The Romantics

I finally saw this film and really enjoyed its gentle, playful tone. It is frothy with its carefree band of characters - late 20-something friends gathering for a wedding. Formal liberal arts majors. So there are literature references galore, which I love. What I found most surprising and enjoyable were the moments of intense, beautifully written dialogue that carried on a bit longer than most dialogue in movies tend to go. At least, it felt that way.  

And the clothes. So pretty and funky. I think my favorite was Malin Ackerman's character's black and white strip dress she wears to the rehearsal dinner. The shot above shows the cast modeling J.Crew clothes - a style that definitely matches with the film's fashion! I found the movie entertaining and lulling with it's soundtrack of chill tunes.

Image found here.

Summertime

{Hepburn and Brazzi embrace in a Venetian courtyard}

{The lovers enjoy the Italian scene}

{Hepburn admires a gorgeous Italian shoe (a prelude to Carrie Bradshaw)}

All I wanted to do this evening was relax and watch a good film, and the Turner Classic Movie channel did not disappoint by airing Summertime or Summer Madness (1955), starring Katharine Hepburn and Rossano Brazzi (Emile de Becque in South Pacific). Hepburn's character is Jane, an American woman traveling to Europe for the first time. The film is rich with quiet, breathtaking scenes of Jane's solitary character walking around Venice. It made me long for that special stillness only found on an Italian street.  Brazzi plays Ronaldo,  a dashing Italian antique dealer who woos Jane into an affair.

My favorite scene is set in St. Mark's Place: Jane sits at a cafe, snapping pictures and enjoying the scene while Ronaldo admires her from a nearby table. Once she realizes he is watching her, she quickly puts on her sunglasses and nervously tries to pay her cafe bill. The scene is so comical and, I must admit, is reminiscent of a similar event that happened to me the other day. Why must we women be so awkward when attractive men pay us attentions?! It just proves that certain human qualities are timeless.

I do recommend this film -- a fun frolic in Venice, with lots of meaningful moments and a rich tribute to 1950s fashion.

Images found here. 

A Golden Weekend

When I was a little girl, I LOVED to play dress-up. I had a pretty fantastic dress-up collection (and secretly preferred my friends who had the better dress-ups). Though I am older now, every once in a while, I feel a penchant for dressing in something frivolous and totally out of character. Like say, a celebrity at the Golden Globes, which happen to be on this weekend! Love this glitzy, vacuous program where one can completely zone out from reality and be swept up into the inanity of celebrity culture (and if you think that a good portion of my brain is occupied with the latest celebrity gossip, well, you would be correct)! 

If I were attending the ceremonies this year, I would wear one of these stunning Elie Saab gowns (if I wore the second one, I think I'd give the girls a little more support, if you know what I'm saying?). Love the fresh vibrancy of his Spring 2011 RTW line. 

Have a nice weekend! 

Images found here.

Sparkly Pins

I discovered some antique pins that were given to me by the grandmotherly ladies that I encountered during antiquing with my mom when I was a little girl. Fact: If you go antiquing at the age of seven and are quiet and charming, people will give you free, albeit old, stuff. I am enchanted by this find and intend to add some sparkle to my holiday lapels with these sweet pins.

Cameo Dilemma

Friends, I need some jewelry design advice! I have this cameo pin (well, the pin apparatus is broken) that was my grandmother's and I want to do something with it. I am not a real wearer of pins. Rather than fixing it for a pin, I was contemplating turning it into a long necklace or maybe a shorter one? What do you think? Any other ideas? I am at the mercy of your design savvy!!

A little background: a cameo is made from a stone or shell cut in relief. Originating in either Grecian or Roman times (there is debate about exactly where), cameos were popular among several majestic monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth I and Catharine the Great. They developed a mainstream popularity during the Victorian Age (1830s-1900) when women's clothing was very dour and reserved -- and in need a darling little cameo pin to spruce up the neckline of an austere black dress. Cameos are featured as pins, necklaces, rings, and earrings.

