lots and lots of lovely

The Tree of Life

2011-09-03T19:40:00.001-07:00

The Tree of Life

Terrence Malick

The Tree of Life is so far removed from our current understanding of cinema and storytelling that the film becomes new genre and art form in and of itself. Rather than following generic plot structures, The Tree of Life moves as a fragmented palimpsest, exposing the intimacy of mind, thought, and memory. The Tree of Life emerges from the impressions of the entangled mind, producing a film that is aerial and surreal to a near hypnotic state. Jack O’Brien, played consciously by Sean Penn, ventures into his remembrances to elucidate a childhood transgressed. Jack’s mind is a haunted one, seeking recollection of a flawed boyhood. His memories of his youth are natural and raw, displaying an imitated life that garners intimacy and authenticity as it is remembered. The film works like a mind—it is restless, questioning, rejecting, vulnerable, and expanding; its pace is similar to a beating heart, pulsating steadily with quiet yet cardinal segments of life.

One of the film’s most exceptional feats is its realization of the exhaustingly nuanced and fragile relationship between child and mother/child and father—two attachments that are undeniably disparate. Jack’s mother, forever preserved in memory, is an ethereal creature—a seraphic delineation of femininity and maternity. Mrs. O’Brien, played devastatingly by Jessica Chastain, glides through Jack’s memory like Madonna or Aphrodite, her pale neck forever draped in pearls, her florid hair flushed in curls. Mrs. O’Brien exists by way of grace, her movements and gestures slowed to a meditative pace as she twirls with her child in her arms and wholeheartedly points up to the sky, telling the child that God lives there. The boys bond with their mother through heart and conscience, clutching to her for reassurance of love and innocence. Jack holds a memory that serves as the film’s most beautiful and haunting scene—a sight of Mrs. O’Brien dancing on air, her pink limbs stretching outward with grace. A scene in which Mrs. O’Brien holds out a porcelain hand to welcome a butterfly illuminates the way in which the young boys capture their mother through memory: gentle, fragile, gossamer recollections of a fluttering mother.

Mr. O’Brien is not remembered with awe as Mrs. O’Brien is. Instead, the memories of Mr. O’Brien are hollow and dour, displaying a man that exists by way of nature, running on discipline and frowned authority. Mr. O’Brien is perhaps the film’s most nuanced character in that he is preserved in Jack’s mind as an unmoved man, yet in our viewing of these cold memories, vulnerability is exposed that Jack has not yet uncovered. Mr. O’Brien harbors a difficult task, trying to raise three young boys to become brave, diligent men. Mr. O’Brien appears to be haunted and heartbroken by this responsibility, aware of the fact that he, himself, is not the brave and diligent man he is raising his sons to be. Mr. O’Brien is a lost man, regretting time passed and refusing weakness. He sees his sons as his future, a chance to enforce his perception of man: an unflinching being in a wounded world. Despite his sternness, it is eminent that he is consumed with love for his boys, but is unsure of how to cede that devotion. Mr. O’Brien’s vulnerability is clearest in a scene in which he grabs his wife’s arms and holds them furiously as she writhes beneath his aggressive containment. He presses his face to her flushed hair, whispering for her to stop, as his hands loosen and intimately hold her weakened arms. Mr. O’Brien knows only force, knows only truth, knows only right from wrong. In this scene, we see him struggling to know love and comfort, and it is heartbreaking to witness his detachment from the way of grace.

The boys in the film are boys in the purest sense—Malick has captured something fleeting and rare that makes the film’s viewers feel more like voyeurs. Curious eyes and fumbled gestures, these boys are not acting, they are living. They run around with wild imaginations, imitating life and people around them. The boys wrestle with guilt and fear, while having the wonderful ability to get lost in a world of play and curiosity. After sneaking into the neighbor’s house, Jack opens a woman’s drawer, pulling out a lace nightgown. He lays it down on the bed, examining it as if it were a living, breathing object. The guilt that ensues is devastating, as we watch a young boy’s nervous discovery of sensuality and desire. Jack looks away, tears in his eyes, whispering for his mother not to look at him: his first recollection of shame. Childhood is ephemeral, and tends to race by too quickly to be acknowledged or cherished, and Malick has carefully grasped a collection of penetrating moments of boyhood that extend beyond the film itself and touch us in a way that few films can.

