"... 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.

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. 

Something silly

This is me, senior year of high school, receiving an award for being an outstanding American Government student. Though many others stand there, I believe it turned into my own fashion moment. I miss that skirt. And those shoes.

HAHAHAHA!

I am probably a late viewer, but I totally love both of these! Fashion should always be fun.

The September issue

Nope, not the documentary, which I am sad that I still have not seen. One of my favorite things ever is Vogue's September issue. It always features pages and pages of beautiful, new editorials, and usually puts someone a little unexpected on the cover. In my opinion, it outdid itself this year. I could not believe how beautiful the cover alone looked when I pulled it out of my mailbox.

I never thought I would say this, but I sort of wish I was Kate Moss --- at least, in this photo. If she does not rock fairy tale princess here, then I don't know anything! I am excited to read the story about her as well. I feel like she gets a lot of coverage in the U.K., but we do not hear much about her in the U.S. I have always liked her as a model. 

Another fabulous aspect, this will take me ALL fall to read!

~F.

A New Kind of Love (1963)

Paris and fashion blend again in A New Kind of Love, a romantic comedy starring the best Hollywood couple ever, in my opinion, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. But back to the fashion for the moment. It IS seriously amazing here. Of course, the opening credits list Edith Head, Lanvin, Christian Dior, and Frank Sinatra singing, so I expected nothing less. From the full-skirted, feather couture ensems walking Parisian catwalks, to Joanne's menswear inspired blouses and trousers (and one or two pencils stuck randomly in her hair) this movie treats what women wear as consciously created works of art.

These fashions circle what I see as a typical Paul/Joanne storyline: She plays the intelligent career woman who at first ignores his charming advances, but then viewers discover she loved him all along. More specifically, Joanne plays Sam, a tomboy who "steals" high fashion designs for the mass production of more affordable, department store versions. For this reason, she travels to Paris with two co-workers, and meets columnist-in-exile (for sleeping with the boss's wife), Steve. The two begin awkwardly---Steve mistakes Sam for a man.

Inspired by the Paris fashion, a dance with Maurice Chevalier (don't ask) and embarrassment over her single-dom, Sam invents a more feminine, fashionable version of herself. Steve then spots her again, mistakes her for a famous call-girl, and interviews her several times for column inspiration. Though Sam fails to extend the act, and Steve dislikes her for that, I think no shock will come from my assurance that everything works out for them in the end.

I find this movie fun, despite its lack of an original plot. Paul and Joanne convey so much chemistry and comic timing. Also, Thelma Ritter, Eva Gabor, and George Tobias head a charming supporting cast. However, I think the movie's best point remains its use of fashion. I rarely see one that uses fashion so intentionally for both entertainment and insights. For instance, a split-screen of Sam observing a fashion show, while Steve indulges in burlesque acts, with models and dancers wearing similar ensems, seems so clever to me. As someone who already loves fashion, it made me appreciate it, and its possibilities, even more.

Camera Phone

Local fashion show from last weekend, and some other things, randomly captured. Have a wonderful Friday!

~F.

Fiddle-dee-dee!

Here is another fabulous question asked via Formspring:

What do you use to inspire an outfit? You come up with such great looks!

Everything and anything. Literally. I am visual person, and gain inspiration from sources such as: art books/museums, magazines, coffee table books, history books, blogs, people I see on the street, and even the imagery I create in my head while reading. I love fashion from all eras, including the present, so if I see a garment or look I think I could work, I give it a shot. 

However, for the sake of specificity, I gain probably the most inspiration from movies, particularly the older movies regular readers know I love. I think I become most inspired this way because when I watch a movie, I not only see an image of a garment, but also its movements and interactions with an environment. Not that an image cannot provide these. Movement just makes them richer. I most likely sound like the biggest nerd writing I love observing the movement of clothes, but it's true. I find few objects more charming than a skirt that gracefully rustles and sways. Also, I feel an emotional investment in garments inspired by movies because I often admire or care about the character who wears them. 

