Madonna- "I'm Breathless"

Have you ever heard of this album? In 1990, Madonna starred in the film, Dick Tracy, and released "I'm Breathless." As you can see from the album cover, it contains music "from and inspired" by the film. I have never seen it, but I have contemplated buying the album for years. Every used record store I know usually carries a copy, and every time I see it, I think two thoughts:

1. "This could be awesome!"
2. "Wow, this could suck!"

As much as I love Madonna, I questioned her voice could carry the retro style like Amy Winehouse or even Christina Aguilera could. However, when I bought her album, "Erotica," last year, her cover of "Fever" (famously done by Peggy Lee) stunned me. It's now one of my favorite Madonna songs.

Because of this experience with "Fever," when I saw "I'm Breathless" again today for a ridiculously low price, I decided to give it a shot. It's really good. It's not too retro, but still exhibits the style throughout. Also, "Vogue" is on it-- totally lovable. I would say more about it, but I have not listened to  the whole album yet.

Here is one of my favorite tracks so far:



Enjoy!

"... and I am a Material Girl"

Oh, fabulous, a new post! I was thinking how little I shared on my blog about my love for Madonna. I think only readers who have followed me for awhile may know how much I adore her. To me, she is a strong, creative, and talented woman. She also pushes boundaries, makes others uncomfortable, and refuses to apologize. However, she inspires many, like me. I think she's a fantastic role model. She has been one of mine since middle school.

Anyway, in early March, one of my biggest dreams came true. I bought a ticket to see Madonna in concert when her tour stops in St. Paul this November. Since then, my excitement has reached unbelievable heights. I have become a little obsessed, blasting her music every day, several times a day, pinning photos to Pinterest, and browsing her clothing collection, Material Girl. I usually skip celebrity brands, but this one just happens to mirror my own personal style so well I may have to brave Memorial Day shopping tomorrow to check it out in person.  I especially love this dress, because it stands out from the rest of the collection, and Macy's clothing in general.

I should not be surprised. Madonna has always been a fashion icon, and she has tried everthing. What do you think of all her looks? Do you have a favorite? I thought she channeled the "old Hollywood glamour" well, and she looked AMAZING opening her Sticky and Sweet Tour a few years ago.





I think I need boots, and my long blonde hair back.

New blog for YOU.

I'm not sure if many of you will be interested in this, but I am shifting my blogging focus a little bit. I guess I'm going to do more of the "lifestyle" thing here:

http://fmntimes.blogspot.com

Feel free to check it out. There may be a movie review from time to time just for kicks ;-)

Frances Farmer in Come and Get It (1936)

I have yet another Frances Farmer post. I finally found some footage of her acting via YouTube. Here are two short parts of her film, Come and Get It. I watched it last weekend, and while it's a bit slow, Frances' performance locked me in. I thought she rocked it. Her deep voice sounds so haunting, no?

A new girl crush

At first, I thought Frances Farmer was interesting. Now, it's become a full girl crush. First, she's beautiful. Second, her performance in Come and Get It was amazing. She reminded me of all sorts of actors I love, like Joanne Woodward, Mae West, and Clara Bow, but at the same time, there was something more unique. Third, this photo is boss:

I mean, come on now.

Frances

I recently watched Frances (1982), a biopic starring Jessica Lange as '30s actress Frances Farmer. Though the name seemed familiar to me, I did not know anything about Frances, nor had I seen her films. Her fall, as depicted in the film, impacted me. It seemed like she had a lot to say.

However, I am excited to receive her film, Come and Get It from NetFlix this weekend. Her work proves hard to find, but I am hoping she can become a new favorite actress. I think she's beautiful.



Oh, and Jessica Lange gave an incredible performance. She received an Oscar nomination for that year, along with a supporting nom for Tootsie. She won the latter.

Spring Wardrobe Ideas

I admit, I am kind of a celebrity personal style junkie.

However, with the exception of Carey Mulligan and Kirsten Dunst, I avoid stalking celebs via paparazzi photos. Those two dress too deliciously to resist a creeper-esque peep when inspiration itches. Instead, I comb my Google and Bing image searches for dressed down vintage stars. These often prove hard to come by, but they are there. Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, or Natalie Wood stripped from their iconic glamour in exchange for something more simple equals magic. Here, cropped trousers, cardigans, ballet flats, big sunglasses, and dresses appear, with some jewelry for kicks.

I love these looks. The make their point without fuss. They exude fashion without trying. Rather, they just are. I decided I should look like that this spring. My Minneapolis lifestyle rarely accommodates outfits decked with bells and whistles. For one, I rarely wear stilettos anymore. But I need to edit my wardrobe so it becomes more "me" and less faux-urbanista. I am Idaho. Let's be real.

This, however, I can handle.

Just ... minimal.

Simply pretty

My, it has been awhile, hasn't it? I have been busy working, seeing The Artist, working, building ideas for a new spring wardrobe, working, buying simple treasures like the above "f"-monogram mug from Anthropologie, paying respects to Whitney Houston by blasting her songs, working ... 

~F.