Jean Style

Jean Arthur. She always gave the impression that she was just an ordinary, everyday girl who happened to have a bit of glamour. Her unusually high-pitched, "squeaky" voice. Her little, rosebud mouth that grinned so good naturedly. The dark eyes that had a bit of mist and sparkle to them. And, of course, that blond, fluffy hair.


Like many old stars of the silver screen, Jean Arthur was originally a brunette, dieing her hair soon after starting to make "talking pictures" (I think brunette's showed up better in the infant stage of the cinema). And although I am generally of the opinion that natural hair color is the best way to go and that there are way too many bleached blondes walking around, it works on Jean Arthur.

One of my favorite things about the films she did under Frank Capra (who called her his favorite actress) is that they're smack in the middle of a wonderful fashion era. And the clothes that Jean wears are never overdone - instead they seem like something that any woman could own, and wear well. Soft, unstructured blouses; practical "working" skirts; simplistic evening gowns; peep toe pumps.

Here she wears a dark and elegant affair, with fur running round the cuffs, collar and shoulders of this velvet gown. It closes neatly up the front with braided loops and tiny, satin buttons. When it comes to black and white photos and film, you can use your imagination, so I'm going to say that this gown is a dark, forest green. What do you think?

Be sure to check out this hysterical clip from "You Can't Take It With You", which also stars one of my favorite actors of all time, Jimmy Stewart.


Now... wasn't that cute? ;)

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Secrets of Layering

OK, so maybe they're not secrets...but it has to be admitted that layering, when done right, can be a very special fashion weapon. March is here and, so far, we've experienced a chilling mini-blizzard and (just yesterday) weather so sunny and warm that winter coats were unnecessary. In this very fickle month, it's important to be prepared for anything - and layers can help keep you comfortable at whatever temperature happens to reign.

Fave Layering Basics

• Tank Tops and Camisoles - An absolute must in temperamental weather - these fit smoothly under almost anything and the thin extra layer keeps you just a bit warmer. These are also great for modesty reasons - doubling as a slip, adding additional support and adding a few inches to a neckline that would be otherwise immodest. My sisters and I wear these almost every day.

• Sweaters - OK, so I happen to be a bit obsessed and own more than I can ever wear...but they are just so practical! Perfect for layering under a coat on a blustery day (when the weather warms up, you can toss the coat!), piling over your long-sleeved tees and turtlenecks (neither I or this blog would survive the chill without them!), or being worn as a shirt over a light tank when you want a cozy, stylish look without the bulk.

• Tights and Leggings - I don't know how some people survive in the winter, tromping around in jeans and ankle socks. As soon as the cold front hits I pull out the leggings. They fit perfectly under any pants and are even appropriate under skirts, so long as you've got boots that cover up the ankle. As for tights - a nice dark pair is necessary for wearing with those ballet flats and pumps. Don't go for flimsy fabrics unless the weather is warmer - and please, throw out any of those awful "nude" colored nylons. They are so out. If you want a barelegged look, you'll just have to go barelegged - so put on the black tights or wait until summer. :)

• High Boots - Fortunately, there has been much more variety of styles and sizes available over the past few years (I hope they stay in for a long time!) and it is now fairly easy to find a pair of high boots without a skinny, skyscraper heel. These are a top pick for winter wear - they can slip under boot cut jeans and over any that are more fitted (perfect for tromping through some of that leftover snow!). They go very nicely under almost any long skirt (this, BTW is the best way to stay warm when going out in the winter - the length of the skirt and boots keeps your legs completely protected from any freezing winds) and make sweet, shorter skirts "winter wearables" by covering up the leg that would otherwise be exposed (and cold!). Sometimes these "secret weapons" can keep you cozy enough that you can skip the tights or leggings altogether.

The Accessories Have It!

• It's amazing what a few well-chosen accents can do to warm you up. A favorite of mine are long, fingerless gloves (from Kohl's), which I wear while inside the house, typing away at this blog in my freezing basement :P). I have very poor circulation and these really do the trick without taking away my mobility. 

• Also, scarfs are a simple way to add a little warmth and, when the sun comes out, can be easily tucked into a coat pockets or tied about the waist and out of the way. Sometimes even a lightweight silk scarf is all it takes to do the trick.

• Don't forget your hat! Not only are they super cute and trendy, hats of all types can do wonders in keep your body temperature comfortable, allowing you to dump some of the other unwanted layers.
  

So...as we skip blithely through this ferocious month of March - don't forget to layer up! You'll be glad you did when the sun peeks through the clouds and you're able to dump a few items while still staying modest and oh, so stylish...

