underrated fashion[able] films

Now that I've had my piece about the stereotypical films fashion bloggers idolize, I have quite a few films that I wouldn't mind seeing more. But as a general rule, let's all try to keep in mind that you can have too much of a good thing. (Is this a southern saying or applicable to all of the U.S.? I can't determine the universality of idioms most of the time.)




1. Brighton Rock
Based on a thriller novel written in 1947, this film is a remake with two relatively unknown actors carrying it. Relatively well written, brilliantly shot, and excellently acted, it's a great modernized film noir.



2. Submarine
A coming of age film about an awkward little boy from Swansea, you've gotta love how he idealizes the object of his affection, Jordana. You've also gotta love Jordana's uniform: red toggle coat and Lolita heart shaped glasses.



3. The Hour
Technically, this is a TV show done by the BBC and starring Ben Wishaw (who appears twice more on this list), but it's just so fantastically done that I had to list it. Following a news program show in 1956, the script is impeccable as is the casting and the scenery/props. The attention to detail is meticulous, and everything comes together beautifully albeit a bit slowly in the beginning.




4. Bright Star
Starring Ben Wishaw and Abbie Cornish, this film tells the love story between English poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne. One of his most noted poems (and one of the most romantic poems of all time), "Bright Star," was inspired by her. Visually impressive and filled with wispy moments (i.e. the moment when Fanny Brawne is laying on her bed with the curtain billowing around her), this is a perfect melancholy film.




5. Everywhere and Nowhere
Another coming of age film, but set in the "Asian" community in London. There are a lot of elements in this story that anyone who identifies themselves with a hyphen would understand. Though the plot could have been stronger, the music is solid and James Floyd is droolworthy.




6. Dans Paris
Following the story of a dysfunctional family on Christmas, the condensed one line plot summary makes the film sound dull and unwatchable. But with a very charming Louis Garrel who breaks the fourth wall by addressing the viewer, you forget that you're supposed to be watching a film and concentrate on him. Plus, it's shot in Paris, so what's not to visually love?




7. The Fantastic Mr. Fox
Hands down, favorite Wes Anderson film. How can you not love a film that inspires crazy GIFs? Stellar cast and strong script, it's a celebration of being different, minus the macarons and petit fours. Oh yeah, and it's mostly orange, a color that's overlooked in the color spectrum.



8. Norwegian Wood
The film was a sad mediocrity in comparison to the novel, but there's no denying that the film itself is aesthetically pleasing. Quaint college campuses give way to the rolling Japanese hillside, all while maintaining costume authenticity of the 1960s. At least it's a pretty waste of time.

Honorable Mentions

• Brideshead Revisited - another film with Ben Wishaw, but felt like mentioning three of his films in this list was too much. This is definitely a must-see, especially since it has all the religious overtones that drive bloggers crazy in "The Virgin Suicides." The costume is pre-WWII and parts were filmed in Oxford, which always gets a plus from me.
• Pretty in Pink - aside from the modern Cinderella storyline, there are so many awesome things in this film: Duckie's alligator creepers, Iona's prom dress (and her awesome beehive), Andie's single long earring, Steff's 80s prep uniform...

*I'm aware that this list is mostly comprised of British films. I am a giant Anglophile.


photos: screencapped by yours truly



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stereotypical fashion blogger's movie list

You know them. You may like them. But you can't deny that the blog market is saturated with images of them. To a point where you may want to throw up or have already done so. It's the stereotypical fashion blogger's movie list/compilation of tumblr imges.



1. Marie Antoinette
Directed by Sofia Coppola, this has fashion written all over it. Pink, lace, bows, and all those pastries are all must have elements for any [wannabe] fashion girl.



2. The Virgin Suicides
Made internet immortal by Tavi from The Style Rookie who refers to it constantly, this film is great as it has wispy girls, religious imagery, and lots of pink things. Plus, it also has Kirsten Dunst. Again.



3. Breakfast at Tiffany's
While Audrey Hepburn was more than just a LBD, this film is sadly all anyone associates her with in the fashion crowd.



4. The Royal Tennanbaums
Vintage prep and Wes Anderson are the makings of great freeze frame images, and Gwenyth doesn't disappoint with that fur coat of hers, which just about sparked a faux fur revolution last year.



5. William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
Although this movie used to be a personal favorite of mine (what Gen Y-er didn't swoon over Leonardo DiCaprio in the late 90s? He was bigger than Bieber), my love for it nearly died when I saw it on every single 14-year-old's Tumblr this year. No references to the brilliantly written beginning or the patriarchal overtones or even the overt and glorified (I swear I'm not part of the PTC) drug use. At least point out the ridiculousness of having "I LOVE THEE" engraved on a ring. As if any Shakespearean character would have the balls to say anything so bold.

