Revolutionary Road

imdb.com 

Synopsis

A couple living in the suburbs in the 1950s must face challenges that define their life in this award-winning drama.

Review

The film opens with a snapshot of the Brooklyn Bridge lit up at night. At a party adjacent to the bar two lives intersect with one audacious look. Frank Wheeler is hoping to become a cashier in the near future and April an actress. The film transitions flawlessly to the future where Frank works as a salesman and April is a surburban housewife. April and Frank continue to have perpetuating issues mostly due to the fact that they have been dissatisfied with their typical routine life in the suburbs. This frustration is summarized when April is putting out the garbage and is looking up the road at the end of her driveway.

 So Frank and April make one last ditch effort to make their dreams come true and decide to go out on a whim and move to Paris like they've always dreamed of. But as Frank says it's ironic how things get in the way of dreams. But other life-changing situations occur and their Parisian fantasies no longer seem practical. April and Frank simply go back to being Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, but they continue to dysfunction.

The role playing that occurs in this movie is incredible. Normally in a film you don't actually get to see the characters act, but here you do. The morning after the climax Frank and April fall back into the role of "Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler." It almost comes off as a parody just by the nature of the purposeful unauthenticness of it. This is also portrayed every time Helen and Howard drop by. The only one who dares to ever tell them the truth is John, Helen and Howard's troubled son, but the Wheelers suffer for never facing that truth.

10/10 **This is a true drama Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated with Best Golden Globe Actress for this performance Kate Winslet, Golden Globe winner Leonardo DiCaprio and Academy Award winner Kathy Bates. This is one for those who truly enjoy the art of film and a story.

Screen :)

Chic Refined

Okay I know I said every Sunday church outfit would be part of the Sunday Doll Collection, but it doesn't feel dollish if I don't wear a skirt. So this is the look I like to call chic refined. I loved jackets for quite some time now, maybe it's because I've had stiff uniform jackets and cardigans in the past and because preppy has always been part of my personal style. But I usually have a dilemma of making sure I look youthful and trendy in them because I've been wearing them for a while so since 12? I 've always had at least a couple of jackets. This past week I was striking up a conversation with a girl in Starbucks and she wondered if I was a student or a working person especially since we were eating in the business district. This surprised me because normally I look young for my age :( (not good for now at least, I"m 18) and I responded that I am a student I just like wearing jackets.

 I don't mind if I look slightly older because jackets are chic and they are part of my preppy style, but there are times I want to look refined and young and I thought this must be a dilemma other girls have. All of my jackets are bought in youthful stores H&M, Forever 21, Costa Blanca, Le Chateau, but I think young girls/adults are afraid to wear them sometimes because they look grown up and daunting. So here's how I made a jacket look young, chic, and refined.

A) I wore it with a flirtatious top that had color and personality. This top is actually from Lazena Girl. No I"m not that small I think it was just lucky vanity sizing, and I've had it for awhile, but I've also been doing growing for a while. Once I did that it all of a sudden look youthful. I wore a black jacket and pants to pick up the color in the shirt, but really I could've worn any pants/jacket that I wanted and it would've looked chic. And my last and favorite thing about this outfit is the purse and the shoes. I really think they made the outfit. I wanted to wear short boots to to show off the pants and elongate the leg because I'm petite in height; but if you are a taller girl maybe you'd prefer to wear it with longer boots. You can also rock the height whatever works. There was a fashion risk in this outfit and that was carrying the black evening purse. I know it's hard to see, but it's your typical evening purse smaller than a cluth. This one has a silver chain which is why I really love it.

The evening purse idea was really inspired by the Chanel handbag concept. I love this bag. I'm inspired by the chain strap and the idea that you can incorporate a purse like this into an everyday look or a more dressed up look like what Mischa Barton does. So that was the concept. Tell me if you would consider wearing the jacket, even to school because I do and what you think of the evening purse as daywear and the entire look. :)

The Cocktail Party Girl

Thursday night at least at my school is party night! Yes, I'm a freshman so I am overexcited about these kind of things, but what's the second question that pops into your mind after someone invites you somewhere? In my world it's what the heck am I going to wear? So I sit and plan party outfits all the time especially in high school when life could be so uninteresting sometimes and I wasn't old enough or cool enough to go to the "real" parties.

I bought this skirt at Forever 21, Back to School Clearance for $2 a few years ago! It was the last one in only one size, *sigh* that's one of my best shopping/bargain deal moments. I stayed out late so the picture was sort of rushed so you can't see it here, but the top has some glitter embellishments. I actually bought this shirt to go with this skirt. I like the way the first half of the outfit has the typical elements of a cocktail dress, but then there's a bit of surprise fun with the mini skirt which suddenly becomes elegant enough to wear to a party because of the lace. Right now particularly I've had fashion filled fantasies of dresses with lace overlays, which are quite popular and maybe we'll see at least one at the upcoming SAG Awards and Oscars. The black tights of course is a fashionable winter look and essential. I've been dying to wear this look for a long time because it's the first time I've actually worn the skirt and I thought it deserved a great night out. ;)

**This is what i mean by the lace overlay, and this is the most elegant version I've seen and is designed by Zuhair Murad. But also check out Gossip Girl stylist Eric Daman's work. A-MAZING!

