FASHION FRIDAYS
SPOTLIGHT YOUR OWN STYLE
Here we are darlings at the end of another week, and at the risk of sounding cliche’ where does the time go. With this in mind the larger question is where do the years go. Because I think of things in the terms of seasons , we are well into the F/W 2018 . When we think of the new season we may well think of new trends and styles that will give you that chic edge. What I want you to consider is your own personal style.
It’s not surprising that style is incredibly personal: it’s direct expression of your personality or mood. There are some who have a certain signature style, which goes beyond wearing the same item repeatedly. For others, it’s a certain confidence and awareness in how they put together an outfit. Read on to see some simple ways to develop your own sense of personal style.
HOW TO ACTUALLY SPOTLIGHT YOUR OWN STYLE
Fashion derives its inspiration from all cultural and social disciplines, so keep your eyes and ears open. Hence watch films, not just the current blockbusters but search out art films and old Hollywood classics. Furthermore browse through fashion shows and magazines.
Here I would like to point out how much credence I give to the style icons from yesteryear. In fact I have often written on these great women who have created amazing personal style. Furthermore please checkout my fashion icons. First The Duchess of Windsor, who once said “you can never be to rich or to thin”. Second look at the the ideal style maven Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis. Then throw your self forward to Kate Duchess of Cambridge or Madonna.
Not to mention you should flick through fashion archival imagery. Also always keep an eye on the movers and shakers of the creative scenes like music, theatre and art.
Start a Pinterest board, a Tumblr, or an old-fashioned mood board.
Cast over your collected inspirations and look for patterns. Rather than picking out obvious similarities (Skirts or pants? Prints of block colours? Monochromes or brights?), try to group your images by style. Do you like feminine details with a streamlined silhouette, or voluminous shapes in cool shades? Ask yourself what you find appealing in each image or reference.
Fashion is meant to be fun. Now that you’ve worked out what you like, don’t be afraid to make exceptions when something catches your fancy. Now that you’ve established what you really like (see the previous slide), you’ll be more confident in how to deviate from it, too. In my opinion when you look back at your favorite outfits it will be the bold colors. the fun polka-dots, and the crazy choices.
MARIGOLD THE COLOR FOR FALL
Last Friday darlings I talked about how I had seen emerald as a big color fall . However emerald sits on the sidelines when it comes to marigold. Moreover I had another look at the shows for F/W 2018 and (of course) my instincts were right marigold , mustard , and gold were everywhere.
A STAR IS BORN
Here we go, this week “A Star is Born” opens on October 5th. However this is the fourth rendition of this story. I am a movie lover as many of you know , and I have seen all previous versions of this film. Therefore I am looking forward to seeing this latest version. I started this week’s post talking about style and will finish talking about style .
What I want to point out is the style of these four films coming from the periods in which they were created .
A STAR IS BORN
Janet Gaynor and Fredric March (1937)
The first the Fredric March and Janet Gaynor version is from the 1930’s . The film is not a musical however in the style of the 1930’s the film tells a romantic story. Norman Maine (Fredric March), is a famous leading man, who falls in love with Esther Blodgett (Janet Gaynor) and helps her land her first big role. Her fame rises and his falls, pushing him deeper into the bottle with tragic repercussions.
Gaynor was one of the most critically acclaimed actresses of her time, and her character certainly looks the part of a star once she brightens up her clothes and hair. The movie lets us see very little of Esther’s onscreen talent, but once Esther receives a stage name, she inhabits her new persona with hard-won confidence. Watch the style of the costumes and see how they relate to the fashions of today . Darlings remember that pinterest board for inspo!
In my opinion this is a great 1930’s film .By this I mean the pace and style of the film is different from a modern film. Be patient and enjoy this film . There’s just enough tension to provide a decent return on investment. (Stream it on Filmstruck; rent or buy it on Amazon.)
Judy Garland and James Mason (1954)
The first official remake, filmed in Technicolor and CinemaScope, offers a nearly three-hour kaleidoscope of primary colors and musical flare. That’s thanks to Judy Garland, whose jazz singing — sometimes for 10 minutes at a time — and tap dancing find fame as her Esther falls for James Mason’s Norman.
Unlike Gaynor, Garland is given ample opportunity to show off her singing and dancing skills. In her bright red, blue and tuxedo outfits, Garland’s Esther steals the scene at every turn — a legitimate rising star. One of the greatest periods of fashion is the 1950’s and this is so evident in this film. The fabulous gown that Judy Garland wears in the final scenes of the film is perfect example of 1950’s glamour. This film won the Academy Award for costume design and for no other reason you must see this film.
I love the style of this film , beautiful costumes and a brave performance by Judy Garland make this version my personal favorite . This is a fabulous film for fashion lovers . I would highly recommend this version (Stream it on Filmstruck; rent or buy it on Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu or YouTube.)
Kris Kristofferson and Barbra Streisand (1976)
This shaggy reimagining stars Kris Kristofferson and Barbra Streisand, but it focuses more on the fall of John Norman Howard than on the rise of Esther Hoffman. This version, written and directed by Frank Pierson (and co-written with Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne), moves away from big-screen dreams and focuses solely on the music industry, in a dustier, lonelier vision of Los Angeles.
Streisand has the pipes to make her character’s rapid rise feel real. The songs are particularly droning, but Streisand’s look makes up for the deficit: Her natural curls, pantsuits and head scarves offer an aesthetic that’s hard to match. Remember this is the 1970’s and the film really shows the gritty side of this decade . I found little style in this film. Feel free to skip, unless you need to hear Babs — in which case, you can still skip, because the soundtrack is available to stream. (Stream the film on Filmstruck; rent or buy it on Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu or YouTube.)
Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga (2018)
Cooper plays Jackson Maine, a gifted and grizzled star that falls hard for Ally (Lady Gaga), whose voice strengthens and captivates as the plot progresses. The movie pivots from the previous three by offering a grander parable on the music industry without feeling didactic.
I took the above info from several articles as I have yet to see the film. Therefore I’m looking forward mostly to see Lady Gaga in the role of Esther (Ally) . I’ve seen her acting in American Horror story and was very impressed.
FASHION FRIDAYS; HOW TO ACTUALLY SPOTLIGHT YOUR OWN STYLE
In conclusion my dears I had a good week. I would like encourage you all to leave comments on my post and let me know about your week . I hope you learn something about style from my writing here . Strive to put a spotlight on your style and get some joy and happiness out of fashion.
CIAO FOR NOW JANDREW