The Tree of Life is not something that can be contained in a review or recreated through procedure. The film is precise, yet has no rewritable structure or process, making it enviably individual. Filled more with detail than story, the film has the ability to be watched continuously without losing effect or impact—the film will forever push inward, enforcing a cathartic reaction. Its images are not trivial ones, each shot staining the mind—a unique form of inception that plays with the unforgettable.

images via google

10 Films

2011-09-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

I am spontaneous and impulsive when it comes to falling in love with film, but as of now, these are my top ten.

10.

images via google

Me revoilà!

2011-09-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

Hello all, I just wanted to announce my return to Lots of Lovely... parting was such sweet sorrow and I cannot wait to get back to my blogging!

Gone Going Gone

2010-05-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, it has been ages... I'm sorry! I've been crazy busy with work and I finally had a break and have been spending every second of it with my friends and family. Summer is here, however, and I'm ready to get my act together. I will start off by showing you my new babies...

My chic little Steve Madden Regaal Pumps. Oh, they make my heart swoon.

My Cheeky Lolita Sunglasses.

My Selection

2010-04-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

I chose this lovely photo of my mother for the Urban Outfitters contest. She is effortlessly chic in her pearls and cat eye glasses. Are you going to send a photo in?

Motherly Love

2010-04-05T12:22:00.001-07:00

Urban Outfitters is asking you to send in a picture of your style icon momma. Now is your chance to give your mom some credit for her chic style back in the day! Click here to find out how to send in a picture!

Warmth

2010-03-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

The air is finally warm, and I cannot wait until it is nice enough to go splashing around in the ocean!

Spring Cleaning

2010-03-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and it is time to give our nails a little spring cleaning. Freshen up your look with these tart and sweet colors from Essie.

photo credit via essie.com

Ruffle My Feathers

2010-03-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

This waterfall ruffle comforter is the sweetest thing I have ever seen!

photo credit via urbanoutfitters.com

The International

2010-03-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

I'm loving Derek Blasberg's photo collection, The International...a chic glimpse into the world of fashion and all its glamour! Click here to view the photo diary in its entirety.

Photo Credit via. Derek Blasberg on style.com

Young Love

2010-03-22T07:55:00.000-07:00

These photos of Shia Labeouf and Carey Mulligan make me so happy! You can't help but smile at young love, and how uplifting and carefree it is.

Summer Kind of Wonderful

2010-03-04T13:47:00.000-08:00

I can't stop thinking about summer... I love this old fashioned swimsuit, and I am definitely putting it on my summer wish list!

photo credit via modcloth.com

Get The Look

2010-02-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

I love this chic and classy look worn by Megan Fox. The elegant cream dress paired with the gray pumps and red lipstick is wonderful! Here is how to get this look (at a more affordable price!)

Sleeve Knit Dress

Platform Pumps

Embroidered Satchel

Pair this look with a great red lip color and a toned down pin-up girl style eye. Style your hair however you'd like, you can go natural and wavy for a more elegant look like Megan did, or you can do a more sophisticated bun with a sweet braid to keep it girly. Enjoy!

Photo credit via:

Forever21.com

Urbanoutfitters.com

megan-fox.net

Video credit via:

Juicystar07

KandeeJohnson

Like Mother Like Daughter

2010-02-18T12:18:00.000-08:00

I love matching moms and daughters.. so sweet and happy!

Katie and Suri

Angelina and Shiloh

Nicole and Harlow

Jessica and Honor

Winter Stress

2010-02-16T07:29:00.001-08:00

My dear followers, I know I have been horrible about blogging lately and I am so so sorry! I have been swamped with work and classes and I am hoping to catch my breath within the next week or so and get myself back on track! I hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day!

McQueen

2010-02-11T10:42:00.000-08:00

We will all miss Alexander McQueen and his endlessly lavish collections...

Music For The Month

2010-01-30T10:18:00.000-08:00

Songs to make us blush during the month of love.

This Year's Love

David Gray

Somewhere Only We Know

Keane

Live

Regina Spektor

Regina Spektor

Frou Frou

The La's

James Newton Howard

Bundle Up

2010-01-29T20:47:00.000-08:00

Some winter essentials to get us through the frosty season...