**Btw all pictures I post on this blog that aren't of me are taken from Google, Instyle, or Elle.

Kate Moss with a Kick

Kate Moss is the sophistication of style, and I know the fashion world has definitely given her a hand, but us everday advocates should too. I love how Kate Moss is stylish without trying too hard, and I think that's important for the everyday girl. Everyone thinks ooh fashion is hard, too much work, but here's to an icon who's decided that that's overrated and we can be comfortable in our own skin. Hence this outfit is kind of my tribute to Kate Moss, but with a kick because rainbow jeans weren't in in the 90s. I feel like this simulates her style slightly, nice jeans or slacks, lose fitting shirt, comfortable sweater or tailored jacket. Really each piece individual is quite simple, except perhaps for the jeans and that's only because they are red. Blue ones would have that simplicity. This is the kind of outfit I want to throw on after a late night, with little makeup and feel sexy and comfortable, and I did just that.  So here's to Kate Moss and a new kind of "roll out of bed/comfortable sweats" outfit.

A Cinderella Story

imdb.com 

Synopsis

Sam Montgomery is a slave to her stepmother's diner, but things turn around when she discovers her secret admirer.

Review

Our story starts off with our hard-working Cinderella, Sam (played by Hilary Duff) who is a dinner waitress. If you grew up with the authentic Lizzie McGuire it's hard not to identify with the likable Hilary Duff. But like many movies of this type it's takes place against the backdrop of the typical blah high school scene, popular blonde girl + popular blonde guy with the heroine of course being an outcast.

But Sam Montgomery has one thing going for her that most outcasts don't, she has a secret admirer. She meets an intriguing suitor in a Princeton prospectives chatroom, and they decide to meet at the upcoming homecoming dance. So with 3 allies in her corner, her secret admirer Austen -(who just happens to be the most popular guy at school, but Sam doesn't know that), her loyal sidekick outcast friend Carter, and Rhonda the helpful caring waitress at the diner you would think life could be okay for Sam except she happens to have a b*** of a stepmother. And her stepsisters will probably remind you of one of those girls who was mean to you in high school and not even cool.

The dress up scene in the costume store is pretty cheesy. And every single comeback line in this movie is lame except maybe the monologue Sam has with Austin in the locker room closer to the end. The opening scene of the homecoming dance sticks pretty closely to the plot of Cinderella, but still comes off quite cheesy.

One of my favorite things about this movie is the radio/DJ girl even though she has a minor role she's the girl who's really kickin it. The brief escape scene with Carter and Austin and Sam under the gazebo does fulfill the high school fantasy that we usually dream about. Plus one of my favorite songs is playing in the background <3 But I think what I like best about this movie is relating to the struggles that Sam goes through and the quote on the wall. See if you spot it in the film. But in a way this film reminds us of our typical high school sagas wouldn't we rather forget that?

5/10
Skip it :(

Give Me a Cup of Hot Choclate and a Teddy

Dear readers,

celebritybasha.com 

We all have those days where you get up and just want to be comfortable. You just want to pull something on that makes you feel like you're wrapped in a blanket and never really got out of bed in the first place. When most people contemplate this they conjure up sweats. These are my sweats. When I wear a pullover sweater not cardigan but sweater it's one of those days. I rarely do, even in cold weather. I get overheated really fast. So if you're feeling this way I suggest a better alternative. Slip into a cable knit sweater or a patterned shirt and pile on a triple layered scarf or a snod. It takes the same amount of energy as putting on a sweatshirt, and P.S. I assure you you'll feel 10 times better.

Gigi

The Princess and the Frog

Synopsis

The story of the Princess and the Frog is retold with a creative and well-done twist and set in New Orleans. When a poor girl named Tiana kisses a frog things take an unexpected turn.

7/10 Screen :)

Review

imdb.com 

The movie opens traditionally Disney with a star in the sky and the song of a damsel. Inside we see a large blue eyed Dolly Parton blonde girl, Charlotte and Tiana, an African American girl with a whole lot of spirit. They are excitedly listening to the story of "The Princess and the Frog."

Tiana is the heroine of our story. Her mother is a poor seamstress, and her, her mother, and father live on the poor side of town. Even though they are low on dough they are high in love, and Tiana and her father have big dreams of opening a restaurant in their home town New Orleans that serves fabulous gumbo every night! Fast forward to the future, new Orleans 1910s and Tiana is a hard working yet still poor young woman. But she has the same ambition and same dreams that she always had to open her own restaurant.

When Prince Naveen comes to town things start to grow awry and with Charlotte continually getting everything she wants things don't seem to be looking up for Tiana. Amongst the madness Tiana and the Prince both go through separate transformations, but end up becoming the same thing, frogs!!

