American Hustle

First off, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope everyone's first day of 2014 has treated them well and that the new year brings you all happiness and good health!

And to my main point today, the review and recap of new movie, American Hustle. I'm focusing mostly on the iconic 70's fashion and styling of the film, but all in all the movie was absolutely fantastic and I highly recommend it.
The IMDb blurb for the movie reads, "A con man, Irving Rosenfeld, along with his seductive British partner, Sydney Prosser, is forced to work for a wild FBI agent, Richie DiMaso. DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia" ...but oh my God, it is so much more. It's a complex story of two cons who do what they need to do to survive until they're caught in the act by a passionate and unrestrained FBI agent. The agent requires the two cons work for him in order to pinpoint political conmen and under-the-table deals. A whole lot of shit goes down with tons of laughs and plot twists, all accompanied by an amazing soundtrack. You really, really need to watch this movie! But before I give the entire movie away, I'm going to dive into the best detail, the clothing.

(L to R) Amy Adams as con Sydney Prosser, Bradley Cooper as FBI agent Richie DiMaso, Jeremy Renner as Camden, NJ mayor Carmine Polito, Christian Bale as con Irving Rosenfeld, and Jennifer Lawrence as Rosalyn Rosenfeld.

The star studded main cast (above) packed a huge punch, but they wouldn't be the people that they were without the awesome 1970's styled clothing. 

Christian Bale sported velvet jackets, silk ascots, and a serious comb-over (and not to mention the 70 pounds he had to put on for this role) as Irving Rosenfeld. His character chased after wealth and tried to display its rewards. His iconic suits and ever-present shades helped maintain the look.

Bradley Cooper and Christian Bale sport curled hair and comb-overs.

Amy Adams had probably the most amazing and sexy 70's wardrobe ever. Her deep cut dresses and blouses, huge earrings and sunglasses, and fur coats galore created the con-woman Sydney Prosser-slash-Lady Edith Greensly was. Her "royal connections" in the banking world probably sounded a lot more legit to drooling men then to their skeptical wives.

Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams having a not so lovely moment in the lady's room... but totally overlooked based on their drop dead gorgeous dresses and classic hair do's.

 Bradley Cooper and Amy Adam's outfits for their disco night took my breath away. Bradley's chest exposing button down with gold chains and scarf killed me. And Amy's triangle-top wrap dress, dangly dice earrings, and incredible fur coat screamed posh disco. If there was an iconic 70's scene being represented in 2013, this is it.

 Jennifer Lawrence's character, while providing tons of laughs, was not as glorified for her outfits as Amy Adams was (probably because half of her outfits were silk bath robes and slippers). But Jennifer's piled high do looked as iconic as ever. As much as I don't like Jennifer Lawrence... she did a fabulous job as Irving's unstable wife and mother of their child (poor kid).

If the clothing itself hasn't convinced you yet to go out and see American Hustle... then the soundtrack will. 1970's popular songs on the soundtrack include the likes of Duke Ellington, Elton John, The Bee Gees, and Jack Jones. If the soundtrack doesn't make you tap your feet or nod your head even a little bit, then I feel so bad for you and I hope you get the help you need soon!!!!

American Hustle, A+

Hair Raising

I feel like my whole life (or my whole life after I discovered the amazing technology of ruining your entire hair with two, scalding metal plates) I pined after and wished I could have long, straight hair. I was never one of those girls who complained consistently about her hair or who wanted to drastically change it- although I did dye the bottom half of my head with bright red Kool-Aid in seventh grade... but I was pretty much happy with my brown, basic locks. I just wanted my hair to be longer and straighter!
I was fed up with my unruly waves- not curls, curls are pretty, my waves are weird, inconsistent, and voluminous- and the frizz. (By the way, if you're one of those girls who has never had a struggle during the summer with frizz, I automatically hate you.) The frizz is the bane of my existence... especially since I kept my hair shorter and at a length where frizz consumed my entire head. Which was so stupid of me, I wish I could shake pre-seventh grade me and scream, "WHAT THE HELL JUST GROW YOUR HAIR OUT AND STOP GETTING FACE FRAME BANGS LOSER!.... AND WEAR THE RUBBER-BANDS SO YOU GET YOUR BRACES OFF SOONER!"

But alas, since then I have learned from my mistakes, and spent a small fortune investing in miracles such as anti-frizz products for the hot summers. But as I grow up, I realize that as much as I may want long, straight hair, I realize that I don't HAVE that, so why obsess over it? I can grow my hair out long or cut it if I want to, and although straightening my hair continuously is awful for it, I can still do that whenever I want.