Wild At Heart Raincoat

Kiss-Me Headwrap

The Classic Trenchcoat

Sweet Little Mittens

Sophisticated Cardigan

photo credit via saksfifthavenue.com

anthropologie.com

urbanoutfitters.com

With Grace

2010-01-24T16:12:00.000-08:00

This photograph of Grace Kelly always leaves me breathless. It embodies beauty, sorrow, and grace. This photo was captured during a game of charades, and I think it is so lovely that during a lighthearted game, Grace still held such elegance and poise.

photo credit life.com

Edge of Love

2010-01-22T19:05:00.001-08:00

Though the film was a bit of a dud, the fashion in Edge of Love was stunning. The film took place during World War II, when women dressed with utter class and sophistication. Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller look radiant in flowing, fall colored dresses and sweaters, chic hats, darling sunglasses, and adorable rainboots with layered stockings. Oh how I want to prance around in green grass with such lovely outfits!

photo credit sienna-miller.org

Women & Dogs

2010-01-16T18:02:00.000-08:00

Just found a wonderful little treasure to add to my coffee table collection. Women & Dogs is a chic and lovely collection of photos of women and their dogs throughout history, proving that dogs certainly aren't just a man's best friend. The photos are absolutely delightful, I guarantee you will smile the whole way through! I especially love the always sexy Brigitte Bardot on the cover- she is adorable!

Faithfull

2010-01-07T19:35:00.000-08:00

Its hard not to adore one of Mick Jagger's love interests. Marianne Faithfull was a wonderfully intriguing and alluring socialite/rock goddess, teetering on the edge of destruction. Though rebellious, she always remained poised, lovely, and unforgettable.

Boy oh boy

2010-01-05T19:50:00.000-08:00

Joanna's news that she is having a boy has sparked my baby fever yet again! I spent the evening looking at teeny tiny clothes for precious little ones. Since I won't be having a baby anytime soon, I figured I could do some personal shopping for Joanna ;)

The Coziest Hoodie In the World!

Sweet Little Canvas Deck Shoes

Turtle PJs with Turtle Shell Pants!

Cuddly One Piece

Snuggle Sweater Jacket

3-in-1 Cargo Jacket for a baby on the go

Adventure Baby Overalls

Comfy-cozy Onsie for a sophisticated little man

Pastel Garden

2010-01-04T19:04:00.000-08:00

J. Mendel's Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear collection is like a dream. It has a very pastel, earthy, Alice in Wonderland feel to it. The colors are radiant and crisp. The fabrics are soft as they drape perfectly against the body. The entire collection is refreshing and exhilarating- what do you think?

photo credit- style.com

Lovely Natural

2010-01-03T19:32:00.000-08:00

I love how natural Brooke Shields looked in The Blue Lagoon. I don't know why we have gotten so addicted to coloring and straightening our hair, tanning our skin, and packing on the makeup when there is nothing more beautiful and pure than going natural. I love Brooke's hair, its so healthy and wholesome! I definitely am going to use this picture as a reminder that less is more!

photo credit: imdb.com

Hello, I Love You, Won't You Tell Me Your Name

2010-01-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

I can't stop myself. I've fallen in love with another boy. I just watched the delightful film Elvis & Anabelle and could not stop myself from blushing at the sight of actor Max Minghella. He is a brooding young man with a rugged swagger. You must must must watch Elvis & Anabelle!

photo credit guestofaguest.com

Gelato Vero

2010-01-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

If you are ever in San Diego, take a trip to Gelato Vero on India Street. I grew up a block away from Gelato Vero, and I loved being able to walk down the street to get the most delicious gelato in San Diego! My favorite is the vanilla bean, simple and delightful!

photo credit coffeeshopcritic.com

Fresh Start

2010-01-01T16:20:00.000-08:00

Mmmm I love the idea of a new year, and a fresh start! I was going to make a long list of resolutions, but they always end up stressing me out and making me feel lousy if I mess up. Instead, I am going to make one general resolution- relax! Happy New Year!