This beautifully animated Disney movie has a Broadway feel with all the musical features set against the backdrop of New Orleans at Mardi Gras. Disney has stolen our hearts again, this wonderful musical feature is definitely a keeper!

10 Fashion Rules You Can Break (magazine editor approved)

1) You can wear black and brown together

2) You can wear white in winter, but it must be snow white, not cream or off-white

3) You can mix patterns, although this takes skill. Consult someone before you go out just to make sure you're not making a major fashion faux pas, and a hint is to pair bolder patterns, with smaller more detials prints.

4) Your bag and shoes don't have to match. (duh)

5) You don't have to match your shoes to your pants either.

6) Don't wear a head to toe matching suit, break it up mix and match. You can do the same with bikinis too :)

7) You can wear boyshorts if you prefer them to thongs.

8) Stockings don't have to match your shoes.

9) You can wear your summer stuff after Labor Day if the weather calls for it.

nuruthelight.blogspot.com 

10) You can wear some underwear as outerwear, and by that I mean pretty lingerie inspired clothing, like wearing a pretty black lacy bra under a see through shirt. Again please consult someone when doing so. I don't want you to committ a criminal offense. LOL

The Sunday Doll Collection

Sundays is my formal day. I go to church and it's part of our culture to dress up to church. I've been having a fight with winter, and like any angry patron I rebel against it entirely by wearing skirts and all kinds of summer items in winter. So any Sunday formal outfit will become part of The Sunday Doll Collection, my whimsy girlish, Betsey Johnson/Material Girl take on formal outfits. It's actually been the new trend in fashion to mix summer pieces and winter pieces. The editor of Flare says she does so herself, and white can be worn in winter, but it must be snow white not cream or off-white.

Most of the rules have been broken though, and following this post I'll actually put out a list. The red and black sweater actually reminds me of winter, how ironic? It's red and black, Christmasy colors and the bow makes me feel like a fun Christmas ornament. Nice take on a "Christmas" sweater huh? The skirt is one of those classic must-haves I've been going on about. I got it from a traveling roadshow. Here's a dirty little secret **I bought the tights for 75 cents at a bargain store so tacky and cheap I'm almost embarassed, but great save right? These are my beloved Steve Madden shoes. I miss wearing heels in the winter. I wear them for the pictures and sometimes I walk around in them in my house that's how much I miss them, confessions of a fashionista. I'm on a quest though to go and find a pair of shoes for under $50 max that have some kind of heel and that are fun to wear in the winter with a formal outfit. I'll let you know when I get lucky. :)

Jackets: Sophistication Refined

I didn't realize until recently that I actually have a weakness for a great jacket. I have about 10 different kinds of jackets in my closet, and it's one of the items I'm still attracted to when I'm shopping. I think you look so smart. For women and men you look 10 times better when you add a jacket. I'm actually going to go out on a limb and say that you can wear a jacket over almost anything, even a t-shirt and jeans, especially if it's a cute, structured outfit. It adds immediate sophistication. I wore this to school. (I'm not afraid to dress up a little). It's winter so I couldn't actually wear those shoes. :( But this is how I would style if if the weather's room, especially if your my height around 5'3. Then a wedge heel will only add to a smart jacket and a skinny jean. So let me know what you think. As much as I adore trend, true ladies have some classic pieces right? Grace Kelly anyone?

Sex and the City

Synopsis

A writer who lives a glamourous life in New York City is marrying her longtime boyfriend, but her three best friends must bind together after an unexpected disappointment.

Review

imdb.com 

The movie opens with an aerial span of New York City and girly, pink "Manhattan" letters. The aerial span seems nice and I do love New York City, but I can't tell you how typical that is. How many movies open with a view of New York's skyline? Dozens. Carrie Bradshaw opens with a monologue about the "New York life," and the new status and situations that Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda find themselves in. As Carrie says it typical girls that come to New York and look for the two L's, labels and love. That's basically what this movie seems to be labels and love. I find it quite shallow actually. (I do love the Vivenne Westwood dress and the bridal au couture.) Carrie's glamourous life is fun to watch, but the first really exciting thing happens 45 minutes into the movie, besides Carrie's getting married which we already knew was going to happen. I think the trailer gives away what we all know is going to happen, but I'll refrain from telling anyway. The 1st hour of the movie seems quite shallow, but the second half is better. You begin to see the writer in Carrie, because her voice overs give the movie a "journal" feel as if you were reading one. The events of the best friends are linked in a loving and comfortable way, similar to the tone of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. We see Carrie Bradshaw as being the truly lovable one. We relate to her, her voice, and her sense of calm. This movie does end up being about love, love between partners, love between friends, love for yourself.

