Film Fashion Friday: The Help (Hilly Holbrook)

You have heard me say it before, dare I say it again...I adore the early 1960's. A time still filled with sweet innocence and on the verge of coming face to face with the ever changing world.

My father told me what he remembers about the 1960's was that it was quiet. He meant it literally but that the streets were quiet and people were quiet and life was just on a slower speed. I had a bit of a taste of that in the late 1970's and early 1980's but I am sure it didn't taste as sweet as the times prior to the mid-1960's.

After that it seemed the world was exploded or rather imploded on itself.

I am a city girl raised by a city dad so I know not of life in the Midwest or South. I have always found it intriguing though. Like those southern belles in Gone with the Wind. All those manners and old fashioned ways. Makes me leap for joy.

Unfortunately, old fashioned ways sometimes also goes along with old fashioned thinking. Especially when thinking that one person is better than another, in this case with the film The Help, because of the color of one's skin.

I don't know how many of you have seen it but I will be spotlighting it soon as well as giving a proper book review on it as well. But there is this character named Hilly Holbrook who is desperately trying to hold onto the old ways of the South.

I dislike her character but I love her wardrobe. I cannot deny that. In particular this one dress that is just divine!

Hilly dresses in what I call 1960's preppy chic. This character always wears loud and bright colors because she always wants to ensure that she is the main attraction where ever she goes.

When I saw this dress in Pinup Girl Clothing, it immediately said to me, "Hi, my name is Miss Hilly Holbrook and I wan't you to see know how fabulous I am!". I also added a pair of snake print leather shoes because this character was such a venomous person. You can see where I found the rest of the pieces of the outfit on my polyvore here.

One of the many things I adore about the early 1960's are the hairstyles. How can one not adore this bouffant??!!

If you would like to see how you can recreate your own Hilly Holbrook hair and makeup you can take a peak at these Youtube videos and tutorials: 

The 1960's Makeup Look (1965)

Early 1960's Mad Men Makeup (this is the closest I found to Hilly's, many of the tutorial's are for Mod looks or the mid to late 1960's)

1960's Classic Bouffant (one of my favorite hair tutorials)

And here is a peak at the film The Help. A book review on The Help and more outfit inspirations from the film are coming soon!

Film Fashion Friday: Annie Hall

I don't know how many of you have seen any Woody Allen films. His films are what I consider an acquired taste. Some people enjoy it and some just don't. Sort of like sushi or opera. Allen is known for his quirky comedies but this was a first for Allen who combined comedy with Romance in Annie Hall.

Even if you haven't see Annie Hall, if you saw her tie outfit you would know that it came from that film. It is defiantly an iconic look.

I think what I like about this outfit is that it doesn't completely reflect the year the film came out, 1978. It is very undated and slightly androgynous.

I wanted to do something a little different with Annie Hall's outfit. Although still mainly androgynous, I thought having a khaki skirt instead of pants would add just a tiny bit more femininity to the look.

You can find these pieces here.

You can also take a peak of the Annie Hall trailer here as well as Annie's first meeting with Max here. Talk about adorable. Diane Keaton is amazing!!!

Film Fashion Friday: Breakfast at Tiffany's (Casual)

Breakfast at Tiffany's  happens to be one of my favorite films. And of course it stars the ethereal Audrey Hepburn. 

The film showcases some outstanding pieces of fashion and the most iconic is Givenchy's "little black dress" that you see in the very beginning of the film. But there were flashes of casual looks that Hepburn wore in the film that I personally love. I find these sort of outfits can be attainable and work in our everyday wardrobe. Unlike fancy dresses, which are fantastic but not as practical.

I found 99% of the pieces you see here in my Polyvore Set  from one of my new favorite shops called Boden USA. I have yet to purchase a piece from this store but when I do you bet I will review it. Right now I am eyeing the Sixties Sweater that is included in the ensemble below. I mean how flippin cute is it??? 

Are you a fan of Breakfast at Tiffany's? Have you read the book? What are your favorite outfits (if any) from the film?

