Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year!

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S/S 2011 Marc Jacobs campaign image via fashiongonerogue

Monday, December 27, 2010

For the moment.









Sometimes I miss playing the piano...

Black Swan

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After waiting for what seems like ages, I finally went to see Black Swan with my friend Anna. I went in expecting a great film and I came out in absolute awe. It was jarring, even frightening, and undeniably beautiful. Everything from the cinematography to the actors' performances to the Rodarte-designed ballet costumes was incredible. Nina—played by Natalie Portman—possesses a headspace that is so overrun with the expectations of others and outside influence that deep psychological conflict overcomes her. The way she operates at the beginning of the film is infantile, but with a series of wicked strides, she learns to escape her innocence. The film pointedly shows its viewers that we can be our own greatest enemies. It certainly encourages self-exploration and an evaluation of our desires and self-concepts. While films of a psychological nature can often leave gaps, Black Swan was seamlessly developed. There are things left up to question, but the story comes to a head with the support of stressful relationships and the disastrous evaluations of them. The physical, shock art-like aspects of the film don't seem excessive, but absolutely necessary. It will be a shame if director Darren Aronofsky and Natalie Portman don't receive awards for their work. With only the best of intentions, I wish upon you lovely and visceral nightmares.

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Saturday, December 25, 2010

This Christmas, I want to be with the ballerinas.

During the holidays, my mother always plays Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, often gushing about her love for the show. Acting as clumsy ballerinas, my brother and I would often "perform" to the music, whether it be on tables or leaping across our bedrooms. Truth be told, I have gotten past a need to criticize the characteristically feminine and not only appreciate, but love ballet and those who perform. With the presence of The Nutcracker and the less classically celebrated Black Swan, I see no reason to not celebrate the look and work of a ballerina. I still have yet to see Natalie Portman's latest triumph and it's absolutely killing me. Marc Jacobs' Spring 2010 collection—inspired by dancers leaving rehearsals in a fashion that is both casual and created—led to my adaptation of what my friends call the "mini-bun," a high bun on top of my head. The beautiful tension between reality and fantasy within that show has yet to let me go from its grasp. This is just one of fashion's many takes on ballet, as it seems to be a recurring infatuation. I know it is for me, whether they be lovely girls in hyper-feminine attire or a naughtier, more twisted version. When I go out tonight—I know it's Christmas—I'll be thinking of the unearthly creatures that look as if they walk on air. While their form of dancing is controlled and disciplined, mine is aggressive and unbridled. Even so, passion will be present. Didn't your mother ever tell you? Dancing can set you free.

The album in question

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Karlie Kloss by Tim Walker for Vogue UK

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Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2010

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Karlie Kloss by Dusan Reljin for Vogue Paris

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Marc Jacobs Spring

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Karlie Kloss by Tim Walker for Vogue UK

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Rodarte sketches for Black Swan

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Caroline Trentini by Arthur Elgort for American Vogue

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Karlie Kloss by Dusan Reljin for Vogue Paris

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Valentino Spring/Summer 2011

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Natalie Portman by Peter Lindbergh in American Vogue

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Karlie Kloss by Dusan Reljin for Vogue Paris

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My favorite Tchaikovsky to leap to



Hold me closer tiny dancer...

Classic Vinyl, Runway images via style.com, editorial images via Fashion Gone Rogue, Black Swan images via NY Daily News

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Another Year

These Lips Might Sink Ships... is now an ancient 2 years-old. I am proud that it has survived this far and I have no inkling to slow down. On the subject of my writing, I have just be published in DList magazine. I reviewed a salon called Radar Hair and Records, a cool little place, oddly located in the SODO district. Not only is Radar a mesmerizing audio and visual eruption, but the owners and staff are wonderful and talented people.

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dlistmagazine


Sorry for the cut-off picture, but the alternative was minuscule. The music issue is on newsstands right fucking now and is free, as are all of the magazine's issues. I hope you pick it up!

But back to the blog...

I've been working long days at Nordstrom for holiday, but tomorrow is my day off, which hopefully means I will be doing some posts from the Pre-Fall season. Thank you to all of you who actually read what I write. It means more than you know.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

I Am Love

Free from finals and moping about lost keys, I decided to watch I Am Love alone in the dark. I knew very little about the film other than the incredibly talented Tilda Swinton starred and it was made to be quite beautiful. I had high hopes for the film and was quite happy to see them surpassed. I Am Love is an Italian melodrama to the fullest extent of the phrase—and yes, as if she wasn't impressive enough, Swinton speaks in Italian throughout the film. Her character Emma is focus of the story, within the context of the seemingly ideal Recchi family. It is the fond relationships of some and the rigid expectations of others that fuel the story. The dynamic between Emma and her daughter, Elisabetta and that of Emma and the devoted maid, Ida were the most resounding for me. Emma and Betta shared a unconditionally loving relationship, even sharing intimate secrets spared from other members of the family. It reminded me a bit of my relationship with my own mother and the thoughts we share in confidence. Ida is like another member of the family and Emma treats her as such. Ida is Emma's rock, never leaving her side, even in spite of the often overbearing family. The film is at times austere, others extremely tender, and quite often unbearably tense. Through its narrative and its simple imagery it unfolds quite beautifully. The director, Luca Guadagnino, perfectly captured the visual aspects to accompany the permeating emotion of the story.