For instance, I found this hat in my parents' closet, and claimed it because it reminded me of Scarlett O'Hara's barbecue outfit in Gone With the Wind. I do not think Scarlett is a likeable character, but she possesses some endearing qualities. Not to mention, she wears "Civil War couture" throughout the movie. Despite the grim time period, I consider this wardrobe one of the most romantic I have ever seen. 

via

Furthermore, I think this hat also hearkens the Enchanted April ladies. Enchanted April follows four women in 1920s London who abandon their lives for a month-long vacation at an Italian castle. While there, they wear shift dresses and wide-brimmed straw hats galore. It is a lovely movie, but I still consider Scarlett my reason for adopting this hat. 

I only mention Enchanted April because looking timeless also remains an inspiration for me. I love the idea of looking fashionable for more than just a moment, or a trend's length. Even though I admire both vintage and contemporary fashion, my personal style is more about conveying myself than capturing a specific era or trend. Therefore, I try not to look too 1920s, or 1960s, or 2011, and I look for pieces that prove chic over time.

Feel free to ask my more fabulous questions on Formspring!

Dance

These photos are not that pretty, but I had to share the great harem pants I bought months ago. They may or may not be hideous ... I am so into them I do not know or care. Also, I could not decide on shoes, so I decided to go barefoot, and use some of my past dance training. Ha. 

Also, I posted this on my Twitter, but due to lack of content inspiration, I decided to set up a Formspring. So far I have been asked a grand total of ONE question ;-) Here we go:

If one life just bled into another going from past life to current life, who do you think you were in your past life?

Hard question! This may sound arrogant, but I like to think I have a special connection with the actor, Natalie Wood. I read one of her biographies a couple years ago, and felt I related to some aspects of her personality and experiences. Also, when I watch her films, I root for her characters more than any other actors'. I just want everything to turn out for them. So, basically, I may have been her in my past life, in my opinion. Or not!

~F. 

Vintage purple skirt and floral jacket

Party Shoes

I heart you, fashion!

"Over the course of my career, I've met many talented journalists who suffer from the same inferiority complex. Some are uncomfortable even admitting they write about fashion; they feel the need to make excuses and intellectual justifications. Why is it sports reporters and food writers, for instance, have no problem seeing their work as relevant and serious? Fashion is an art form in its own right, one that has the power to change us, move us, excite us, and make us feel and look good."

I read this paragraph, written by Editor in Chief Stefano Tonchi, in the March 2011 issue of W.  It affected me. When I started college, I wanted to be a fashion journalist, and right away I put myself on the path to get there. Unfortunately, my ambitions went nowhere, and I left the field. Don't get me wrong. I am happy with the career decisions I made since then, but every time I read an article in W. or Vogue I think, "I could do that." Therefore, I feel bad for these journalists who cannot own what they achieved. I am proud of everything I accomplish career-wise, even though mine has nothing to do with fashion. I cannot imagine making excuses.

It also still shocks (and saddens) me to read some feel fashion must be justified on an "intellectual" level. I am so tired of this argument. Anyone who claims there is NOTHING smart about fashion is likely just intimidated that they lack the knowledge. That may sound judgmental, but from my experience, it is true. Just like anything else, fashion takes much reading and studying to "get." People acquire "intellect" from individual experiences and interests. If someone does not put the time into something, for whatever reason, obviously they will know little or nothing about it. Does that make them stupid? No. Furthermore, does that make IT stupid? Absolutely not.

I guess I do not understand why someone can appreciate theater, painting, music, literature, or any other art, and gain respect as being "cultured," yet someone interested in fashion receives little or none of the same. Despite how mainstream high fashion has become the last few years,  I still read and hear the same negative sentiments Tonchi expresses. I still have sat through college classes where professors have brought in fashion magazines as part of their lectures, basically for the purpose of making fun of them. Furthermore, a few months ago, a local Boise style blog made national news, and every reaction was along the lines of "Who cares?"

Then, the Boise Art Museum opened a shoe exhibit. Is THAT art because a museum says it is? Or do people put that down too? I am not sure, but I would guess if I wore similarly-designed shoes from that exhibit in public, they would be a joke. In that case, they would no longer qualify as "art," but only a woman who spends too much money, takes appearances too seriously, and needs to focus on improving her "intellect."

Now I am ranting, but I just don't understand. I would blame reality TV, but there is a show for everything. With fashion, an older, tougher mindset exists. I applaud Tonchi's writing. I think he captured what many feel, but do not say. I am glad it's out in the open. Thoughts?

~F.

