her style simple, elegant and understated.
Diana's Heavent Scent: CK One for the day and Gucci Envy at night.
Diana's make-up must haves:
1. Chanel Kohl Pencil
2. Lancome Mascara
3. MAC Lipgloss, Rs. 870
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Sushmita Sen
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Sushmita Sen, Bollywood actress and former Miss Universe, is one of the most elegant females in the Bollywood.
Sushmita's Heaven Scent: Eau d’Hermes by Hermes for day and Amarige by Givenchy for night.
Sushmita's make-up must haves:
1. YSL Ever Long mascara
2. Lancome Juicy tubes in Copacabana coffee
3. Dior Bronze Blush
4. Chanel automatic liquid eyeliner
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Kate Walsh
Kate Walsh, the red-headed American film and television actress and a former model, is stlyish, sophisticated and is famous for her work in Grey's Anatomy and Pricate Practice.
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Kate's Heaven Scent: Jessica McClintock Fragrance
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Kate's Make-up must haves:
1. MAC Eye Kohl in Powersurge
2. Stila Sun Powder Bronzer in Shade
3. Lip Fusion
4. Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Serum
5. Chanel Vitalumiere Fluid Makeup SPF 15
6. Maybelline Full 'n Soft Mascara in Brownish Black
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