Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Current Style Obsession- The Mad Hatter

I was slightly disappointed by the new Tim Burton film Alice in Wonderland.
Looking back I hyped it up so much in my head that the stakes for the film were unbearably high and could never really be met.
It had my favourite director, Tim Burton. It had my favourite actor, Johnny Depp. It had the amazing Danny Elfman creating the soundtrack. It is based on one of the best and the most imaginative children's books ever written. It had Matt Lucas, Stephen Fry and ALAN RICKMAN- Severus Snape is irresistible. And of course the magnificent Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway playing the two Queens.
So yeah basically an amazing cast. But it was also in 3D and a collaboration with Disney!
The possibilities for the films greatness were endless!
But it just didn't quite deliver, for me.

Sure on one hand it was a snapshot into Tim Burton's undeniably brilliant mind and a directorial wonder with some great performances. On the other the plot was lacking and not as engaging as it should have been seeing that Burton declared "he never felt a connection emotionally" with the book.

Good job then that the costumes were fantastic, they kept me distracted from the not-quite-right plot of Alice revisiting Wonderland.
Colleen Atwood is a genius. I found out through a quick IMDB search that she also did the costumes for Chicago and Nine (remember me raving about the costumes here?) and has won 2 Oscars, so there is no denying she is one talented lady!

I LOVED:
-Alice's little (or big depending on how much of the "drink me" potion she had taken) blue dresses
-The breathtaking corseted gowns in the wedding scene in the beginning, which looked as if they had just stepped out of a period drama
-The heart motif which was on every Queen of Hearts piece (Helena BC was of course, amazing in the role)

But above all else there was the Mad Hatter with his amazing liquorice allsorts bow tie, pocket watch, crazy hat and old beaten up patchwork suit. He look incredible.

Just don't mention that ridiculous Jaberwocky dance...




Beth Ruby xoxo

I try to be like Grace Kelly, but all her looks were too sad


Every time I open a magazine at the moment her beautiful face is staring back at me from one page or another. Enthralled, I look at the caption explaining that there is soon to be a new exhibit showing her enitre wardrobe at the V&A in London.

Hopefully I will be able to visit in the summer holidays (the exhibit is showing from the 17th of April to the 26th of September) and see her beautiful collection of Balanciaga gowns and YSL and Dior couture. But till then I will have to satifsy my current Grace Kelly obsession by looking at stunning photos of her (the above is a photograph from her in the 1956 film 'High Society')

There is no doubt she was an icon, famous for her calm and collected persona and pristine appearance. That she was well dressed goes without saying; she was never a hair out of place.
xoxo

Levi's revamps flagship store on Regent Street

Levi Strauss & Co announced the opening of its re-crafted Levi’s flagship store on Regent Street in London’s West End. A vibrant source of fashion trends and pioneering youth culture, London is the perfect gateway to a new experience of the Levi’s brand.

“Our new London flagship store is a milestone of Levi Strauss & Co.’s global retail strategy, designed to build the company’s brand-dedicated retail network throughout the world, with special emphasis on key fashion capitals such as London,” said Armin Broger, President of Levi Strauss & Co. Europe, Middle East and North Africa. “On Regent Street, Levi’s has created a place where craftsmanship and authenticity deliver the most genuine experience of the brand anywhere in Europe.”

The Levi’s Regent Street flagship store combines product breadth and depth, personalized denim expertise and a journey through the origins of denim to provide the ultimate jeans wear destination to millions of London shoppers. The store will be curated to feature the latest collections and provides consumers with a highly personalized way to shop by the latest fit or finish in the Inspection Room. It also houses up to 22 different washes of the original button fly jean in the glass-encased 501 Jeans Warehouse.

Product selections will be updated weekly to inspire new perspectives on iconic collections, whilst also showcasing innovative product for those on the hunt for the latest trends. For consumers seeking vintage pieces, the store features the exclusive Levi’s Vintage Clothing collection, offering consumers exact replicas of historic editions of 501 jeans. Key pieces from the brand’s 137-year history will also be on display, including an original pair of Levi’s 201 jeans from the 1920s, on loan from the Levi’s archives in San Francisco. 



Tuesday, March 30, 2010

What if nothing exists and we're all in somebody's dream?

A photo heavy post of all the things that are inspiring me at the moment.
I saw this idea on Johanna's amazing blog crookedzone and after reading it realised all the things I currently love are the complete opposite of hers.
She is inspired by Johnny Rotten, punk, heroin chic and giant Vivienne Westwood-like red coats at the moment whereas I am obsessed with fairy tales, bows, pastel colours, ballerinas and gowns.
This is what I love most about blogging; being inspired by others and realising what inspires you too.


















Danny Roberts illustration from The Dream Walking Society, Degas Ballerina painting, Christopher Kane SS2010 collection, The Almond Blossom Fairy illustration, Fifi Lapin, The Cherry Blossom Girl, Karlie Kloss in US Vogue, Chanel nail varnish from We Heart It, John Rocha collection, Chanel perfume photo from We Heart It, Chanel Iman editorial (anyone know where from? Pop?) Lovely photo from We Heart ItLara Stone, in W magazine I think, Another beauty from We Heart It, Sandra Suy illustration, Kate Moss drawing from Danny Roberts, The Chanel tutu designed by Karl, Alexa Chung (from Harpers Bazaar?) Shoes and cakes, my favourite things, from Vogue, And last two images from We Heart it (what would I do without this site, eh?)
Keep dreaming,
Beth Ruby xoxo