This is How a Man Should Dress

Okay, just saw this image on The Sartorialist and, well, if a man sat across from me, looking like this, I would never leave the table. SO handsome. I swoon. Love the cardigan under the blazer with a collared shirt. And doesn't he have the kindest face? I think I need to move to Milan.

Image found here.

Royal Blue

So I couldn't help but write a post pertaining to the story of the day. Yes, I know the photo above is EVERYWHERE.

However, I wanted to comment quickly and solely on the STUNNING blue Issa wrap dress that Kate Middleton wore to announce her engagement to Britain's Prince William. And yes, if you have $500, you can purchase a similar one in plum here. I love its lines and silky sheen. So charming.

Seeing the many pictures of Ms. Middleton today reminded me of a style note of which I want to be more conscious: CLASS. She is elegant in her fashion and classic with hints of modernity. Perfect really for her new role as princess-to-be.

Image source: The Guardian

Style Love: A Tale of the Cloche and the Blazer

 

So I realized that I cannot eliminate fashion from my blog because I adore it too much and putting together unique outfits, as I am sure others can attest, is one of the most original and exciting parts of living as a woman of moderate to extravagant means. So, I had to pay tribute to one of my favorite hat shapes: the cloche! Try as I may, I have not found a wool fedora hat that either fits my enormous head or looks appealing in any way. BUT, the cloche style hat seems to work on me and I recently found a charming aubergine wool cloche hat on reduction at Banana Republic. Quelle chance! It fits perfectly and the color goes with every coat for the upcoming chilly months!

Also, in other news, I snagged this rad white over sized blazer at a thrift store in Bethel, Maine (oh yes, they have style in ski country, my friends). It fits me perfectly and it was ONLY $5!!!! In this uncertain economy of Emily Bowen, that was totally clutch. I paired the jacket with a grey silk dress from Target, mulberry-colored tights, and brown Kenneth Cole Riding Boots (Piperlime). Now all I need is a place to go/work. I mean, who wouldn't want to hire me in this outfit?! I'm expecting a call from Elizabeth and James any day now [twiddles thumbs].

A Bit O' Fall Style Love

So I couldn't resist. Thinking about fall wear, I had to put together my uniform for the coming months. And if I ever find that great job, I might be able to supplement it. For now, I have combined some items I have with some pieces I greatly desire, most notably, a blouse from the Alexa Chung for Madewell Collection. For me, this season is about rich, warm colors like Chartreuse, Aubergine, Teal, Cherry, Saffron - all colors I have included in the Polyvore collection below.

Clothing has become a significant part of how I express myself. I see fashion as an extension of how I choose to live my life. As I am sure many people feel, putting outfits together each day is a small, beautiful way to flex your creative muscle. And I will always remember Miranda Priestly's tribute to the color cerulean, which symbolizes the saliency of the fashion industry.

Pounding the Pavement

Though I probably won't look as chic as her, I am running off to Washington, DC to pursue my career aspirations! I will pounding the pavement, knocking on doors, networking, begging, beseeching the Washington, DC job market to take pity on a poor, yet bright young thing. And I will not take no for an answer! I will try to post during my adventure! À Bientôt!

Image found here (via The Sartoralist).

A Vintage Constellation

If frugality was not currently part of my daily repertoire of qualities, I would snatch this wee bit of loveliness from Emma Walsh Design's Etsy shop! Her pieces are just lovely and offered at quite a jovial price!

Found via Fey Handmade.

Berry Slippers

I found these delicious slippers among the photos from Aaryn and Paul's wedding featured on Ruffled. It seems to be a delightful trend for brides today to add bright pops of color via their shoes! Just lovely!

Photo credit: Noa of Feather Love Photography

Lena

Last Sunday, actress and jazz singer, Lena Horne, passed away in New York City at the age of 92.

What a life she led.

Her most notable performance is probably "Stormy Weather," but her incomparable voice immortalized countless other songs. I have included some of my favorites in a little playlist below.

Source: The New York Times (image found here).