But now I am much more aware of the alternatives of hair that are way more plausible for me. I feel like I always wanted long, straight hair because thats the only thing I saw growing up. Hilary Duff? Straight hair. Lindsey Lohan (pre-rehab VIP)? Long and straight. Kim Possible (although a cartoon, she had spunk and sass and yes I totally idolized her)? HELLA long and straight.
But I am just soooooo much wiser in my old age (sixteen) that I know sooo much more about life and like, stuff! Just kidding, life will never be understood, but I DO understand more about hair now and determining things that help you look the best you.

So, my new hair inspirations? Not Kim Possible. Instead: Lorde, Alexa Chung, Tavi Gevinson, Jessica Biel, and Zooey Deschanel.

 Above: Lorde (Ella Yelich-O'Conor) new pop-singing icon has stepped onto the scene due to her amazing pipes and ground breaking hair. Her hair style is so different to what most celebrities promote that it makes her an even bigger icon.

Above: MY ICON, MY INSPIRATION, MY LOVE!!!!! Alexa Chung. Words cannot describe my overwhelming respect and admiration for this fashion maven.. But I'm only here to talk about her hair right now (maybe an Alexa appreciation post will come soon...). Alexa's hair has been changed, dyed, and chopped numerous times but she's famous for her took-two-hours-to-make-this-perfect-bedhead look. Her hair is also very different to what many fashion icons and celebrities promote. I want to try so many of the Alexa Chung hair originals on my own locks but who could pull it off as well as she does?

Above: Tavi Gevinson... usually more noted for her sense of individual style and writing ability (13 year old fashion blogger invited to Fashion Week, need I say more?). But Tavi's hair is something of its own. Since she was young she dyed it many multiple colors (including blue, green, and a grayish mix of the two) and cut it different lengths. Tavi's carefree approach to her hair is something to remember, it's just hair and it will definitely grow back. Being experimental leads to discovery.

Above: Jessica Biel, actress and Justin Timberlake's fiance, is not noted for her hair, but after searching far and wide for innovative styling techniques, I looked at the evolution of her hair and realized that she must make the top picks. She's dyed it dark and then bleached it blonde, sometimes straight and other times curled- her diverse style is exciting and goes with whatever event she's currently at.

Above: Zooey Deschanel, loved and hated for her quirky personality and baby-doll looks. I personally love her blunt, childish bangs and think that she pulls them off expertly. There are always people harshing bangs and putting them down, but if you can pull 'em off, more power to you.

Moral of the story... "OWN THAT PONYTAIL. WORK THAT UP-DO!"

Haute Holidays

It's the best time of the year (or second best, let's be real, nothing beats the summer's weather and freedom). But the holiday festivities are approaching, and with them the eager promises of holiday parties and winter soirees. The latest in fashion and beauty boast some interesting new trends to follow this season, but trends definitely worth trying out, no doubt.

#1. The Dark Lip
A little vampiric? Sure. Possibly sexy, mysterious, and totally trending right now? Definitely. A subdued- yet still brilliantly bold- color to pull together a whole look rests in the hands, or lips, of a dark lipstick. Think purples, plums, aubergines, maroons, burgundies, and mauve's. Disclaimer: warning to those daring to pull off the dark lips; think wisely about your whole face. If you're sporting a Gothic pout, don't go overboard on your eyes. Keep the focus on one area of your face versus going crazy and ending up looking like a drag queen. (Unless you're into the drag queen look, to each his own, dude.)

Not a supporter of Jennifer Lawrence's new haircut in replace of those long, golden locks... but she is definitely pulling off the dark lip. And hair or no hair, she still looks chic as shit.

#2. Velvet

This isn't so much a trend as it is a holiday MUST. The plush, warm fabric could be dressed up and down- the versatility oh so appealing, and can only be dragged out from the closet for these few festive months. (Yeah, I know hipsters of America and Free People are telling you differently but honestly, do you REALLY think velvet in July is a good idea?) My personal favorite holiday dress in my closet is a navy, vintage slight peplum velvet dress tied back with a large, navy satin bow. I've worn it to cotillions with open toed sling backs or also with black tights and chunky, dark heels. That is the beauty of velvet. 

PS- check out Free People's Velvet section for an array of wearable velvet confections. 

