Category — movies

Surprisingly, Brandon Flowers looks damn good in feathers. So I take my sister to a Killers concert and she's all: "I love his British accent." *Swoon* I'm like, "Um, Brandon is from Las Vegas." Insert sisterly-giggles!

Life has been hectic and come to think of it, I have been missing one of my favourite past times — attending rock concerts.  I went through a phase where I went ALL the time with my friend H.  On a Thursday, we would have cocktails at her bachelorette pad then take in a live show at a sketchy bar or concert venue.  The next day, we would drag our tired selves into work, the aftersmell of smoke masked by extra hair conditioner and dark eye circles disguised with a heavy-handed application of concealer.  Ahhhh, those were the days!   And such fond memories. Methinks I will bring it back.

Here are a few alterna-pop rock songs, I obsess over listen to on repeat:

• Miike Snow – Paddling
• TV On The Radio – Will Do
• Kele – Everything You Wanted (RAC Remix)
• Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out

Sometimes Julian mumbles but I adore The Strokes. Nothing better than 12:51 or Reptilia live, non?

Keep your hands free so you can drink and dance with that cute hipster by the bar. Shake your fringe with a Z&L Marrakesh Crossbody Bag

Wildfox T-shirt Dress. While it’s a dress, please pair it with leggings, otherwise people will think you forgot your pants at home. Trust.

Exactly how I would wear Joe's Jeans Ponte Pants! There's something edgy about grey jeans that makes them perfect for rocking out.

Once the movie 'Rock of Ages' comes out, you know there's going to be a big hair, acid wash and punk revival. Sienna pairs her acid wash jeggings with a cozy t and slouchy sweater.

Risky Business: Mr. Holmes (aka Tom Cruise) gets down in his tightie-whities.

The newly planted herbs in the windowsill are dying a slow, tragic death.  My always perfectly jeujed bangs are plastered to my forehead and for someone who doesn’t really sweat, I am sweating in places that I never knew existed.  Guess what?  Only dancers in music videos and Cindy Crawford in a Pepsi commercial circa 1990 look damn sexy in the blistering heat (though I can’t comment on the smell).  For us regular folk, we just have to work it a little harder. 

With no air conditionning, there seems to be little relief with the windows open, curtains drawn.  With record-breaking soaring temperatures, modesty is at best, an afterthought.  Perhaps this is high season for voyeurs since cooking in your underwear is de rigeur.  And if we’re going to be prancing about in our skivvies, let’s channel Risky Business (without the long-sleeve since it’s much too HOTTT for that!)…

True Story: I have often happened upon a random dance party in my living room. Forever 21 Love Struck Bikini

The neighbours don't mind: Get spotted in this Zimmerman Thistle Bikini

Dare Wear Short Shorts: Stay cool in these barely there Element Fleece Shorts

For the modest, cover up in this lightweight Anthropologie Slubby Boy Tank in the faintest blush

In lieu of tube socks, I suggest these gold zebra print Old Navy Flip Flops. You can wear socks but only if you're concerned about gliding across the hardwood floors.

Bill has the eye: You must. You really MUST.

I have always been a lover of the art-house, tiny cinema genre of film.  The kind of movies that rarely make it into the mainstream and are rented at the independent local video store.  This afternoon, as a guilty pleasure, mini popcorn in hand, I took in a matinee screening of Bill Cunningham New York, the documentary about the famed eccentric New York Times photographer and fashion columnist.  

The film observes the 80+ year old Cunningham as he navigates New York on his bicycle, shooting street fashion in the mornings, editing his images, writing his columns and photographing society events in the evenings.  It is a character study of a humble, hard-working and unassuming city anthropologist; his passion has not waned over the years, his enthusiasm for discovering trends and capturing fashion in real life still all consuming.  Through candid interviews with his many muses and industry contemporaries, you are able to understand why over the span of his career, he is respected for his vision, integrity and kindness.  Truly a MUST SEE.