Must Have Find

2009-12-29T19:21:00.000-08:00

I just stumbled upon Mari Testino's book Let Me In, a collection of intimate, candid photographs of celebrities. Must have must have must have! The photographs are absolutely beautiful. There is something wonderfully refreshing about celebrities in a more raw and pure form.

photo credit Mario Testino

The New Bardot

2009-12-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

Every time I see a picture of Mick Jagger's daughter, Georgia, I instantly think of Brigitte Bardot. She embodies the lust and seduction that made Miss Bardot so unforgettable.

photo credit supermodels.nl

Tweet Tweet

2009-12-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

Quick update- lots of lovely and I are now on twitter, feel free to follow!

photo credit- listal.com

Tavi Crush

2009-12-27T17:25:00.000-08:00

I have a crush on a little blogger named Tavi who has a little blog called Style Rookie. Tavi is a spirited young fashionista with a knack for style and sarcastic charm. If you aren't already a fan, you must must must see what she is all about. It will be love at first sight, guaranteed.

photo credit- http://tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com/

Bee See Bee Gee

2009-12-27T08:03:00.000-08:00

Bright, tight, ruffled, sweet, sassy, girly, chic, spunky, sophisticated, tickled. BCBG Max Azia's Spring 2010 collection in ten words.

photo credit style.com

Tomboy

2009-12-22T21:58:00.001-08:00

Jessica Alba is looking chic in her boyish little outfit.

photo credit jessicaalba.net

Mischka

2009-12-17T10:03:00.000-08:00

I really like the feel of the Spring 2010 Badgley Mischka line. It is wearable, chic, sophisticated, and clean. What do you think?

photo credit style.com

Can't Help Falling In Love

2009-12-11T13:46:00.001-08:00

My guilty pleasure list is getting bigger by the minute. This absolutely adorable (and, yes, over-the-top) cheetah tote from Juicy Couture makes me dreamy-eyed. The giant black bow is my favorite part, it is so chic and playful. Love love love!

photo from nordstroms.com

I Do

2009-11-28T13:58:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you've already seen this darling video, but I just had to add it to my blog. This wedding dance makes me smile, cry, blush, and wish I were getting married right now! I hope it puts a smile on your face! Hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving.

Pick Me Up

2009-11-13T19:08:00.000-08:00

Oh, there is nothing like a nice long marathon of Gossip Girl to lift my spirits. Its an hour of fashion eye candy, what more could I ask for?!

Emile

2009-11-06T16:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry to do another boy crush post, but I've fallen in love (again)! Emile Hirsch has kept me blushing for the past week; I've watched 3 of his movies: The Girl Next Door, Milk, and Into The Wild. Boy oh boy is he beautiful or what?! He is also incredibly charming and endearing... I'm obsessed!

Warming Up

2009-11-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

I love this new video for climate change. I can't think of a better way to get the public's attention than to have supermodels undress ;) And to top it off, they have the most adorable clothes on ever-- it looks like they're wearing Urban Outfitter's entire store!

My Oh My

2009-10-11T17:24:00.001-07:00

I can't believe how attractive Marlon Brando was as a young man. Boy, he makes me swoon! He reminds me of James Dean.. such dark and handsome boys.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

2009-10-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

It's finally here! I can't stop watching the trailer, Heath Ledger and Lily Cole look so lovely..

Claudette

2009-10-07T15:24:00.001-07:00

We have screened two Claudette Colbert movies in my film class- It Happened One Night, and Imitation of Life. I am so captivated by her, she just shines. She reminds me of Clara Bow, with her spunky charm and those lovely heavy eyes. I also love her style. The gowns she wore in Imitation of Life are spectacular.

Anthropologie Lust

2009-10-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

I'm in a daze over Anthropologie's new fall collection. What do you think? The shoes are irresistible- I must have them all!

Always A Lady Skirt

Flaxen Wedges

Bubbled Meadowlands Dress

Lolland Sweater Dress

Scarf-Tied Oxfords

Gap

2009-10-04T12:20:00.001-07:00

I think the Gap commercials are just darling. Every time I see one, I want to dance and shop. I especially love the Audrey Hepburn and Sarah Jessica Parker commercials- how cute are they!? I love how spunky Sarah is and I can never get enough of Audrey.

Faye

2009-09-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

There isn't a single girl who doesn't dream of being Bonnie Parker after watching Bonnie and Clyde- oh, to be a rebellious girl!- and it is all thanks to Faye Dunaway. Not only is Faye a blonde bombshell, her style in the film is just fantastic- its so classic, so sexy, and so chic. Why don't we dress like this more? Her clothes are perfect for trendy and sophisticated women with places to go and things to do! I'm going to make it a personal goal of mine to put a little more Bonnie, and a little more Faye into my wardrobe!

Camille

2009-09-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

I just watched Camille, starring Sienna Miller and James Franco. Though the movie got horrible reviews, I thought it was delightful (maybe I'm just a sucker for fairy tales and James Franco..) But more delightful than anything was how adorable Camille was with her pretty red hair and chic little white dress! Her wedding dress in the movie is lovely and bubbly too, but I couldn't seem to find a good picture to post!