6.5/10
Skip it :(

"I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty"

There's a line from the book "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," I can't quote it exactly, but the main character Charlie says something along the lines of "isn't it just great when you look in the mirror and your clothes look good, and your hair actually looks the way it's supposed to?" Today is one of those days for me like wow today's not a bad day. Not to be hoity toity, but it's kind of like the title of this entry "I Feel So Pretty" the way the girl sings it in West Side Story. Youtube it and you'll get the feeling.

justjared.com 

Everything from Forever21 as usual, lol, but the lace tank is actually from Guess. I love Guess because my first initial is on all their stuff, but usually I can't always afford to buy in there. But it's still really great, I scored the best coat from their this winter. The look didn't have a specific inspiration it was more like I'd like to try navy blue and deep fuschia together. I'm still color matching, but it's been fueling a lot of my style lately. I like these grey jeans in the picture. I think grey jeans is such a refreshment from the usual blue jeans you know? Send me the outfit you feel good in or even if you can't wear it tomorrow and see how pretty you'll feel. :)

Prepster!

Like my new word? This outfit is a combination of prep, geek chic and hipster if you really think about it. This was inspired by something else I saw someone wearing. I really can be a silent fashion admirer sometimes. I think it's great to be inspired by other people who we consider have a real sense of style. After all that's what we do with celebrities so why not include the real world too? Hence I have style muses in many places. I'm pretty sure everything is from Forever 21, but not the boots.

So the geek chic look is in and I do love it, although I'm kind of hoping it doesn't become too mainstream because then it will be boring. The glasses I'm wearing are the 3D movie glasses, just as a mock imitation of the real geek chic glasses since I don't wear them well. I had fun with this outfit. I have no problem with being preppy. It's my personal style and I've been in actual prep school for years. I was dying to try the bowtie look. Tell me what you think yay or nay? It was really fun to actually add a men's accessory concept to a feminine outfit. Although I wasn't initially a menswear trend fan, I think it can be fun for the girly girly if you mix it with girly pieces. Hence the miniskirt was a way to keep the outfit feminine and only slightly androgynous.

I encourage you to try the bowtie look in your own way because I had so much fun with it, and as well to mix the current trends. Such as hipster/bohemian, lace with hard edge pieces, or including rainbow jeans in a geek chic look. If you do it successfully send me pictures. I'd love to see. (My email is in other posts and in the about section.) So fashionistas have fun, spinning, slashing and mixing your unique personal style.

Top Gun

imdb.com 

Synopsis

The adventures of a fighter pilot are highlighted when he attends US Navy Flying School.

Review

Those who have an appreciation for Tom Cruise will enjoy this movie. The movie opens with words on the screen about the history of the flying school. The credits appear with planes taking off in the backdrop. A very simple opening, but we do have to take into account that this is 1986. Tom Cruise plays Maverick. The movie begins with him up in the air of course fighting off missiles with his colleauges. His boss gives him and his colleauge Goose the oppurtunity to attend the prominent Top Gun school.

Soon after they arrive there Maverick eyes a pretty blonde, Charlie (played by Kelly McGillis) at a party. He attempts to make a move, but is shunned for his efforts until the next day when he discovers the woman he had been wooing is his teacher and instructor at Top Gun. Determined to be a good pilot and to win the girl Maverick often takes liberties at the cost of his position and reputation, particularly with a rival named IceMman. Maverick's unique and dangerous flying skills also becomes the centre of attention as well as poses some problems. The best scene in the movie is the air battle scene close to the end. The movie ultimately ends with the sense of comradery and victory that this action flick began with.

6/10
Skip it :(

Does Liking Fashion Make You Shallow?

mrfandmissj.blogspot.com 

Recently on this blog I reviewed and watched the movie "The Devil Wears Prada." It's a movie based on a roman a clef, (a novel based on real life where real life persons names are changed). Lauren Weisberger former assistant to Anna Wintour draws on her real life experience. The way Andy is portrayed in this movie, however is somewhat interesting. Her friends and family begin to see her as shallow, a "glamizon," when she actually turns around and starts to take an interest in fashion. This triggered my thoughts and I began to wonder if that's the impression that fashionistas give. I personally beg to differ that I am not shallow. I engage in lively discussion on all kind of topics with family, friends and peers. I attend a prominent university and have always taken an interest in and loved school. I view education as essential and have always prided myself on being a high achiever with a good work ethic, but what do you think?

robsmovievault.wordpress.com 

In contrast the way Elle Woods is portrayed in the "Legally Blonde" series seems to reinstill the concept that women who like clothes and give some attention to their appearance are shallow and not academically capable. I know that I have friends who are not really into fashion and there are moments where I wonder if they perceive me as vain or superficial for caring about my clothes. After all I am kind of known for being the girl in my circle of friends who will never just be wearing a t-shirt and jeans and wouldn't be caught dead in a sweatshirt outside my house. And all that is true, but I would like to think that I spend adequate time monitoring my inward self as much as my outward self and that definitely I spend most of my day studying and addressing important issues within the classroom. I know at my university many students are quite fashion forward. Our campus is located near Yorkville, a high fashion shopping destination in Canada. Universities like NYU are also known for their unique hipster styles and is featured in College Magazine's Top 10 Most Hipster Campuses. Top 10 Most Hipster Campuses  So what about you? What do you think? Are you a fashionista and an academic? Do people regard you as smart? Comment below or send me an email at ellegen1@gmail.com

A Note to Old and New Readers

**This blog is for you! So tell me what you like and I will post it. I'm very open to writing about anything if I know it caters to you. Comment and let me know if you like the fashion and would like to see more. And if the movies I'm reviewing don't suit your taste let me know! Comment or email me at ellegen1@gmail.com

The Devil Wears Prada

imdb.com 

Synopsis

A young college grad moves to New York and becomes fashion assistant to the infamous Miranda Priestly, ruler of the fashion industry who rules with an iron fist.