Bensimon Ballerine

I have large feet. There's rarely a graceful moment for my expansive tootsies. Additionally, I am tall so you won't find me in high heels, or if you do, not for very long. I seek comfort, style, and quality in my shoes. I've been trying to save my pennies but I could not resist these Bensimon Ballerine flats. They were on sale and oh-so-French. Comfort and style for the upcoming summer.

What's a twenty-something, fashion-conscious girl to do? It'll be PB&Js for the next week and half!

This reminds me of a Carrie Bradshaw line. I used to buy Vogue instead of dinner. I felt like it fed me more.

Image found here. This is actually an image of a kid's shoe, but I ordered the adult size. Hehehe.

Like Stardust

She wore stardust on a sultry spring night in the city of New York.

Marion Cotillard. Actress.

Christian Dior. Gown.

The 2010 Costume Institute Ball at the Met. Event

Image from Vogue.

Style Love: Retro Glasses and Lace-trimmed Blouse

I just glanced at {frolic!} and who do I see but this lovely young woman! She has become my style inspiration. I need new eyeglasses and ones like these would be so divine (in tortoise shell, please) and her lacy white blouse is the perfect spring/summer top. And she's reading, no less...can I switch places with her now?!

Image and sm2 clothing found here.

Just Coco

I am watching Coco Avant Chanel. What I think I love most about this movie is that she is completely herself. No apologies. She's smart and comfortable in her own style of clothing. Sometimes I feel like I forget my own true style in the face of all the latest "trends." I intend to remedy that this week.

Image found here.

Style Love: Fanny Chanel in A Good Year

The rainy doldrums prompted me to pull out my worn copy of Ridley Scott's A Good Year so that I might bask - through the magic of the cinema - in the warmth and joie de vivre of the Provençal countryside. The movie (and novel by Peter Mayle) tells of Max (Russell Crowe), a British banker who travels to Provence to sell his recently deceased uncle's chateau. The film is rich with hilarious and colorful characters - the town locals and Max's British friends. His love interest is the owner of a local restaurant, the mysterious Fanny Chanel (Marion Cotillard). Watching this movie makes me want to run away to Provence and work in a local restaurant like Fanny (alas, the movies always make this adventure look far more romantic than I am sure it actually is)!

I adore Fanny's carefree, casual style that suits a Provence summer. I would describe Fanny Chanel style as comfortable sexy with a splash of bohemian chic - scoop- and v-neck tops, flowing, above-the-knee skirts, and a hairstyle either done up in a messy bun or flowing freely.

Images found here, here, here, here.

Monyette Paris

Yesterday, I was Alexander with a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day." Monday morning meetings, a rainy commute to work that resulted in the demise of my beloved Monet umbrella, getting splashed by a passing car on the street...you get the picture.

So I was particularly delighted to arrive home to find a lovely package waiting for me! I had recently won a giveaway from The City Sage, a fabulous design blog that inspires me daily. Anne's posts are original, oh-so eloquent, and spot-on for highlighting the cutting edge of design influence. Check out her blog!


The giveaway was a perfume set from Monyette Paris, which included a large candle, l'eau de toilette, and a travel-size perfume stick. The scent is both elegant and just plain sexy: a mixture of gardenia and white orchid (the classic and the exotic). And I LOVE this scent. I was excited to win, and thought I might give the items as gifts if I didn't like the scent. OH NO. They are MINE! Miss B, the creator the this scent (purchased by famed celebrities as Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Garner), also has to AMAZING blogs that I quickly added to my blogroll, The Bright Side Project and The Blah, Blah, Blahg (if you procrastinate like me, check this out!). Miss B sent me the sweetest note, which totally turned my Monday frown upside down! Sometimes the universe knows just when you need a little hug!

Spring + Volume Two

It's SPRING! My favorite season! Phew! I thought we'd never get here, and yet, time never ceases to amaze me in it's ability to speed up and slow down in the oddest ways. Something about this drizzly Monday morning has prompted me to listen to She & Him on repeat! I am pretty jazzed about the release She & Him: Volume Two TOMORROW! Listen to the full album here.

Image found here.