Kate

2009-09-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

I never get tired of looking at her photos...

Annabelle's Serpentine Dance

2009-08-27T19:24:00.001-07:00

Now that I am immersed in my film class, a lot of my posts will be of films and clips I have been watching... I just watched another beautiful little piece called The Serpentine Dance which was one of the first movies ever made after the discovery of series photography. The film was shot in 1894 by the Lumière brothers. I thought this clip was very fitting for a blog about lovely things, and I thought you all would enjoy it.

Whirlwind

2009-08-25T15:12:00.001-07:00

My goodness, I have been so caught up in the start of classes- I've had no time to breathe! I just want to get these first couple of weeks out of the way so that I can be in my routine and have some chill time again. I miss summer already... although I do love fall fashion! In February, I posted about Clara Bow, and I had my first film class today, and I found out that next week we will be screening the 1927 film It! I am glad I have something to get me through the rest of the week. I will try and post more often, but this new routine is tough!

Take a look at the first science fiction silent film ever made... Le Voyage dans le Lune (A Trip to the Moon) was made by Georges Melies in 1902, and is a delightful and imaginative film. I love the scene where the women are in the stars- how magical!

Woodstock Babies

2009-08-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'm on one of my baby kicks, and I love the 60's style clothes (and to-die-for boots) at babyGap!

Indulge

2009-08-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

I am feeling awfully depressed about the summer ending, so I've decided to make this coming weekend a time for me to indulge in some of my guilty pleasures. The weekend will consist of chick flicks galore, thin mint blizzards from dairy queen, a Sex and the City marathon, and Juicy Couture velour pants! It seems trivial, but taking time to treat yourself to a few guilty pleasures is really comforting. What kinds of guilty pleasures do you indulge in?

Chic and Comfy

2009-08-13T14:13:00.001-07:00

I really love Sienna Miller's style, and I love this whole ensemble shes got going- its very retro and chic, but its also really relaxed and laid back. I'm always looking for ways to be comfy and relaxed while still looking stylish!

Cotillard

2009-08-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

I just came across these stylish photos of Marion Cotillard (who, by the way, was lovelier than even in Public Enemies!) Miss Cotillard is so classy and elegant...very inspiring.

Rock Goddess

2009-08-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Diane von Furstenburg's Spring 2009 Collection is just darling- a whimsical collection of bright and flirtatious colors (not to mention the adorable headbands I've been longing for!) Diane described her collection perfectly: "Its all about freedom. Freedom of movement, freedom of mixing fabrics, freedom of color. Freedom of being whoever you want to be- a flower girl, or a rock star."

Headbands

2009-08-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

I'm really loving headbands right now, and I'm looking forward to wearing them more often!

Kaufman

2009-07-30T06:20:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with Charlie Kaufman's work after watching Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I just finished watching Synecdoche, New York, and I now have a greater appreciation and respect for Kaufman. Both films are filled with nuances of our own lives- a collage of fantasy and reality that enlightens and broadens the viewer's mind. I really recommend watching both of these movies- they are truly beautiful pieces of artwork (not to mention the extraordinary and humble acting by Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Jim Carrey.)

Synecdoche, New York

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Last Bits Of Summer

2009-07-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

I am dreading the end of summer, so I'm trying to savor my last bits of sunshine. I can't wait to make this delicious drink tomorrow and sit outside, enjoying the summer air.

Puppy Love

2009-07-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling very maternal lately, and I can't stop swooning over the thought of getting a puppy. As you know from my Wegman post, I love Weimaraners- they are so elegant and and I love their coat and their blue eyes. They're even lovelier as puppies! A few of my friends have Weimaraners, and they are such gentle and patient dogs. It would be nice to have a friend to go running and walking with too!

Back To Basics

2009-07-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

I just got back from vacation and the laziness has followed me home- all I want to do is curl up on the couch with some good movies! I did lots of shopping while I was away and I found some great vintage store treasures. I've been crazy about these woven flats from Urban Outfitters, aren't they sweet?

Eiffel Tower

2009-07-07T09:46:00.001-07:00

Erwin Blumenfeld took this lovely photo of Lisa Fonssagrives dancing on the Eiffel Tower for an issue of Vogue in 1939. There is a danger in this photo that is so stunning, I can't get over it.