Review

The movie opens with the title appearing on screen and Andy getting ready for work in the morning along with short cuts of three other women getting ready. The contrast between the four women is comical and sets the tone for the movie and a realistic portrayal of our protaganist Andy. One of my favorite scenes in this movie is when Emily (played by Emily Blunt) gets the call that Miranda is coming. Seeing a corporate office in a panic always makes for good television or a good comedy.

Meryl Streep is a genius. I think anyone who knows anything about true acting knows that. I remember this is one of the first Meryl Streep movies I had watched and she was so convincing that I had to believe that she really was a bit heinous in real life. She definitely isn't. Emily Blunt does a terrific job of playing Emily, a snooty girl who hides her insecurities behind a mask of biting comments who makes Andy's transition to assistant just as miserable. Blunt's filmography is impressive. She's one of the select actresses who can appear in any kind of movie, display her talent and not come across as a shallow actress even in a cheesy romcom. Blunt defintiely holds her own in this one and for her fans this is one of her most beloved roles. Anne Hathaway however plays Andy Sachs our hero. I think Anne Hathaway's success comes from her obviours talent, that she is great at what she does and that no matter what character she's playing we always fall in love with her laughing and crying.

This movie obviously revolves around the fashion world, but despite that's actually what makes it relatable. Any girl next door can identify with Andy and any fashionista can identify with Miranda and the way she runs her magazine. The audience easily sympathizes with Andy. For example the montage and short cuts of Miranda throwing her coat on Andy's desk does just so. (However fashionistas enjoy the beautiful collection of Andy's transformation outfits. I love them. As soon as this movies over I'm going to indulge my shoe fetish daily.)

 The Devil Wears Prada is a fun, relatable chick flick yet smart comedy. Andy is a character that an audience can identify with, a young college grad filled with ambition trying to make it, forced to make tough decisions and fearing failure and maybe even losing herself in the process. I think that's what most of us have spent our lives doing. We live and learn. This is shown in the last scene of the movie where Andy waves to Miranda and the lesson is learned in one wordless pregnant pause from Miranda. Real life is like that sometimes, hence the movie "The Devil Wears Prada" is a well done dramedy.

Screen this movie :)

7.9/10

Up

imdb.com 

:) Screen this!

7.9/10

Brief Synopsis

Carl Fredrickson, an elderly man makes a decision to finally live his life to the fullest and sets off an adventure to South America. Carl ties thousands of ballons to his house and takes off on his adventure with some unexpected guests and turns.

Review

The movie starts immediately displaying a black and white film on a movie screen. A little boy is watching excitedly. As he's walking home, little Carl makes a discovery that changes his life. He discovers an apparently abandoned house and hears a voice chattering away inside. He makes the acquaintance of a fellow explorer, a tomboy named Ellie. They become lifelong companions in every way. There's a beautiful silent montage that captures the Carl, Ellie, their lives together and their undying love for each other.

Meanwhile developers are building around Mr. Fredrickson's home, and buyers hope to snatch the last thing he has left of Ellie, their home. So Mr. Fredrickson comes up with a brillant plan to finally set off to Paradise Island, so with the help of 1000 ballons and a wilderness explorer named Russell.

Although Mr. Fredrickson wants to fulfill his lifelong dream of getting to Paradise Falls there are challenges along the way, especially when a talking dog and a colorful "snipe" make for incompetent traveling companions. Who knew South America had dogs with special talking collars, but are temporarily distracted by squirrels? And when Mr. Fredrickson confronts a famous explorer looking for a rare specimen things get messy.

This beautifully animated movie has many tender moments. You'll fall in love with the characters and become intrigued by the amazing chase of a true adventure story. The kind of movie that can bring you up! when your down. :)

Show Your Spots

Sometimes amongst all the madness at school I just want to hold my head down and think I love the shows I put on this morning. Fashion is a departure, and at school sometimes I find myself in a sea of mediocre outfits, messy buns and univeristy sweatshirts. So today I decided to rebel against that and go totally all out. I just want to point out that I was one of the first to realize that leopard and red pants would make a great match before all those celebrities did. I hadn't even seen that combination before I thought of it, and yes I'll take full credit. (I'm a little protective.) And I decided to add a touch of uniqueness to this combo by pairing it with grey, another great complementing color. I piled on the costume necklaces for fun, and nothing says "forever young" like a pile of clunky jewels in my opinion. Work your color palettes! Because variety is the spice of life.