One of the visual aspects I was drawn to (albeit unsurprisingly), was the costumes. There was a wonderfully inescapable fashion presence from the simple sheath dresses in saturated colors worn by Swinton or the numerous Hermès handbags (Hello Birkin, hello Kelly) within the film. Even Rori, the grandmother played by Marisa Berenson, was undeniably fabulous. My favorite look from the film was a tan sweater over a blue button-up paired with tangerine-hued pants and sandals on Emma. It makes a short appearance, but the pant color is so full of life that it's practically irresistible. The outfit also appears a bit less together than many of Emma's other choices, as it is in fact quite the metaphorical marker—but I'll leave it to you to discover what I mean. Throughout the film, Emma looks elegantly understated and quite chic. While her style philosophies stand in contrast to mine, I can still appreciate the impeccable (and perfectly suited) styling.

As if it's not evident from the length of the post, let me just say, I loved this film. My overuse of the word "love" in reference to culture is widely documented, but I mean it with all of my heart. I highly encourage anyone who doesn't mind reading subtitles to watch it. Hell, I could probably watch it without reading because it's so damn beautiful. I've left you some of my favorite shots.

Enjoy.

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All screen shots done myself

In Bed with Jane Fonda

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Oh V, how I love thee.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Somewhere, the girls pull it out

I'm quite a fan of Sofia Coppola's work, including the often-condemned Marie Antoinette. Not only is she a talented director, but quite the fashion darling, having posed in ads for Marc Jacobs and designing a bag for Louis Vuitton. Therefore, it should come to no surprised that the various premiers for the film Somewhere are complete with wonderful examples of interesting fashion choices. What a refreshing change to see women in clothes that are not expected of them.

Erin Wasson in Louis Vuitton Spring 2011

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While some may find this look revolting, I find it rather perfect. It's effortless and sexy in a way only women like Erin can achieve. I love the unexpected color combination as well. Marc's genius never fails—at least in my headspace.

Sofia Coppola in Louis Vuitton

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Isabel Lucas in Louis Vuitton Spring 2011

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Elle Fanning in Valentino Couture Fall 2010

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Elle Fanning in Rodarte Spring 2011

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Let's just note that she is twelve. What a girl.

I'm pretty excited for the movie to come out. While the story of a father-daughter relationship would not often appeal to me, the clever writing and visual style that Coppola so masterfully integrates into her work will most likely leave me enchanted. That and that Elle Fanning is absolutely precious.



I've fallen in love with the song that begins midway in the trailer. It's called "I'll Try Anything Once" by the Strokes. It's on repeat until my iPod falls asleep.

images 1-4 via dailymail, image 5 via nylon

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Soon I'll be Free

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In approximately 15 hours, I will have finished my finals and I will do my own jailbreak dance.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Javier Bardem is beautfully angry




Another one of The New York Times Magazine's Fourteen Actors Acting.

In the dead of night

My sleep schedule is so unbelievably fucked, but fortunately for me, I tend to be easily distracted. I can't say what sparked it, but for some reason I needed to revisit the video from the Fall/Winter 2010 Viktor & Rolf Show. The show was not just a show, but also a performance art piece in which stunner and supermodel Kristin McMenamy stood like a paralyzed robot while the designers dressed and undressed her with the clothes and bodies that walked the full runway. One of the interpretations is that the show represented a rite of passage for the younger models, taking on the clothing of the older model. Another similar view is that Kristen was a mother figure birthing the most lithe and beautiful babies the world has seen. I love the idea that the clothes build upon each other. In developing a collection or even choosing what you wear for the day, the different elements all assist in building upon an idea. This show is simply a literal example of that. Whatever the case may be, it's an exhilarating show and certainly worth twenty minutes of your day...or night.


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

I have a final tomorrow...

...so naturally I'm going to spend tonight watching videos of James Franco.

This is fantastic.



Here's further evidence that he's a gem.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Poser.

I forgot to share that I was featured on the lovely Kyla Stelling's blog Seattle Street Style last week.



Vintage leather jacket, Yigal Azrouël cropped sweater, American Apparel V-neck tee, BDG Jeans, Frye boots, thrifted bag.

It excites me to know that there is someone my age going out and doing this. It's always a pleasure to see people pursuing their art. I also happen to know Kyla is a wonderful person, at least in my limited experience with her.

On another note, I've been kind of repeatedly going off the deep end as of late, but I hope to be back to sanity soon enough. I'm sending you all digital love.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Wednesday Mourning.

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Abbey Lee Kershaw, Eniko Mihalik, and Crystal Renn shot by Terry Richardson for Vogue Paris.

I've been feeling quite displaced as of late. I don't feel motivated or inspired to do much at all, whether that include school, the blog, or my writing. It's as if I'm walking dead. Perhaps it's the weather, but I don't think that alone has the power to leave me stuck in a rut. Over the past couple of days, I've been working on being more organized, but it has resulted in me feeling even more overwhelmed than before. If I continue to exist in such a stagnant state there's no way I can move forward in any of my pursuits. I just wish I knew where this is coming from. Is it just plain old laziness? I can't say. All I know is that I need a change.

Photo via fasiongonerogue