Just Relax

2009-07-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

I came across this sunny video of Megan Fox from Esquire. Its deliciously sultry and relaxing (it makes me want to lounge around!) Enjoy!

Sweat With Style

2009-07-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

I've been kicking up my exercise routine lately, and it may seem trivial, but having a cute outfit to exercise in means the world to me. I'm always on the prowl for new exercise gear, and these pieces from Stella McCartney's Adidas line are my favorite!

Sunny Running Tee

Chic Yoga Tank

Adorable Yoga Shorts

Emerald

2009-07-01T11:48:00.001-07:00

I loved Sienna's look at the MTV Movie Awards (doesn't she look like she belongs in Emerald City?!) Simple dresses are my favorite- they are so refined and chic. I'm going to keep an eye out for a more casual version of this dress to wear out on summer nights..

100th Post and Floral Fever

2009-06-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

Hooray hoorah, I have finally made it to the 100th post! I am very excited (although I'm sure 100 blog posts are nothing to the pro bloggers out there!) Floral has never been a favorite of mine, but its starting to grow on me.. what do you think? These dresses from Urban Outfitters are so flirty and offbeat, and I think floral would be a nice summer change for me!

Colleen's Wonderland

2009-06-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

I went to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago a few years ago, and Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle was on exhibit. It was magical and intricate, and it has always been my dream to recreate something like that for my daughter (if I only have boys, it could be a slight problem.) If you are ever in Chicago, make this exhibit a priority! Colleen Moore was a silent film star in the 1930's, and she donated the castle to the museum in 1949. Take a tour of the castle here- this wonderland includes the world's tiniest written bible, murals and paintings by Walt Disney, real Mother of Pearl floors, and real gold sinks and treasures! There is so much history in this castle, and the treasures inside have so much meaning- the entire thing is really fascinating. If only we were tiny enough to live in this whimsical fairyland...

The Princess' Bathroom
"Here in the Princess' Bathroom, the crystal walls are etched to tell the story of Undine. The tub is made of silver, and real water flows from the dolphin's mouths."

The Princess' Bedroom
"The bed is the one that Sleeping Beauty slept in. The bedspread is the gold spider web that covered her for 100 years. The chairs are platinum and set with real diamonds and emeralds. The floor is made of mother of pearl."

photo and quotation credit MSI

Oh, Shia..

2009-06-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

So charming, so cocky, gotta love him...

Magical Fashion

2009-06-22T17:35:00.000-07:00

When I was little, my mother gave me the most magical book in the world- Fairie-ality. It is a delicate book of pixie-style fashion- a collection of thoughts and dreams so innocent, the book itself is like a window into a girl's dreams. Take a peek at their site for bits and pieces from the book!

Summer Movie

2009-06-19T12:58:00.001-07:00

This post may not seem entirely lovely, but I just had to tell everyone how excited I am to see Transformers 2! The first Transformers made me feel like a sexy/tough girl and I've been in love ever since! There is nothing sexier or cooler (or more fun!) than Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, and Bumblebee battling the Decepticons. I am heading to the IMAX theater on Tuesday for the premier and you should too!

Aphrodite and Adonis

2009-06-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

I love these photos of Caroline Trentini and Michael Phelps from Vogue. They play off each other beautifully, figures of Aphrodite and Adonis...

Candy's Poem

2009-06-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

(From the movie Candy)

Once upon a time, there was Candy and Dan
Things were very hot that year
All the wax was melting in the trees
He would climb balconies, climb everywhere, do anything for her, oh Danny boy
Thousands of birds, the tiniest birds, adorned her hair
Everything was gold
One night the bed caught fire
He was handsome and a very good criminal
We lived on sunlight and chocolate bars
It was the afternoon of extravagant delight
Danny the daredevil
Candy went missing
The days last rays of sunshine cruise like sharks
I want to try it your way this time
You came into my life really fast and I liked it
We squelched in the mud of our joy
I was wet-thighed with surrender
Then there was a gap in things and the whole earth tilted
This is the business
This, is what we're after
With you inside me comes the hatch of death
And perhaps I'll simply never sleep again
The monster in the pool
We are a proper family now with cats and chickens and runner beans
Everywhere I looked
And sometimes I hate you
Friday -- I didn't mean that, mother of the blueness
Angel of the storm
Remember me in my opaqueness
You pointed at the sky, that one called Sirius or dog star, but on here on earth
Fly away sun
Ha ha fucking ha you are so funny Dan
A vase of flowers by the bed
My bare blue knees at dawn
These ruffled sheets and you are gone and I am going too
I broke your head on the back of the bed but the baby he died in the morning
I gave him a name
His name was thomas
Poor little god
His heart pounds like a voodoo drum

