Film Fashion: Anna Karenina

YAY! A new period film is on its way! Anna Karenina-a film adaptation of Tolstoy's story of the Russian Princess set in the late 19th century. If you haven't yet, view the trailer and read more about Banana Republic's plan to create a collection inspired by the film HERE at one of my favorite blogs Clothes On Film. I actually did my thesis on Bustle period fashion so I'm looking forward to seeing how the designers will translate such overly trimmed and heavy upholstery-like fashions into a modernized collection. Will there be bustles??!?  I think I will be dreaming up ideas tonight!

Fashion plate print I have from Godeys, 1870.

1875 fashion plate from Petersons.

 

1871 bustle via the MET

Fried Green Fun

On a recent trip to see family in Dothan AL we made a pit stop in Juliette GA to check out the Whistle-stop Cafe, made famous by the 1991 film, Fried Green Tomatoes (set in the 1930s and definitely on my list of all time favorites!!)










My sister Stacy outside.



Love the burlap bow!



Perusing the menu...



No-brainier! Plate of fried green tomatoes please!



After lunch I zeroed in on a few antique spots next door and was on my way...



A sweet set of 60's pictures perfect for a little girls room!



Kitschy glitzy shell-covered salt shakers



A Marilyn print and vintage heels reading "exclusively Marilyn"



Antiquing was cut a bit short due to transportation obstacles....




Then it was back to the cafe grounds to see where Ole Smokey slept....



The infamous barbecue site....



Frank Bennett's grave



Great trip, good family time and now I'm ready to make home made fried green tomatoes!

Style in "Singing in the Rain"

I had the opportunity to style a photo/video shoot this past Tuesday (I will definitely share pics when they come out).  A bit of the inspiration was the 1952 film Singing in the Rain starring Gene Kelly,  Donald O'Connor, Deborah Reynolds and Jean Hagen. If you recall, it's the story of a silent film company and their stars transition to films with sound (talkies). By the way, the first silent film was The Jazz Singer- made in 1927. Not only is it incredibly entertaining, the costumes alone are a feast for the eyes! For one, there are so many of them! Secondly, they represent a variety of styles of the 1920s, as this is the period the film is set in. For now, I wanted to share some of my favorite costumes in the film...

I totally LOVE this look Jean Hagen is rocking here. Total super villian- Cruella Deville anyone??? This look is totally my style. Love the strong color contrast and sunglasses!

One of the best scenes includes a fashion showcase (shown below) of a variety of 1920s styles for every imaginable occasion. This is a must-see.... I love the way its commentated too! Click HERE to watch the clip (not long) and worth it!

Too much to say here! My favorites are pic #1 of the lounging pajamas, #4 red chevron fringe dress, and #5 with the bathing outfit and parasol.  The red image- with her fabric draped over her arm- reminds me of something similar I did for the shoot.

I'm in love with the trailing fabric here in this dance scene. Great inspiration for a photo shoot!

Love the male fashion here- all white with his sweater vest and black/white spectator shoes!

All decked out in glimmering silvery whites-color coordinated with pale hair and fur. Reminds me of a later screen siren-30s star Jean Harlow.

There's even a glimpse of late 18th century frivolous fashions in the scenes where they are filming the talkie!

So we've got a 1950s film featuring fashions of the 1920s along with a little glimpse of 18th century!

There are so many other gorgeous costumes, but unfortunately they are hard to find images of.
If you watch this, look out for some of the other favorites:

-Jean's all pale pink beach pajama outfit (including matching turban)
- Jean's monochromatic look in all white 
-All the fashions that are literally flying by in the modern dance scene