Back With Purple Pants and a Vengeance!

Today was my first day back to university following Christmas break. I've always really liked school, so I was happy to be back, and I think most people are too, (at least they feel refreshed.) I wanted to be bold and return with a vengeance so I choose my purple pants. They make me feel bold because only the true fashionistas are wearing rainbow jeans. I see them more around my campus which is pretty hipster, fashion forward and cosmopolitan (which is why I love it!) But rainbow jeans still haven't become the norm like skinny jeans. I remember when just us stylish bunch were wearing them, no everyone and their grandma does. I finally congratulated my best friend on getting a pair, yeah I know she's well over due. I picked the shirt because I just wanted to see if I could pair peach and purple together and as you can see it works. I'm wearing the gray jacket mostly because it's cold here still. I also wear a big greay puffer down coat with it too. But today actually wasn't that cold for us Canadians, at least until I was walking home from evening class. So send me your comments, emails, whatever let me know if it works. Be BOLD with your color!
**And please vote in the red and pink poll on the side! I wanna win this debate!

Definitely, Maybe

** I swear this is a chick flick you'll like it's the romantic comedy that doesn't feel like a romantic comedy. You're boyfriend can actually watch this one.

Screen this movie :) 

8/10 

imdb.com 

The movie opens with Ryan Reynolds character, Will picking up his daughter from school. The location is New York and it's filmed in sort of a cool way, a double frame montage with wipe film cuts, hence it doesn't feel too much like a romcom right from the start. When the movie starts off it looks like it's going to be a bookend movie, but then closer to the end we take a break from the "story" and enter present day life with Will, his daughter and ex-wife Sarah.  The movie starts off with Will's 11 year old daughter, Maya (played by Abigail Breslin) learning about sex at school and immediately wanting to know the story of her now divorced parents and how they met. (I love how the movie portrays all the kids being freaked out and having a meltdown and the school looks like a zoo following sexual education class.) Maya however is calm, but curious and persistant to hear the story of her parents which her dad immediately dismisses as "complicated."

It's really interesting to see Ryan Reynolds being portrayed as a dad in this movie, since everyone else just loves to cast him in these heartthrob bachelor of the year roles. Abigail Breslin has always been a talented child star from the beginning. She does a convincing job of portraying a typical kid without being precocious. The way she says, " Trust me Dad, you're not happy," with endearment and realistic honesty shows a mature skill that she possesses as an actor that most actors lack, the ability to act and actually make us believe it. Plus her character in the movie is young and age appropriate, but has the intuition of a woman which is comical because it's something Will lacks as a man concerning his own story.

What you should know is that there are 3 women in this story.  When Maya finally makes her dad give in to telling her the story, we go right into the first story of Will's first girlfriend, Emily. Will is a young, ambitious recent college graduate who has a dream of becoming the "President of the United States," and is the loyal and beloved boyfriend of Emily. In order to pursue his dreams of becoming president he moves to New York where he becomes a typical man-boy, but is still just a good kid with a clingy girlfriend.

While Will struggles doing coffee runs and guinea pig jobs he meets April, a young woman who has the cynical freshness of a counterculture hipster, except she stands for "nothing." (But she's counterculture so really she does stand for something.) Isla Fisher creatively portrays a too cool for school New Yorker which is such a contrast vs. her character in "Confessions of a Shopaholic," even though this movie comes before the latter. And then there's Summer, (Rachel Weisz) who is a combination of an ordinary, yet sultry woman, a young journalist and a  rolling stone.

As Maya says this movie is a true "love story mystery." The movie would be categorized as a "romantic comedy," but lacks the typical somewhat annoying elements and vices of a romantic comedy. Such as the predictable cliche romantic moments, the stupid lines, and wrapping up an entire love story in two hours. The characterization is actually well done, and you will probably become attached to at least one girl. (P.S. my girl won, but I won't tell who I was rooting for) It's inevitably true you will become a cheering squad for at least one girl. And most importantly this is the first and only romantic comedy that actually portrays love for what it is, complicated. :)  

Sunday Doll

I go to church with my family on Sundays, which for my readers means you'll see an example of a more business smart or dressed up outfit at least once a week. In Canada it's actually really hard to pull off wearing a skirt in January. I'm very girly, (which is probably obvious by now) so I like wearing skirts no matter what time of year it is. Normally I would pair this with a smart blazer, but some of my jackets are too big. And I can't stress enough how important it is to not wear an ill-fitting jacket. This color palette too is an example of how to be creative with colors which I emphasized in my last blog. Even though lavendar and blue are closer to the same end of the color spectrum they actually work together. This can be a trickster with color palettes.My sister and I have this ongoing debate. Can red and pink go together? Vote and tell us below.

instyle.com 

 If this was spring our summer I could combine it with a khaki skirt, a great neutral pastel. This pleather skirt from Forever 21 though is really great for winter. A pleather or leather is still a great winter appropriate material, and since it's cold I'll pair it with necessary, but chic looking tights. The shoes are my favorite. They are Steve Madden with a 2 inch heel and adorable bow detailing on the toe. Also I know you can't see the inside of the show, but the lining is purple floral. I love that! I bought them at Winners for $38.00. The shirt and sweater are also from Forever 21. (I told you it was my favorite store.) This is a great dressed up look if you're going to a slightly more formal, business smart gathering, or if you're going to a really nice restaurant with friends/family. I like the shoes, because the bows are girlish and fun so even if you are in a more formal setting your youth radiates. But for me, this is how to be a Sunday Doll.

