a merry little Christmas

(so this post was originally intended for December 23rd, which has past... but I'm unsure of why it didn't show up here? so I'm posting it under the intended publishing date!)

church is over, all the wrapping's been done, and I'm headed out to Grand Falls for the annual Tibb's eve shindig. all that's left to do is post one last "hollywood holiday" inspiration in time for Christmas!

I watched Meet Me in St. Louis for the first time this year. I don't know why it took me so long. I've always heard it's a holiday classic, and that it made "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" famous. but I'd never seen it.

now that I have, I must say, it's absolutely delightful!

to be entirely honest, this film doesn't top my list of all-time Christmas favourites, but that doesn't mean it isn't iconic in many ways; it has Judy Garland, for goodness sakes. 

now I know what you're thinking. how can you put together a winter outfit inspired by characters in the 1900s? it's all frilly gowns and floor-length skirts. and that's true! but as Esther Smith, Judy Garland is a mixture of class and sass that is always in style. 

(see what I did there?)

(images via google)

to pull off a modern Esther look, try pairing bold stripes with dainty collars. add some turn-of-the-century flair with luxurious fabrics like lace or velvet. 

1. channel miss Esther in a prim collar & bright stripes. // modcloth

2. this spunky lady is never without a chic pair of gloves. // coach

3. folded booties are a staple with floor-sweeping gowns, or playful dresses. // modcloth

4. reference the iconic trolley scene in Esther's trademark accessory- lace! // asos

so you see, you can dress like a turn-of-the-century character without looking like you walked out of a Christmas card!

(I was going to say Dickens novel, but that was the 1800s... didn't people all dress the same before the 20s anyway?)

oh well. 

Merry freakin' Christmas!

playing: have yourself a merry little Christmas- Judy Garland

let them know it's Christmastime

today was a terrible day for humans. in a month where neighbourly love, kindness, and peace are supposed to be more attainable ideals, the last thing you expect to hear is that some sad, twisted person has purposely harmed innocent little ones. or anyone, for that matter, but children are what Christmas is all about; their joy, their faith, and the joy they bring their families. so for something so horrible to happen, especially this time of year, is is mark against humanity.
what happened in Connecticut is unspeakably sad, and I sincerely hope that somehow the families affected will find some peace in the holiday season. I don't know how, but I have to hope they will.

it seems trivial now to blog about pretty dresses or jolly movies, but I had this post planned... and I don't want to end today on an entirely somber note. I've been having a lovely week with my family and getting ever more excited for Christmas, and I hope you all are too. I still have things to be thankful for, things to look forward to, and reasons to be cheerful.

so I shall continue on with the seasonal merriment... with a movie we could all use a little more of, these days.

the most recently viewed of my favourite Christmas classics is Miracle on 34th Street. the old one. not that Mara Wilson isn't adorable, I just enjoy the old Hollywood aesthetic.

this movie has been dubbed a beloved holiday classic by many, so I'm sure if you haven't seen it, you at least know the plot. so I won't bore you with that. instead I'll bore you with why I love it; one, little Natalie Wood is adorable. two, it's chock-full of Christmas spirit. 

...that's pretty much all you need. 

and while you might think I'd focus the fashion portion of this post on the lovely Maureen O'Hara, I choose instead to pay homage to little miss Wood, as the delightful and stylish Susan Walker. 

(although Maureen as the mom is equally stunning.) they make quite a pair!

Susan is a little lady, and a chic-New-Yorker-in-training. she is always smartly dressed in prim and pretty dresses, perfectly accessorized with oxford shoes and snazzy hats. 

to get Susie's look, dress up a simple frock with expertly coordinated outerwear & accessories!

1. pick girly dress with sweet little details. // modcloth
2. Susan's oxfords look a little more grown up with heels. // ruche
3. a special topper is essential! // modcloth
4. add pattern and visual interest with festive plaid to keep you warm. // topshop
5. and of course, knee-high socks are part of a quintessential Susan outfit. // american apparel

maybe next year I'll get to watch the Macy's parade in my knee-high socks, like Susan. that really wouldn't suck.

happy 10 days till Christmas!
hug your families.
♥

happy like an old-time movie

one of my favourite things about December is the abundance of Christmas movies on tv each night. every year I discover a new favourite, and they're all so joyful!