Film Fashion Friday: Bonnie and Clyde

Bonnie and Clyde (1967) is a love story between two people who live out a life of crime and violence. Not a fairy tale love story and defiantly not a fairy tale ending but it is based on a true story. And it stars the fantastic Faye Dunaway as the lead, Bonnie Parker.

I adore this ensemble made famous in the film. Dunaway gives her best sassiest look for the camera and there is no dying that she owns the moment. 

If you haven't seem the film be prepared to see loads of 1930's fashion (as it was set in the early 1930's) with a 1960's twist. I found the hair to be the most unauthentic but you still get the feel of the 1930's which is what's important, right?

To create this look that Dunaway as Parker is wearing I turned to Polyvore. I have had account with this site for a while but never tried making a fashion set. I have found this site to be incredibly inspirational and if you haven't checked it out-I highly recommend it. Just type what you are looking for under the word sets.

This is my first time creating an outfit using Polyvore. The last three posts in this series I used Picmonkey. I sorta like this set better. What do you think?

If you would like too see the pieces featured in this post, feel free to check out my Polyvore here. Let me know if you have one too so I can follow you on there as well.

It was so much fun using Polyvore to create my version of Bonnie Parker's outfit. I also think it would be a comfortable and chic look for the fall especially if paired with a blazer or jacket.

Do you know the story of Bonnie and Clyde? Have you ever seen the film?

Film Fashion Friday: Roman Holiday

Who doesn't adore the style and fashion tastes of the magnificent Audrey Hepburn?! I know I do. I love the simplicity of the pieces she wore and how she wore things that brought of the best of her figure not hide it or distort it. For example, skinny jeans are NOT, repeat, NOT for everyone. They just aren't, Neither are low rise jeans (the horror-who invented those?!) or mini skirts or cut off t-shirts (ugh the 80s are back my dear!).

There is something special when a decade in history forms a specific style that defines that time. Like bell bottoms in the 70s or poodle skirts in the 50s. But again, knowing your figure and what looks good one you doesn't always mean that you should be wearing those bell bottoms or poodle skirts but rather than an alternative. Audrey did just that.

Audrey and Grace Kelly are two of my favorite style icons. Most likely because they liked clean, simple, and often solid colored pieces. Grace was known to have oodles of solid colored pieces in her private wardrobe and kept her pieces until their were too worn to wear. Pieces like that never go out of style.

Although the fabulous Edith Head was in charge of the wardrobe for Roman Holiday, upon meeting Audrey she soon learned that this acting newcomer knew what looked good on her frame and what worked and what didn't. Unfortunately, they did not see eye to eye on things and although Audrey would wear the long sleeves, scarf, and low heeled shoes that Edith picked for her character of Princess Ann, she slowly removed and altered them as the film progressed to suit what she believed looked right on her frame.

As well all know, Audrey would later work with Hubert de Givenchy on her films and would forge a lifelong work relationship and friendship with him. She most likely did because he knew what worked best on her figure too. Its like finding the right doctor or photographer or hair stylist. You have to work with those who will best fit your vision and help you get to your best you. Givenchy was that for Audrey.

Audrey a small handful of costume changes in the film but the one she is seen wearing the most frequently and the one she and Edith clashed on was "the commoner" look. She starts out with a white blouse, full belted skirt, low heeled shoes and long hair. As Princess Ann begins to explore Rome with under cover journalist, Joe Bradly (Gregory Peck) she cuts her hair short, shortens her sleeves, removes her scarf, and trades in her shoes for a pair of roman inspired sandals.

Although I have looked everywhere for the specific color of her skirt, I couldn't find it. I have seen it depicted as pink or blue or even red but perhaps we shall leave that for interpretation.

Here is a Roman Holiday everyday commoner look inspired by Audrey Hepburn and Edith Head:

Let's start with the skirt-it's from eShakti and it is divine. It has pockets just like Princess Ann's skirt does too! I know because I have it in black (I will be posting about it next week). It is a belted knee-length poplin skirt that I paired with a blouse from Modcloth called the Bettie Page Little White Tie Top. The accessories I choose were a pair of earrings called Bedecked with Blooms, a scarf called Runway We God Scarf, and a pair of to-do-for shoes called Define the Scenes Flats in Licorice-all from Modcloth.