#3. The Up-Do

Perfectly coiffed and twisted up-do's are difficult to pull off, but simple solutions make elegant do's much easier and fun to try. Up-do's are very chic this season, try out your own experimental up-do on your own. (Many fashion label's blogs usually have a "hair/beauty" section or a "how to" area for further tips and tricks.) 

Kate Bosworth shows off her amazing earrings by double-braiding it.

#4. Holiday Gifts

The dreaded gift shopping that we all inevitably have to face... and pay for. As difficult as it is to find gifts that inspire and excite, small trinkets and tokens of appreciation go a long way. Holiday fall backs? Think pine-tree scented candles, cozy blankets, homemade Christmas playlists, hot coco mugs, YOU NAME IT! Included are a few creative gift ideas- all under $20!!!- to browse through and spark your festive flair.

Whip out your dark lipstick, throw on some velvet, twist your hair and betches, let's get gifting. Because after all, it's the most wonderful time of the year.

Mendham Style Watch

The lastest fall fashion trend sweeping the halls of my very own high school is the classic and cute, down vest. The vest has escalated every-day outfits to a higher level of prep, and not to mention: warmth! The down vest is the perfect compromise between comfort and style, who wouldn't love that? (Almost, but not as creative, as Italian fashionista Anna Dello Russo sewing hand warmers into her dresses for the sake of staying warm on the Red Carpet.)
Here are some great, real-life examples of how to rock the vest and what to wear with it! (Thanks to Nina, Maggie, and Sabrina for allowing me to chase them down and take their photos!!!)

Above: Nina making her cute outfit day-time casual by pairing her long sleeve dress and boots with her black vest. 

Maggie adding a preppy touch to her striped long sleeve shirt, denim jeans, and brown boots with her navy J. Crew vest.

Sabrina pairs her striped sweater, leggings, and brown boots with her navy vest. Sabrina's vest is so stylish with the gold accents on the zipper and deep pockets.

You can find stylish vests at so many stores- the most popular ones in my area include J. Crew, Patagonia and Coatology. Click on the brand names to be taken to their site and shop for your own down vest to join in on the trend.

Possibly Homeless

Playing Devil's advocate to my latest post about the high-class, expensive looks in Sofia Coppola's, The Bling Ring, I thought I should include fashion's ugly step-sister. The return of 90's grunge has fallen upon us. And yes, yes I absolutely love it. If I wasn't such a East Coast, prepster yuppie, you can bet I'd be rocking the over-sized flannels, boyfriend jeans, and beanies on a daily rotation... But, I am part of the Vineyard Vines/Lilly Pulitzer poster family so my flirtations with grunge style are infrequent and sporadic. I can still love from afar though, can't I?

How to: rock "grunge". It's pretty hard to look this bad. It takes deliberate skill to match over-sized pieces with falling apart or worn out items. Start with the basics- over-sized sweaters or t-shirts (graphic t-shirts promoting old school rock bands or bitchy slogans work best), ripped apart or sagging denim, boots or sneakers with snazzy socks, and some type of hat to hide the perfectly-contstructed bed head underneath it.

 One of grunge's biggest poster models, Kurt Cobain, prominent signer and suicidal junkie of 90's punk band, Nirvana.

(None of these photos are my own, they have been found on Tumblr and Google. I do not take credit for these images.)

The Bling Ring

 

If you haven't seen The Bling Ring yet... you should. If you're not in it for the killer fashion then at least do it for the film itself. A fictionalized account of the teenage burglars in L.A. who broke in and stole expensive clothes, accessories, and other fabulous items from A-list celebs in the California area. The fashion they stole and wore in this movie were (in the words of Fergie), GLAMOROUS. I have never fallen in love with so many clothes in such a short period of time. 

Although, I should note-- I am a big believer in the paid-a-little-money-but-I-look-this-hot concept (however, I also believe in the paid-a-lot-of-money-to-look-this-poor look too so follow what you want, I'm conflicted). So although this movie boasts high prices and expensive luxuries, also keep in mind that you can look expensive and fabulous by not spending your college fund on one dress, too.

The one and only Bling Ring (cast includes- from L to R- Taissa Farmiga, Israel Broussard, Emma Watson, Katie Chang, and Claire Julien)

If you're not already in love/obsessed with Emma Watson, after this stunning profile of a snobby wannabe you'll hate how much you love her.

^I couldn't have said it better myself. Sometimes us girls just want a little Chanel? You know? So if you haven't seen The Bling Ring yet, get your illegal movie downloading powers ready or add it to your Netflix queue, because this one is making my fashion flicks top 10.