Honorable Mentions
The Notebook - I will tell everyone I hate this movie, but I will secretly watch it while PMS-ing.
Mean Girls
Black Swan - these photos seemed to have died out in popularity for the most part.
The Dior commercial by Sofia Coppola - not a film but I would like to stop seeing these images.

photos: google images


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babies, the documentary

Anyone who knows me at all knows that I'm not a fan of children. (They're not fans of me, either.) I tend to shy away from conversations about anyone under the age of 14, pregnancy/maternity clothes, and child rearing. So, the fact that I enjoyed a documentary called "Babies" is truly revolutionary.

I'm always a huge fan of anything that comes from Focus Features, which probably explains why Netflix recommends only "cerebral dramas" to me. "Babies" follows four babies located in four different cities - San Francisco, Tokyo, rural Mongolia, and Namibia - documenting the moments from birth to around toddler. The cinematography is absolutely beautiful, especially the shots from Namibia and Mongolia, but the film itself never reaches a climax, leading to any type of revelation about humankind and its similarities despite geography. I feel like that's where the directors were going, but without narrative it's difficult to lead viewers towards any type of conclusion.

Regardless, it's adorable (which means a lot when it comes from me) with a few LOL moments. I love all the scenes where the babies and animals interact; it's absolutely fascinating how much patience animals can have towards children. Do they innately know that this is a little person so you're not supposed to bite their face off even if they pull your tail?

Watch it now on Netflix!

werner herzog needs to narrate my life

On Monday, Sooji and I went to see Werner Herzog's new documentary, "Cave of Forgotten Dreams." I'm a huge fan of his documentaries - the two I've seen, at least - but I found myself dozing a bit through this one. It's undeniably beautiful, and Herzog has an incredible talent for discovering fascinating bits of nature and linking its relevance to human society. However, there were so many portions of this film that dragged, and sitting in a dark theater mid-afternoon without any coffee while soothing operatic music plays is a recipe for sleep.

The film documents a trip to a recently discovered cave in southern France that houses a few of the world's oldest paintings. Painted tens of thousands of years ago (ranging from 32,000 to 20,000 years ago), they are in pristine condition due to the calcification of the rocks. The images are breathtaking and completely unreal. A part of me refuses to believe that such a place exists, and without these images from Herzog, I would believe it's all part of someone's wild CGI imagination.

Chauvet Cave, the "Cave of Forgotten Dreams"

Werner Herzog on right

top. Sisley
jacket. Zara
jeans. Cheap Monday
shoes. boutique on Garosugil
bag. Miu Miu

photos by sooji
source: the dfg

all the bright lights do is bore me

Yesterday, I went to the final event in the SCAD Style week with Jinah and Lillie - a free screening of the "Bill Cunningham, New York." Just as "The September Issue" made us all fall in love with Grace Coddington, this documentary makes Bill so endearing. His earnestness in his work, his ability to see beauty in everything, his positive personality are just a few of the many reasons I loved this film. Find a screening near you and go!

Also, apologies to the girls for making you come out super early because of my psychotic tendencies. Thanks for being good sports!






Afterwards, we went to Ormsby's for dinner with Atlanta's fratastic bunch. Never going there again. It was filled with former frat boys who traded in their popped collars for ill-fitting button downs. Biggest pet peeve in menswear is when men's sleeves start past their shoulder. If your sleeves start there, you either need to buy a new shirt or lose weight.



The Richard, turkey with avocado and sweet potato fries.

Shrimp & grits - bad lighting makes it look unappetizing, but it was pretty decent.

a place that transcends time

I think I have a crush on Edward Norton. Not because I find him insanely good looking, because he's got a rather awkward looking face. I think it's because of this role (let's face it, he was kinda scary in "American History X") as Walter Fane in "The Painted Veil," based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham (awesome, awesome, awesome name).

Chronicling a relationship between a frivolous London socialite named Kitty and her stoic, studious husband Walter, the scenery changes from Europe to Shanghai to rural China. It's such a beautiful story, and the Naomi + Edward combination is beyond amazing. And I love the 20s costuming. What would Kitty Fane wear? Spectator brogues, sequined dresses, simple floral dresses, and straw hats galore.


"Could you not tell that I'm in love with you?" - Walter Fane






"As if a woman ever loved a man for his virtue." - Kitty Fane

Two movies I wish I could watch right now...


"Black Swan" starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis


"Never Let Me Go" with Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley

A new tradition has begun: Musical Mondays. This Monday was hosted by the lovely E.Wiz & Nova, and the selection was "Newsies." I've only seen it performed by a ensemble cast of drama kids who took themselves way too seriously at my high school, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover elements I'd never noticed. For instance, the insane levels of masculine eroticism in the opening sequence. We've got shirtless boy-men, a very provocative sexual position most popularly referred as a certain number, bathing and other general bathroom raucous/shenanigans.

I got a lot of flack for thinking that Christian Bale was pretty hot in that role (really insane accent and rather horrible singing and all), so I would like to take this opportunity to point out that he was 18 when he made this film. So I'm not a pedo. Also, it's slightly impossible as I was 7 when the movie was made, which means that Christian Bale is the real pedo. If he liked me. Which he didn't.

P.S. Those are E.Wiz's chinchillas. They are super soft and totally worthy of coat making. But she will kill you if you try.