I also found these great articles; How to Look like Audrey and How to Have an Audrey Influenced Style. And I just have to share the clip from the film Roman Holiday with you just so you can see a little more of her haircut here. And speaking of haircuts, although I couldn't find any Roman Holiday-esque hair tutorials, I did find two wonderful Sabrina ones here and here.

Have you seen Roman Holiday? What is your favorite part? Is Audrey a fashion icon in your eyes? If so, what it is about her style that you love?

Film Fashion Friday: Tammy and the Bachelor

The season of summer is slowly coming to an end on my side of the world and slowly starting to begin on the other side of the world. When I thought about the seasons changing and how lazy some of those days can be, I immediately thought of the film Tammy and the Bachelor.

Debbie Reynolds stars as Tammy, a young girl who lives on a houseboat in Mississippi. She is young and her clothing options are few but they are practical and super comfy looking. So for your last or first lazy summer days, I give you Tammy's look with a dash of retro chic!

I thought Freddies of Pinewood's Clam Diggers were just perfect for this look-aren't these cute! I paired them up with another Freddies piece, a red and cream 1940's styled blouse. And although technically Tammy didn't wear shoes while she lived in the houseboat with her grandpa, I couldn't help myself when I saw these Miss L Fire shoes. They are from the 2012 line so they aren't sold online but omg I love them!

Tammy lives in the country and then through circumstances beyond her control she moves in with a wealthy family. Her love interest dreams of becoming a farmer and her dearest friend is her goat named Nan. So I wanted to include those elements into the outfit and did so with the fruit on the shoes and purse-a red wicker handbag by Pinup Girl Clothing. I also found these adorable red goat earrings on Etsy from a shop called OneUglyUnicorn. Too cute!

I adore braids in the hair and put them in my daughter's hair whenever I can. To finish off Tammy's look why not try some braids in your hair. I just love this Half Crown Braid!

I found some other amazing braid tutorials on Youtube. I am so inspired to try some in my hair now hehe You can see how a Classic French Braid is done here, a Lauren Conrad Side Braid here, or a 4 Strand Slide Up Braid is done here.

I cannot believe the summer is coming to an end for us. It sure went by fast! Next week I will present one last summer inspired outfit and then move into the fall...my favorite season! If you have any fall themed film suggestions that you love, let me know! I'd love to hear from you!

Film Fashion Friday: To Sir, With Love

My very first Weekend Cinema Spotlight was one of my all time favorite films, 1967's  To Sir, With Love. I dare say it may be because I am a former teacher or perhaps it may be that I still have teacher tendencies, but I like to think it is because of the insanely talented (and handsome), Sidney Poitier.

This film takes a man who does not really want to be a teacher by profession and molds him before our very eyes to be the kind of teacher that every child should have in their lifetime.

One of the rambunctious teens Sir taught was a feisty, yet level headed ginger named Barbara Pegg, also known as Babs/Miss Pegg. Miss Pegg was played but the fabulous Lulu who also lent out her talents to sing the film's title song, "To Sir, With Love". Miss Pegg didn't have a whole lot in her wardrobe (as most of the students didn't because they were from low income families) but what she did wear she wore with pizzazz.

The outfit I adored the most was this chic mod purple and white ensemble. To me, it screams late 60's and I just thought it would be a super fun outfit to attempt to recreate.

I decided to challenge myself and find only vintage pieces from one source. Obviously, it does pay to shop around when creating a look but I will be doing just that for future posts in this series. For this particular outfit I decided to go all vintage and all Etsy.

The following pieces were found in these Etsy shops:

• Purple Turtleneck from ShuuShuubyLulu (you can wear a fitted one but the one Miss Pegg wore was a slouchy kind)
• White Skirt from RealGoneCatClothes
• White Belt from DamovFashion
• White Mesh Mary Jane Shoes from StoryTellersVintage
• White Loop Earrings from amyrigs
• Long White Beaded Necklace from MyWisteriaCottage
• White Bracelet from byBohemia1973

I hope Miss Pegg's snazzy outfit gives you a bit of 1960's inspiration. Now who is up for watching (or re-watching in my case) "To Sir, With Love"?