Spotlight Saturday - Slim Down Styles...An Optical Illusion!

The color 'black' has always been known as the most figure flattering of all hues and it's no secret that horizontal stripes are the least forgiving when it comes to wanting to appear thinner.  New on the block, literally, is a design pattern that is in all reality, an optical illusion pattern called 'color blocking'.  Actress Kate Winslet recently wore a Stella McCartney color block dress to the Venice Film Festival this past month.  The creation of the piece was orchestrated by using colors that give the illusion of an hourglass figure when strategically placed.  The placing of the black panels gives a waist whittling effect to the wearer.  Grant it, it would not be feasible that the illusion would work on a more amply figured gal and although the idea is unique, the downside is that everyone would know you're trying to look 'slimmer' which pretty much puts a damper on the whole idea doesn't it?...

pics: coolspotters.com, realstylenetwork.com   

Emmy Winner Designed Her Own Dress...

Up until this weekend, I had absolutely no idea who actress Melissa McCarthy was and then I saw the hilarious movie 'Bridesmaids' that's out on DVD today.  I'm not one for watching television so the sitcom 'Mike & Molly' that she won her Emmy for 'outstanding lead actress in a comedy series', was news to me!  In an interview she stated that she couldn't find a dress that appealed to her to wear to the yearly event, so she decided to design something for herself.  McCarthy said her love for creating fashions goes way back to her college years as she initially pursued her passion for textiles & fabrics by attending design school with the intent of ending up in that field.  The purple gown created was a joint effort being that she got Danielle Pearl who is a reputable couture dressmaker on board with her in her project.  Melissa was quoted as saying the piece was "wildly comfortable".  In my opinion, the dress did absolutely nothing to flatter her plus size figure and there was a definite lack of lines or variations in patterns to do the job.  I'm totally not fond of the empire waist on full figured gals and the dress was so long that you can't even see the shoes she chose to wear which could have been a focal point for accentuating the otherwise dismal dress.  Because she's rather short, I would have chose a more delicate fabric, like a layered chiffon in anything but deep purple, maybe black with intricate beading accents and perhaps a bolero jacket to give the illusion of height.  Seriously, anything but this!... 

This comedic actress is far from a plain Jane, so it really disappoints me that it was her first time to shine in the spot light and she didn't hit the mark!   


pics: nydailynews.com 

Fashion In Film Friday - Pulp Fiction

The film Pulp Fiction, that revived John Travolta's career and put him back on the list of Hollywood's leading men, was released in 1994 and has since become a cult classic.  Directed by the infamous Quentin Tarantino, the movie has several stories within the main plot that centers around two hit men, Vincent Vega & Jules Winnfield played by Travolta & Samuel L. Jackson.

Fashion becomes a part of the films allure when in walks Mia Wallace, as portrayed by actress Uma Thurman.  Thurman's character in the film is the classy coked up wife of a high profile mobster/loan shark.  Mia's style is a cross between the vintage bad girls of the 50's & 60's, peppered with a touch of MOD.  The black flared clam diggers paired with a simple tailored white shirt (tunic length), finished off appropriately with ballerina flats was sheer perfection in regards to the costume designs that gave this move it's retro vibe.

This is such an absolutely easy look to obtain because it's basically an effortless, yet timeless style.  So whether you opt to shop at high end department stores such as Neiman Marcus or Saxs Fifth Avenue or scale it down a bit to Macy's or Nordstrom, you're sure to find your 'Mia inspired outfit'.  

PICS: MOVIEGOODS.COM, NYDAILYNEWS.COM, FASHIONFUNHOUSEIMPOUN.CO, POLYVORE.COM           

Spotlight Saturday - Kristen Stewart Goes Glam!

Twilight babe Kristen Stewart has been known for being a feminine tomboy with the most quirky vibe of awkwardness when speaking in public at award shows or talk shows, but on screen she has the innate ability to transform herself into any character she portrays.  Usually seen in grunge attire, the 21 year old actress says her boy'ish nature stems from being the only girl having all male siblings.  This September, Stewart's going to be kicking the femme side of herself up a notch as she will be appearing on the cover of 'W' magazine in full on glam.

pics: thehollywoodgossip.com


  

Fashion In Film Friday - Slumdog Millionaire

The movie Slumdog Millionaire was nominated for '10' academy awards in 2009 and featured a cast of unknown newcomers, some of who's real lives actually followed suit to the characters they were portraying. The plot centers around a Mumbai teen growing up in the slums who later on becomes a contestant on the Indian version of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?"  Upon winning, he's arrested for suspicion that he cheated, and during his interrogation the film goes on to play out events from his life that explains just exactly how he knew all of the answers.

Indian actress & model, Frieda Pinto's career has been on the rise since the release of this film.  She got the part of lead female as the character Latika who was the love interest of the lead male role played by Dev Patel.  Pinto's character Latika's costumes in the film truly give the true ambiance that is India, with the exotic, vivid, evocative & visually stunning Indian inspired clothing styles.  The saris, jewelry and tunics of this country by comparison is somewhat equivalent to the Bohemian styles popular here in the states.

Eastern fashions incorporate a vivid variety of mixing colors and fabric textures that allows for a lot of freedom in regards to choosing the right pairings when it comes to trying to incorporate this fashion style into your own wardrobe.  For instance to easily achieve the Slumdog Millionaire look, an Eastern inspired printed scarf, a hammered coin bracelet or earrings and an embellished chiffon dress will do the trick!  All these items shown here from various shops right here on Etsy.

Whether you're looking at a high end department store, or your local thrift shops, I'm sure you're bound to find something to fit your own Eastern influenced personal style taste.  In my opinion, this is a perfect example of a lack of, 'taste that is' as The Pussycat Dolls were seen shortly after the premiere in these atrocious sari epic fail get ups!

        
pics: movieposters.com, popscribblings.com, zeenastyle.wordpress.com, tonguechic.com, www.etsy.com/shop/pennyraevintage?ref=seller_info,
www.etsy.com/shop/Textilemonster?reref=seller_info,
www.etsy.com/shop/danglingdiva?ref=seller_info

Mae West

Before Marilyn and before Madonna, there was Mae West, Hollywood's first superstar sex symbol and the original blonde bombshell.

 

born Aug. 17, 1893, Brooklyn, N.Y., U.S. — died Nov. 22, 1980, Los Angeles, Calif.)

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Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo (18 September 1905 – 15 April 1990) was a Swedish actress primarily known for her work in the United States during Hollywood's silent film period and part of its Golden Age.

Regarded as one of the greatest and most inscrutable movie stars ever produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and the Hollywood studio system, Garbo received a 1954 Honorary Academy Award "for her unforgettable screen performances" and in 1999 was ranked as the fifth greatest female star of all time by the American Film Institute.

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