Too Cute to Care

OMG is anyone obsessed with Hello Kitty? I think many people think she's the cutest thing ever, although I love her too I have to say I'm not obsessed. But yesterday my friend and I stumbled across this store that is definitely for die hard Hello Kitty, Mario, Pikachu and Korean/Japanese characters and baubles (see picture).

Now for my outfit. I love this sweater. It was a Christmas gift and one of my favorites, it's from Forever 21. I paired it with jeggings from Costco and a simple white shirt from Smart Set. I love this sweater because it's a way to wear something as simple as a sweater and jeans, yet still sporting fashion sense and fun. A popular weekender look we see the celebrities sporting right now is cardigan/jacket, jeans and scarf.

instyle.com 

While this is a casual smart look I dare my fashionistas as part of their fashion resolution to spice it up a little. I actually obsessed over this outfit a little bit trying to find a way to add personality and whimsy to a casual weekender look. I think patterns are our best friends when it comes to that. If you really want to be simple and casual incorporate a pattern into a simple outfit of a shirt and jeans. The other thing I tried was playing with the color palette. Who would think of gray and orange together? But it actually works.

One of my favorite magazines is InStyle. They have a section called Instant Style and I think one of the most creative things about their outfits is that they put together surprising, but effective color palettes. They mix and match patterns in colors in creative ways that you might not have thought of. Also the white shirt under the sweater added a bit of a preppy feel which is my style exactly. (I have a weakness for cute, structured, and trendy jackets.) So cheers to me completing at least one of my fashion resolutions combining my whimsy style with my preppy look. So now I challenge you.

Fashion Challenge

So it's a few days after New Years', but I think that it's still a good time to contemplate challenges for this year. I'm challenging you as my readers to take more fashion risks this year. DO something! For me personally I'm taking on a quirkier fashion sense, wearing more bold colors, and taking more fashion risks even at school. I go to a huge university with 50,000 people so it's a great chance to be bold. I'm also completing the challenge of writing a special report, and I'll be publishing it on this blog. It will be on highlighting the trends of 2012, so stay tuned!!! My motto is to always take a stand. It won't be easy, but at the end of the day no one should identify as the bystander. It's not what we were made to do.

from cw website 

Freedom from La Maison

** I training my apprentice photographer so we're working on the pictures :)

Ok I am 18 years old and the last thing I ever want to do is stick around at home these days, really, but because of the holidays there's been that two day slump after New Years where everyone is just completely lethargic. I'm seeing my best friends today and because we got to different universities we don't see each other as often so it's kind of a big deal. I've been planning my outfits for the new year like only a fashion fanatic can.

The vest is from Forever21 and I insisted on buying it. The top is actually old I borrowed it from my mom, but it's originally from Suzy Shier. I haven't been in there since forever, but it's a good store. It's catering to an older crowd like a 28+ crowd, like a Reitmans. I love how I make 28 sound old, it isn't, but I still recommend shopping around if you have the money (I don't) because you can always find the occasional great find. The jeggings are from Costco. (My family's a dedicated Costco shopper), but occasionally you do find some great things there, although you must have membership. This past year I bought Rock & Republic Jeans there for $20 or $30, and 7 For All Mankind Jeans for $125 (great deal). The shoes are practical Hushpuppies, but cute enough because they are Mary Janes and they give me an extra inch. I'm 5.3, so I can completely relate to petite shoppers.

The outfit wasn't really inspired by anything in particular, besides my love for the vest. I was also curious as to whether a bold red would look good with gray stripes instead of black ones, and I was actually debating if black pants or gray pants would complement it more. I think the jeggings pull the palette together and make it work though.  I've never really acknowledged how much I appreciate whimsy fashion, like Betsey Johnson until recently. The vest reminds of stripes you might see at the circus. I guess some people would say that's weird, but I love the fun it brings to the outfit. Fashion should be fun, that's my motto.

13 Going On 30

**I know this an oldie (2004), but it's such a goodie. It's a guilty pleasure.

gdefon.com 

Synopsis

A 13 year old girl wishes to be 30 and her dreams comes true, but be careful what you wish for! ;)

Review

Everyone who's a girl in my opinion (and even boys too) have felt the insecurity Jenna feels. I also love all the 1980s elements at the beginning of the movie, the clothes, the way too much makeup. A reminder of some current 80s throwbacks, legwarmers and neon leggings. I think Jenna's transforming scene when she realizes she's trapped in her 30 year old body is typical, but not bad especially before these body trapping switching movies (Change Up, Freaky Friday) became popular. This movie has also contributed to my future aspirations and daydreams of how fun I think it would be to work at a magazine, which gives the movie the same likability as "The Devil Wears Prada." Jennifer Garner does a fabulous job of portraying a 13 year old girl with her daisy girl optimism and lovable naivete in her juvenile get-ups. Nothing describes 13 better than the dress she wears when she attends her first adult party and her hairstyle.

