Friday, March 28, 2014

Film Muse: Electrick Children

This is the first time I've written about a film, but I enjoy them so much that I thought I should share some of my new favorites with you every once and a while. 

The film begins with fifteen-year-old Rachel (lovely actress Julia Garner), who lives in a desolate Mormon colony in Utah with her many siblings. Intrigued by her mother's stories of a mysterious red Mustang, Rachel develops an intense curiosity for life outside of the commune. After secretly listening to a rock n'roll song on a blue cassette tape ("Don't leave me hanging on the telephone"), Rachel discovers that she is pregnant. She insists that the cause is immaculate conception, leading her stepfather to arrange for her to marry local boy Elijah Brooksby. The night before her wedding, Rachel decides to drive her stepfather's Ford truck through the desert to "Electric Paradise" - Las Vegas, in search of the man who wrote the song.



Not long after she arrives in Vegas, Rachel is taken in by a group of skateboarding, pill-popping runaways and finds an unlikely connection with a troubled boy named Clyde (the adorable Rory Culkin).



"Why don't you just, um... marry me? As a back up. You know? In case we don't find this guy." "You're not the guy on the tape." "Well, if you find him... you can leave me."

Rachel finds out more than she ever expected about her past and her future during her time in Electric Paradise. We see her character's innocence and naivety - she sees everything through rose-colored glasses. Some of you may not like this film because all of the details aren't in-your-face obvious, kind of leaving you to guess what happened... but if you put together the hints, I think you can figure it out. (The heart-shaped Lolita sunglasses are a clue.)



This film was understated, dreamy, and somewhat enchanting. I would definitely recommend seeing Electrick Children. Have any of you watched it yet? What did you think?

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

V is for Varsity

Varsity jackets will forever remind me of the nostalgia of fall time football games, team spirit, and high school sweethearts. Everyone wants to be a 1950s darling in a circle skirt with their honey's varsity jacket draped over their shoulders - or maybe that's just me.





Nowadays, you don't have to be going steady with the team captain to achieve this look. You can throw on a varsity jacket over just about anything in your closet and still look effortlessly cool.


One of my favorites is this one from The Brooklyn Circus in black and maroon (Mara Hruby is featured wearing the jacket below). It's definitely a splurge, but absolutely swoon-worthy.





But, if you're like me and can't afford to shell out $400 for a BC jacket (...a girl can dream, right?), check out some more affordable options. I snagged this jacket from the sale section for $17 at Forever21 the other day. Score! Love the faux leather sleeves. I can't wait to wear it with midi skirts and high-waisted jeans.


What do you think about the collegiate look? Is it something you'll be trying out this spring?

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Vintage Hunting at L△nd of Plenty

Today, I ventured out to a small local business called Land of Plenty. I've driven by the storefront more than once, and told myself that one day I would stop and take a look inside. When I finally did, I was only disappointed that I didn't stop sooner. Inside there is an eclectic mix of taxidermy, house plants, literature, vintage accessories and decor, local art, and other retro knick-nacks. Land of Plenty is a hidden little gem with some of the most unique items I've ever seen at a store in my area.


I left the store with a gold rose brooch that reminded me of something that Dita Von Teese has, and a black structured handbag (probably 1950s) which has a hidden compartment in the bottom lining. So cool. Be sure to stop by Land of Plenty if you're ever on my side of town.


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Style Muse: Mara Hruby

With her 40s jazz club singer aesthetic, ever-soulful Mara Hruby is a both a style and personal inspiration for me. Both her sweet sounds of the past and jazz-age-meets-modern style absolutely melt my heart. After watching her StyleLikeU interview and hearing about her struggles growing up as a multi-racial girl - such as the stigma of speaking properly and being teased for having long hair - I knew that this girl was my cup of tea. A lot of her teenage trials sounded just like mine, also growing up right in between being black and white (I'm thinking of doing a blog post on this topic later). Anyway, I hope you'll give her music a listen on her Soundcloud page - my favorite tune is called "My Coloring Book" from her new EP, Archaic Rapture - and in the meantime, enjoy a few photos of her absolutely killer wardrobe.







Friday, March 14, 2014

Crazy for Gingham

Hello lovelies. I have to say, one of my favorite prints for this upcoming spring is gingham. It's a bit nostalgic, don't you think? I can't help but think of better days - picnics, Peter Pan collars, and biscuits and honey.

Marilyn Monroe with then-husband Joe DiMaggio

Jean Harlow
Ginger Rogers

Liz Taylor (center) with Grace Kelly and Laraine Day





And for a more modern take...
What do you think of this sweet print? Is it something you'll be trying out this spring and summer?