call me Mrs Chan

A couple of weeks ago my friend Yvonne - from Pistil Flowers - and I were discussing films. I was telling her about my passion for period piece dramas - Jane Campion films in particular. I love the imagery, I can watch The Piano and Bright Star over and over and over again. Yvonne suggested I rent the Hong Kong love story In The Mood For Love which I did and man oh man what a freakin' beautiful movie. Mad Men - shmad men that is what I say. This film is 60's perfection. I had it for five days and watched it six times before returning. It is complete eye candy, the outfits, the set decor (including some amazing wallpaper and light fixtures) and the sound track featuring Nat King Cole singing Spanish - this movie has it all. And, like with most things I love this movie inspired me to look at outfits I'd wear if I were Mrs Chan and here is what I came up with. If you haven't seen this movie run out and rent it - as for me, I'll be buying my own copy .

girl crushin'

Okay, I have a girl crush on Penelope Cruz. My feelings were cemented when I saw her in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. She was brilliant, so brilliant in fact that I felt almost sorry for Scarlett Johansson because she was not even close to okay - trying to keep up with P's firey, passionate character, it was sad. I love Penelope even more because she is with Javier Bardem - finally a real man, a beautiful man not like the moment in time when she was with Tom Cruise (we all have are bad days). And, now Penelope is about ready to explode all over the big screen in 3 new movies. First, she will be appearing in the new Sex in the City - not a lead role but an important role and she be all Latina and fantastic. Then, Broken Embraces (top photo), not a great movie but what it lacks in story it more then makes up for with fabulous set design - complete eye candy. And then there is Nine - out December 25 - I can't wait. Also starring Daniel Day Lewis, Judy Dench, Nicole Kidman and Marion Cotillard. Sadly, some how Kate Hudson also slipped her insipid self into this movie which is a big ol' head-scratcher to me but I'm certain she'll simply fade into the background of the other wonderful performances.

Coco before Chanel

Oh my sweet goodness, I can't wait for this movie. Picture it, well you really don't have to because here are some photos, Audrey Tautou in her new role as Coco Chanel. Coco Chanel who made a cigarette the perfect fashion accessory. And, let us not forget that she is also the one responsible for making a tan a must have. Smoker, drinker and sun worshiper, actually probably not the most responsible role model but who cares. She did it all wearing the perfect boat neck blue and white sweater and looking marvelous.
All images from Coco before Chanel.

move over Harry

This months issue of Teen Vogue (what? it's a good magazine) features Harry Potter star Emma Watson and I love the photos. Having been dragged to the opening of the movie a couple of weeks ago couple with this, I am now much impressed with this young lady.