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Maid Marian's Wardrobe - Season Two - Part I

Season Two of the spectacular BBC television series, Robin Hood, is one enjoyable ride. It was pretty well executed, too...until the last two episodes (not a brilliant ending if you ask me, but what can you do?). Like the first season, the modern twist gives us hilarious lines, over-the-top action and terrific costumes. Also like the first season, there is still some violence and innuendos to deal with and the "darker storyline" doesn't make it quite family friendly.

But how can you help but love Lucy Griffiths as the totally feminine and yet pretty darn tough Maid Marian? And with a wardrobe like hers, who wouldn't be? It is my pleasure to be able to continue to review the costumes created for the series (click HERE for reviews of Season One), which are not only pretty, but often are easily adaptable for trendy, modern wear. Whether you regularly enjoy the show or just want to peruse Marian's lovely ensembles; stick around, cause this medieval maiden's fashion is here with a vengeance!

Costumes are listed in order of appearance, although some images may be from later episodes of the show. May contain slight spoilers.
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The Night Watchman
Marian is back and ready for action - but can she save Robin Hood?




This is one of the most creative costumes in the whole series. With just a few simple pieces, Marian can switch into her alternate identity - the Night Watchman. The shirt appears to be very similar to the orange ensemble she wore in Season One, in that it has long, fitted sleeves and a hood (which is longer and fuller than the orange hood). The fabric has lengthwise stripes which alternate shades of olive green. It appears that wrong side of the fabric is a bolder, sea-foam green shade, and this is what is showing on the outside of her vest. Marian also has a long green "scarf" of the same material, which she wears over her face when going "Night Watchman".




The vest has a V neckline and it crosses over and buttons down the left side with five silver/metal buttons. It is reversible and reveals an lining of some sort of suede/leather (probably fake, since this is a modern TV adaptation), which buttons over the right side with the same buttons.

Marian's skirts seems to be made from a heavy woven/canvas material and is a basic wrap skirt, crossing around to the left, just off the center front. It fastens with two leather straps and brass buckles. When in action, this skirt doubles as a cape - isn't that the coolest thing?

The Night Watchman's mask and riding pants from last season are still around, but her boots are different - they look like a darker leather (and you can see the zippers on the inside of each leg! :P ). What a versatile ensemble!



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"Straight off the line" Peasant Dress
Marian is forced to make a difficult decision...




This is a simple design in a very sweet print - it reminds me of something that would have been popular in the 70s. :P The fabric is very lightweight (probably a cotton) with a small, flowery, navy-blue design running all over it. The construction is very modern, with elastic gathering in the neckline and sleeves; creating a tiny ruffle. The gown is high-waisted and there also appears to be some ruching/gathering across the bust. It is hard to see more than the sleeve shapes(which are fairly full and nearly three-quarter length) but the dress appears to a simple a-line shape that probably ends at her ankles. Later in the series, she wears an identical style with a different print, which will probably reveal some more details...


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"Sea-Foam" Castle Ensemble
Marian does her best to keep Robin informed of all the Sheriff's plans...





This is the gown that Marian wears the most often throughout the series and it's no wonder - it's so pretty (a personal favorite of mine :). The "peasant" style blouse is very simple and gets its shaping from the use of elastic; in the ruching across the bust and the gathering and ruffling of the short, puffed sleeves. Around the neckline you can see a tiny scalloped trim peeking out - this is probably a decorative edging on the elastic (used on the inside) that keeps the neckline shape. The fabric is a soft, lightweight knit.

The "corset" is really an interesting piece, staring just under the bust and ending at the hips. It comes to a point at both the top front and bottom and fastens with three buckles. On both the front and back there are two center pieces that seamed to two panels of a brighter shade of green. A channel of boning runs on each side of each of these panels. The side of the corset is cut as one piece and doesn't appear to have additional support (hence the wrinkles). The fabric is probably a heavy cotton based material and is interfaced for stability.

The skirt is floor length and has a slight flare at the hem. It is fairly straight but cut on the bias, which gives it the close fit over the hips and a bit of stretch. The fabric looks like a heavy linen or wool.



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I am so happy to get back into doing these reviews and I hope you enjoy the second season as much as I did! :)


Screencaps from Robin Hood 2006

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More Wedding Loveliness...

My little sister and the BIL (Brother In Law ;)

A bunch of smile-y people :)

Michael and Bekah with the girls...

The Gents try to look manly and serious.

The Ladies know them better!

Happy Feet!

