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+

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.