“A lot of people have taste but very few are daring to be creative.” – Bill Cunningham Watch the trailer here

One of Cunningham's favourite muses, the eccentric Iris Apfel describes herself as "the oldest living teenager." Playing dressup in her closet would be TDF (to die for).

Ooh la!  Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011) was the kind of dark haired beauty that took your breath away.  In celebration of her film legacy, I thought I would do a mini montage sequence of a few of my favourite images.  She rose to fame as a child actress and was one of the last of the major studio produced starlets of the 1960’s. 

Perhaps this weekend, you might enjoy an Elizabeth Taylor movie marathon as her notable career highlights include National Velvet, A Place In The Sun, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Butterfield 8 and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? 

Love this image of a fresh-faced Elizabeth, working her flirty bikini and shorts.

1960's Girlcrush. I mean, they just don't make movie stars they way they used to.

Elizabeth Tay-Tay as Cleopatra. Gilded head dress revival, anyone?

Elizabeth shot by Avedon. She had a thing for jewellery.

Pretty in Pink: Blane, Andie & Ducky. Obviously.

Remember the John Hughes era in the 80’s where it was a big deal, rich kids vs. poor kids.  James Spader and Andrew McCarthy always portrayed a variation on the same privileged jerk with a trustfund.  Even still, you couldn’t resist swooning every time Blane came onscreen.  Spoiler Alert (for you kids born in the 90’s):  He only slightly redeemed himself by finally owed up to being an @sshole to Andie.  I mean, I don’t know about you but a guy who is too embarrassed to take you to Prom because of his friends?!?  There is only one word: Lametown.  My ideal version, a Blane 2.0 if you will, would have a stronger backbone but I suppose then there would be no Pretty In Pink. 

What these boys of old money had in common were the ubiquitous blazer, tousled just rode my daddy’s Porsche-hair and Conneticut prepster style.  Allow me to suggest some spring fashions and other accoutrements to bag a Blane. 

Get noticed by the rich kids in this Madewell Film School Blazer

Options! Wear it 'as if' you had a Blane (the secret). Silence & Noise Boyfriend Blazer

Sex it up: Loving the lightweight fabric and assymetrical hem on this Sparkle & Fade Crinkle Chiffon blouse

Douse yourself in Lavanila. Vanilla is known as a natural aphrodisiac and mood enhancer. Trust.

Remarkably Coco: Audrey Tatou as the famed designer

There’s something about Paris that captures the imagination, that evokes nostalgia and romance.  That makes you want to start speaking en francais.

A few days ago I rented Coco Avant Chanel, the biopic of famous french designer Coco Chanel.  The film traces the humble origins of orphaned Coco (nee Gabrielle), as portrayed by the ever-amazing Audrey Tatou, as she struggles to make a living - poor seamstress by day and cabaret singer by night.  A series of calculated actions on Coco’s part, she becomes the mistress of a wealthy French aristocrat, yet falls deeply in love with a married American businessman.  A revealing portrait of the designer’s life before fame and celebrity, it is both heartbreaking and inspiring.  Coco was a renegade in an era of opulance and repression; she made her mark by breaking out of societal norms but sacrificed much in the process.  Le sigh! *Insert sob*

In homage to the spirit of Chanel, I have prepared an appropriate brunch outfit for noshing on pain dore, croque monsieurs, bellinis and creme brulee at Le Select Bistro (432 Wellington St. West).  There is an abundance of hottie waiters serving your latte and the chi-chi poo-poo crowd is veryx3 good looking.  Just my kind of brunchie spot.  My favourite decor accents were the red velvet opera curtains, the black and white mosaic tile floor and the poster for Belle De Jour.

Dites, "Mais oui!" (Say, "But yes!") to the Joie Striped Top. A lil' bling with your mimosa never hurt anybody.

Coco detested corsets and dresses. She preferred a good pair of pantalons. Try the Juicy Ruffled Silk Pants. Harem-esque but not so MC Hammer.

Feels tres Chanel: Colour blocking your toes with Sam Edelman "Randell" Espadrille