I thought I'd continue with my little "Hollywood Holiday" feature from last year, but a little different; I want to put together cute winter outfits inspired by my favourite Christmas movie starlets. it combines my three loves- movies, fashion, and Christmas!

first up is the classic holiday film The Shop Around the Corner. some people don't consider it a Christmas movie, but all the best parts happen at Christmas, so that's good enough for me.

if you haven't seen this movie, DO IT! it's wonderfully funny and adorably sweet, with just the right amount of seasonal cheer. it also happens to be the film You've Got Mail was based on, so you know it's going to be charming as heck. it's like Nora Ephron, but classier.

aaaand I have a giant time-traveller's crush on Jimmy Stewart.

however, he is not the focus of this particular post; it's his co-star, the lovely Margaret Sullivan. she lights up the screen as Clara Novak in charming hats and cozy furs, and don't forget the trademark jumper skirt!

(images via google search)

to get a sweet, feminine look like Clara's for Christmas, add a trendy twist to classic pieces; like sheer lace to a blouse, or Clara's favourite polka dots to ladylike mary janes.

1. a green lace blouse is festive and feminine, but still modern. // ruche
2. Clara loves her polka dot blouse! pay homage in your adorable footwear. // irregular choice
3. a pencil skirt jumper is retro without being cheesy. // modcloth

4. a prim topper is the perfect winter accessory, according to this shop girl! // urban outfitters

5. a (faux) fur jacket never goes out of style. // modcloth

so there you have it! holiday wardrobe inspiration from a "lovely, average girl."
now if you'll excuse me, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town is on television...

playing: Santa Claus is coming to town- Michael Buble

the best of you

well, if any of you have read my last-minute Oscars post, you may have noticed my predictions did not fare well. I got 50% on the biggies, and overall did probably the worst I've ever done on my ballot! but, it was all in good fun, and I was very surprised by the way the awards went.

I'm not going to do a summary on who won or who should have, because I'm sure that's all over the internet already and is kind of old news. I will, as I'm sure many others have, share my (very brief) personal best dressed list with you!

1. Michelle Williams

I love everything this girl wears. but this Louis Vuitton dress kinda takes the cake. I love the fabric, love the texture, love the peplum, love the structured bodice. just love. she looked so demure and classic and simply beautiful, like an old Hollywood starlet. and I like that she chose a pretty, fresh colour in coral (it's not quite as red as it looks in photos).

2. Jessica Chastain

I love this woman. it is so sad that she didn't get an award this season, because she seriously had a breakthrough year with several great performances. but her Alexander McQueen dress was definitely a winner. it was so unique and intricate and the yellow diamond (wowza!) embroidery complimented her tone perfectly. she looked regal.

3. Emma Stone

people either loved or hated this Giambattista Valli dress, and at first I was torn. but I settled on love once I saw her on stage with that gorgeous flowing skirt and nipped-in waist. it's similar to a past Nicole Kidman Oscar gown, which some people thought was too copy-catish, but I like this one better and I think she looks fabulous. 

there you have it! did you watch the Oscars? how many guesses did you get right?

♥!

I swear we're in the movies

I didn't achieve my goal of having an Oscar-themed week on this blog. I've had a pretty interesting few days, and didn't exactly get everything done that I wanted to do. but I am making time, much in the Simon Cowell fashion, for an Oscar predictions post.

this may not be very interesting to you (in which case you are free and welcome to stop reading now) but I am a little Oscar obsessed. movie-obsessed in general, actually. for a few years now I've been watching as many of the Academy Award nominated films as I can in time for the big day, and making informed decisions on who to select on my official imdb printout ballot. :)

usually Oscar night entails a party and ordering pizza and a little friendly competition for who gets the most  winners right, but I am unfortunately in Scotland and without television. thus, this year Oscar night has been downgraded to online streaming at 2am and skyping with the party people on the other side of the ocean.

which is why I am now subjecting you to this irritating little display of Oscar-mania.

first up, my prediction for best actor in a supporting role:

Christopher Plummer 

many people base their Oscar vote on who won the Golden Globe; well, Plummer won in this category, but my main reason for choosing him is that I think he deserves it more than anyone else.