A brick wall + A newlywed couple = Romance

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What a whirlwind! We had such an amazing time filled with so many beautiful memories. But I WILL say that it shall be nice to kick back and not do anything so CRAZY for a while. So, if anyone is planning on matrimony - please wait a while and give me a break, OK? ;)

You can see a ton more photos by visiting The Grand Adventure III - God bless!

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The Best Of Oscar Fashion 2009

Despite being super slow at getting this recap together, I felt that I couldn't possibly let such a huge worldwide fashion occasion pass by without some mention - better late than never, right? You can read my "Oscar Commentary" here. Disclaimer: As always, I don't endorse or recommend the Academy Awards or any of the actresses mentioned in this article - their fashion is my focus. :)


I was positively thrilled that Kate Winslet finally won an Academy Award. She is such an amazing actress and has contributed to some of the most iconic films of this century and the last (although it saddens me that she plays so many inappropriate roles - including the one for which she won her Oscar - it would be lovely to have a talented actress who kept high standards and showed Hollywood a thing or two about beautiful movies. If you happen to know of one, drop me a line.).

Style trends remained very much the same as at the Golden Globes (check out my report here). If you're starting to think about prom, please take notes. :)

• I am pleased to see that A-symmetrical dresses continue to be all the rage, including lots that feature one shoulder strap. I like this style because it usually covers better and keeps the gown from having to be pulled up all evening - much more modest, not to mention comfortable. 
  
• Strong, confident dress shapes are very popular but, on the flip side, ruffles and lace are so in right now - yay for femininity!
  
• Jewelery was way over the top (what happened to being a classy minimalist?) and ginormous earrings seems to be the thing - bleh.
  
• There were lots of neutrals present and I just love white gowns, as long as the shade suits the wearer and there is enough contrast or color included to keep them from looking like an icicle. 
  
• Bold colors continue to reign, with deep, bright blue being a real stunner. Also, a lot of ladies wore purple (which is still a hot fashion color this Spring), but most of them didn't pick the right shade and ended up looking totally washed out. 
  

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The Best Dressed (IMHO):

Penélope Cruz

Three cheers for vintage!!! I just adore when actresses choose an antique classic to walk the red carpet - this one is by Balmain. The embroidery here is just amazing - it looks like lace until you see it up close. And the gorgeous ruched draping of chiffon - ahhh!!! Who wouldn't want such a Cinderella dress? The pearly off-white shade suits her complexion beautifully and she looks like a swan. And, for the record, I just adore her haircut. So like Audrey Hepburn in "Sabrina"! Oh, yes...

Anne Hathaway

This favorite of mine was another "woman in white" while wearing this lovely Armani Prive Spring ’09 gown. This shade almost has hints of pink and gold and complements her skin beautifully. I am usually not a "bling" girl, but I love the use of crystals and sequins here - she looks like a tall, shimmering goddess. And as much as I adore necklaces, the simplicity of the neckline looks so fantastic without one, and her dainty earrings, chunky bracelet and rings finish it off nicely. Overall, she looks softer and less severe than at the Globes (although I always think she's lovely). Go Annie! :)

Freida Pinto

This John Galliano dress stood out to me the first time I saw it (as did her lovely smile) and it has remained a favorite. I could do without the one sheer sleeve but I just love the way the neckline crosses and the shape of the bodice and skirt. The pin tucked (and horsehair hemmed) swirl of the latter is so pretty and the use of the beading is perfect. I think this is one gown that truly suits the wearer. The sweet simplicity of her pulled back and draped hair finish it all off nicely.

Kate Winslet

Here's some old Hollywood glamour for you. I love how this Yves St. Laurent gown looks like two separate dresses put together; one halter and one strapless. Usually, such a design doesn't work but Kate pulls it all together. The different tones of silk and the sheer overlay - featuring dozens of little rosettes - blend perfectly and give the effect of a gown worn in the glorious day of black and white films. The only thing I'm not so crazy about is her hair. The slicked back and waved look doesn't do much for her face shape. Besides that, there isn't much to complain about. As always, Kate's sparkling eyes and wide smile are her best accessory.

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There was a fair share of bad fashion choices as well. Heidi Klum was a rose-colored nightmare. Jessica Biel was wrapped in a satin bath towel. Tilda Swinton took another fashion dare and lost it. Sarah Jessica Parker was tacky and inappropriate. Sophia Loren just scares me stiff. Amy Adams disappointed me once again with a strange red creation. Amanda Seyfried's lovely shade of orange was ruined by weird proportions. And Natalie Portman had a fuchsia prom dress. It's a sad world.

Next year, I'm going to dress up and hold my own awards show. Anyone want to come? ;)

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