P.S. Sorry about the poor outfit photos, and lack of them. It just was not coming together today :)

Bow dresses and Summer reading

Well, well, well, here we are in cute Summer dress weather again. I bought this at a local boutique recently, and find it absolutely whimsical. 

Although, I am not thrilled with its condition after I hand-washed it as the tag dictated. The color bled, as it fairly warned, but I did not expect the top layer to shrink a little. Personally, I think the layered look as is looks cute, but I do not want it to continue. It annoys me to pay more than usual for a garment, and find the condition less than equal to the price, but that seems the norm with most clothes.

Still, I am happy with it, for now.  How can I resist such a print?

Also, I found some Summer reading. Bandbox by Thomas Mallon recounts publishing in 1920s, Manhattan. I consider it a winner, but have not started reading it yet. We'll see! Not to mention, Kori from Blonde Episodes just released her novel, Murder on the Boulevard on Amazon! I am excited. It sounds like film noir!

What are you reading this Summer?

~F.

All Yellow

Gotta love matching. This suit is one of my favorite things ever. It has a Holly Golightly feel to it, which is always perfect in my book! 

~F.

Personal Style Return

 I have decided to do personal style posts again. First, because I miss them, and second, because Shy Biker was kind enough to actually send me a tripod. Obviously, I should put such a generous gift to good use!

I previously developed a rule that I will never include the origins or brand names of the clothes I post. I intend to stick to that. Most of my clothes are from thrift and vintage stores, but I also want to avoid being a billboard if I can. I just like sharing my style because it is fun, not because I want to advertise or tell others to look like me by shopping where I shop. 

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the outfit posts! My style is always evolving, and putting them together allows me to be even more creative. 

~F. 

Gone, baby, gone

Last fall, I started to miss my short hair. During high school, I took a lot of fashion risks. Sometimes I think about those years, and cannot believe all the crazy outfits I wore, especially since I went to a private high school. There, despite a "restrictive" dress code, I spent four years changing my hair color, wearing vintage prom dress dresses, and six-inch heels without once receiving a dress code violation. 

Anyway, I believe my most outrageous fashion choice came right before my Senior prom when, inspired by Natalie Portman's V for Vendetta look, I shaved off most of my hair. I guess it's called a "buzz cut," but I pretty much had nothing up there. I remember a few girls commenting how brave I was to "cut all my hair off," but I found it liberating. I grew it out about another inch, so by the end of summer I had the "Audrey Hepburn look," and kept it that way for the next two years. I found it easy to take care of, and the absence of stringy, messy hair made me feel "grown-up." 

Then I decided I wanted long hair like Lindsay Lohan, and spent the next three years growing it out. Sigh. It finally reached "long," this year, and not only did I have little desire to resemble Lohan, but I could not stand the constant maitanance and nasty shedding. I felt hair was everywhere, and I could not style decently. So, inspired by Carey Mulligan, I decided to take a chance on short hair again. 

It turned out a little shorter than I expected, but I still love it. 

~F.

Where did the glamour go?

As I once wrote on my previous blog, I live in a city where, in my opinion, most people prove either clueless or apathetic when it comes to style. The first point revolves around the popular notion that style equals acquiring as much Juicy Couture and designer handbags as possible. Not that owning either one of these items should cause shame, but they alone do not make create personal style. The latter relates to what I see daily: people wearing unflattering jeans and t-shirts, or, even worse, PJ's and slippers.

I saw the last one at the theater last night. That's right. I saw someone in pajama pants and slippers at what I considered a fancy production of Fiddler on the Roof at the most high-end theater in town. I felt bad enough watching the many jean-clad viewers stroll through the lobby. But ... I don't know. Seriously? Pajamas at the theater seem lazy and frankly, disrespectful to me. I do not expect ball gowns. However, it seems wrong to wear such casual attire. Not to mention, this person, and the other underdressed attendees, missed out on one of the best parts. How often do people get to dress up and look nice? I guess others do not experience the enjoyment I do.

I think about what I have learned about history, and how people used to dress up to go to the theater, or even the movies, because they considered them special. It breaks my heart these things do not seem valued anymore.

What do you think? Do you dress up when you go to the theater or movies? Or do you opt for casual (and perhaps overly-casual) choices, no matter what? Is all the glamour gone?

Finally, for your enjoyment, I found on You Tube from Fiddler on the Roof. I always loved the music and movie, so finally seeing it on stage felt quite special!