Mark Ruffalo has the same cool, adorable calmness that he possesses in "Just Like Heaven." I love how he can display chemistry in one look like he does subtly at the party or when he just opens a door.When Jenna's crying in the closet it's reminds us that a part of us always stays with us, and I think her monologue at the presentation describes it perfectly, we don't always realize what we are leaving behind. I think that's why I give this movie a 9 for relatability, because we've all been there, done that.

Rating: 7/10

Screen :)

Favorite Scene: Jenna and Matt are walking on the pier eating Razzles and on the swings and Matt's "arm hair." (I know I'm cheesy, but so cute :)

Favorite Lines: "Hi this is Jenna, and I'm looking for Matt and I don't know if you're the right Matt, but if you used to live on Spruce St. and if your favorite shirt is the grey valour one then I need to speak to you right now." (Jenna again hyperventilating)

" Is it warm in here? I think I need some fresh air, a glass of water and a f**** pillow!!!" (Jenna's hyperventilating)

"Jenna, repeat after me, I am Jenna Rink a bigt time magazine editor, I am a tough b***, and I'm going to walk into that office and not let anyone know I am hung over."

(Jenna's Mom) 'If I hadn't made any mistakes I wouldn't have learned how to make things right."

Guilty Pleasure: I belt out "Love is Battlefield" in my bathroom sometimes, and I attest to that!

**Just a little inspiration for my readers out there. I am no where near mastering this but this is my motto for 2012. I have it as my Facebook cover and I really like it so just thought I'd share.

This Week's Movie

 **just a note to readers. I've just begun reviewing movies. I do old movies (5-10 years old), recent movies and new movies so that eventually this blog will be a great source and data base for personal reviews. For each movie I will give my review/opinion of the movie, a rating and a screen or skip. Screen means it's worth watching, skip means it's not. Happy movie watching! :)

The Blind Side

imdb.com 

General Synposis

A white family takes an underprivileged black boy into their care.

Review

The opening credits are pretty simple. The opening song is kind of an odd choice. It's an alternative song more suited for an indie flick.  This movie begins when a simple mechanic appeals to the school coach for a favour, to admit two low-income, underpriveleged black boys into an elitist  surburban church school.  For the first half of the movie the viewer sees a severely overweight, unaccomplished black boy navigate his way through a rich, surburban white Christian school. Michael is an isolated individual walking around with no one caring to get to know him, until one brave lady does.

Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) plays our altruist in this movie. She's a headstrong Southern go getter, who knows how to get things done. I have to say our character wasn't born an altruist. She's a dynamic character who goes through an inner change, but she does have potential.  Amongst the other white, BMW driving PTA moms she stands out.There are key moments where we see Leigh Anne, our dynamic character start to change. The way she's taken aback when Michael tells her that he's never had a bed, when she discovers the truth about Michael's mother, and when Michael takes her back into his neighborhood.
 Even when she is faced with shallow "white" ignorance like in one scene in the movie where a  PTA mom asks Leigh Anne if she's worried about her teenage white daughter being under the same roof as a large black boy; Leigh Anne being headstrong ignores the skeptics and takes a chance and trusts her instincts.

The amazing thing about this film is that you can't actually mark the scene where the transition happens. When the Tuohy's and Michael become one. Where the situation of a white family trying to be charitable becomes a family. By the time the Tuohy's ask Michael if he wants to be adopted they are already a family. Maybe it's when Collins, (the daughter played by Lilly Collins) makes a conscious decision to ditch her friends despite the persecution and embrace Mike, the moment S.J. tells Mike to smile, or the moment they'd sit down to Thanksgiving dinner.

Sandra Bullock's acting is flawless. The movie is 3 hours long, and the plot is pretty straight forward. Certain people will relate to this movie more than others. Chances are you'll side with at least one character, or you'll just sit back and take in the miracle, because that's what it is. A black boy is born to a drug addidct mother in the wrong part of town. A story that is so commonly heard, and has a common ending, but not this one. So participate in a success story and watch the film the Blind Side.

Screen :)
My Rating: 7/10

My New Muse

I had to just give a shoutout to my new muse, Elle Fanning. (Yes she's the younger sister of Dakota Fanning), but this girl stands alone even in the fashion world. Marc Jacobs declared her as one of his new muses as well and she starred in his recent campaign. You'll also see her in the movies "We Bought a Zoo" with Matt Damon playing now and Steven Speilberg's "Super 8." So she's officially made a name for herself. Catch her on the February issue of Teen Vogue on stands now.

Matilda

imdb.com 

7/10
Screen :) - *a cute whimsical child's classic