I've seen three of the five nominated performances (and one of the unseen ones I'm pretty sure is not going to win), and Plummer played hands down one of my favourite supporting characters of the year. in Beginners he plays a 75-year-old man who almost simultaneously comes out as a homosexual and is diagnosed with terminal cancer. he is loveable and philosophical and so wonderfully human. a beautiful, subtle film and a beautiful, subtle performance.

but, if Jonah Hill were to win, I wouldn't be too upset either.

on to best actress in a supporting role:

Berenice Bejo

this was the hardest circle to fill in on my ballot. I find there's a constant battle between voting for who I want to win, and who I think will win. well, I compromised on this one. I kinda want Jessica Chastain to win because she's one of the only tolerable characters in The Help, and is downright adorable. I think Octavia Spencer will win because people tend to like that type of role and seem to encourage it in Hollywood. but Berenice Bejo did an amazing job in The Artist and frankly I think it's kind of an insult that she isn't in the leading role category. I thought she starred in that film as much as her male (and "leading role") counterpart and was positively enchanting.

if I can't choose between my head and my heart, I'd be happy with Berenice. and she totes deserves it.

let's take a break from the acting categories for a minute and go to the best original screenplay award:

Midnight in Paris

now here's a case where I kinda just went with my heart. I absolutely love this movie; it's one of my new favourites, and the concept is imaginative, captivating, and meaningful. it's nominated in this category with The Artist, and some might say when in doubt, always pick the critically-acclaimed heavy hitter for every category it's in. but I think Midnight in Paris should get it, and I think it has a chance.

for best adapted screenplay the choice was equally as unclear:

The Descendants

it was between this one or Moneyball, and I have to admit I'm going with the Globe winner. Moneyball's a solid choice, and Alan Sorkin has Academy Award experince (The Social Network). but The Descendants was incredibly well-received. I enjoyed the film, mostly for it's good performances and quirky-sweet portrayal of family values. I was a little surprised at its best picture nod, but hey, George Clooney is kinda the man. that's really my only reasoning.

and now, back to the acting awards with my pick for best actress in a leading role:

Michelle Williams

this was another toughie. anytime Meryl Streep is nominated (which is basically every time) I find it really hard to judge if she should/will win or not. usually, she could easily take home the Oscar and I would be pleased. Meryl Streep is a goddess. but sometimes there's another role that I found a little more interesting and a little more outstanding.

here's the thing; I haven't seen My Week With Marilyn. I tried. several times. but every download attempt after missing it in the short stay in cinema went awry, and I had to give up. but from what I've seen and what I know of Michelle Williams, it's probably her time to win.

the other problem with this choice for me is that I honest-to-God want Rooney Mara to win so bad. I think she's incredible in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. incredible and startling and deep and unrecognizable. which is what I want from a leading actress. but unfortunately I don't think she'll win. I sincerely hope I am wrong about that.

for best actor in a leading role I chose:

George Clooney

again, because The Descendants is apparently a big deal. I really did love Clooney in this movie, though, and definitely do not feel he's cheating anyone out of the award (except maybe Ryan Gosling, but we'll get to that another time...). he was endearing and believable as an oblivious and absentee father, and he brought real life and charm to an otherwise mellow film.

if Brad Pitt happens to win, I might be pleasantly surprised. I haven't really decided yet.

on to the biggies. for best director:

Martin Scorsese for Hugo

yes, he won the Golden Globe, but yes, he really should have. Hugo was a welcome and lovely surprise for me, an unbeliever in Scorsese's ability to make a genuinely heartwarming film. but I was delighted to be proven wrong because Hugo was exactly that and more. it's a magical, captivating, and beautifully complex little fairy tale for adults and kids alike, which also happens to be a love-letter to the filmmaking business itself. love the medium, love the message, love Scorsese and his melty-heart ways.

and finally, my prediction for the Oscar winner for best picture:

The Artist

I didn't give it best screenplay but I am definitely rooting for it here.

this year's best picture nominees were a little sad in some aspects, and great in others. sad because, well... there were only nine. it's like the Academy's way of saying "it's not that there were ten amazing films that were better than most of you, but only nine were even good enough to be considered". and I'd agree that it was a pretty crappy year for movies. there are a couple films nominated that I really, really don't think would be normally, even though they are arguably respectable in their own right.

but the good side is, there are a few films that I love and never expected to be nominated that are; namely Midnight in Paris and Hugo. I love that several happy, artsy, and just lovely films are given recognition, and of course one of those is The Artist. I went to see it in theatres because it was generating Oscar buzz and I was not disappointed by the hype. I think it's original, poetic, nostalgic and modern at the same time. it's unique and funny and has a happy ending, all of which movies need more of these days. it is also skillfully filmed and brilliantly acted. so I believe The Artist deserves best picture of the year.

so those are my predictions for the biggies! I'm so excited for tonight. the red carpet is already streaming here, so I'm off to indulge. enjoy your Oscar night, movie lovers!

xo