This poem can also be viewed in motion

Boyfriend Jeans

2009-06-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderfully young and doe-eyed fling a few summers ago, and during our summer of love, this particular boy gave me his belt to wrap around my own waist. It was such a simple item, but it meant the world to me- it was an actual document of our ephemeral love. After the fling ended, my broken heart was mended by his belt as it tangled its way around my baggy jeans. So, if you want to make your boyfriend jeans a bit more authentic and your heart a bit more lustful, grab your dearest love's belt and wear it around your waist...

Splish Splash

2009-05-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

Hello darling watercolor swimsuit, I love you and can't wait to splash around with you! Swimsuits are the number one staple for the summer, so I like to spend a good amount of time hunting for the sunniest suit- and this one is on the top of my list!

Ryder

2009-05-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

I can't get over how cute Kate Hudson and her son, Ryder are! He is the cutest little rock and roll kid I've ever seen. I really love long hair on young boys- its so rebellious and charming. And I adore Kate Hudson- she is so hip and she has managed to stay young and fresh!

Dylan

2009-05-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

Now that it is summer, I want nothing more than to lay in the sun listening to Bob Dylan. His music brings out the rebellious young girl in me and it is quite divine. If you haven't already, check out Don't Look Back, a documentary of Dylan's tour of England in 1965- wonderful footage!

Summer At Last

2009-05-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

I feel like playing some Etta James because it is summer At Last!! Beautiful, warm, sunny summer is here and I couldn't be happier! And theres no better way to start the summer than with this adorable flowery clutch (I just bought it and I can't stop staring!)

Corrina, Corrina

2009-04-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen Corrina, Corrina, you have to watch it right away! I used to adore the movie when I was a little girl and I just watched it again and I love it even more than I used to. The cinematography in the movie is absolutely beautiful (the scene where Corrina is shaking the sheet on the bed, the scene where Molly and Corrina are dancing by the pool, and when Molly is jumping on the bed.) Here is a clip of when Corrina and Molly are dancing by the pool, I hope you enjoy it just as much as I do.

Smile

2009-04-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

I've had a pretty lousy day and I was planning on staying miserable until I came across these absolutely scrumptious rings! I just can't help it, they make me smile! So needless to say my day has been turned around thanks to my little elephant and bunny friends.

Kiss The Earth

2009-04-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day! I gave the Earth a little kiss today and I hope you did too!

William Wegman

2009-04-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, I loved William Wegman's photography. Wegman had numerous books with bizarre yet beautiful photos of his Weimaraners. My two favorite books were Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella. Fall in love with Wegman's photos and dogs!

Cards

2009-04-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

I think these notecards are adorable and chic. They're blank so they are perfect for any occasion!

Jane Birkin

2009-04-14T19:23:00.001-07:00

Everyone has a list of people they wish they had known, and Jane Birkin is one of mine. She has an Edie quality to her- damaged and lost, yet remarkably tantalizing and sensual. Her style is effortless and timeless, and I just can't get enough!

Heavenly

2009-04-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

I could die and go to heaven in these shoes! I've spent the last 20 minutes oohing and aahing over them- precious! You can't get much more lovely than that, can you?

Unusual Find

2009-04-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I am saying this, but I love the new Walmart commercials! They are sweet and innocent- little peeks at the way women take care of themselves. From women prancing around applying lotion to every inch of there skin to girls trying on different eyeshadows and lipsticks, it truly makes you feel giddy about being a woman! I could only find one of the videos on Marisa Ferdenzi's myspace, (she sings the song "Lovely To Be A Woman" in the commercial) but that will have to do! (It is in the About Me section on the page) Enjoy being a lovely woman!

(photo credit via realsimple.com)

Easter Eggs

2009-04-11T08:16:00.001-07:00

I'm busy decorating Easter eggs with my little brothers today and we are all very excited for Easter! Have a wonderful weekend!

(photo credit via realsimple.com)

Mommy Alba

2009-04-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

I was never a fan of Jessica Alba, not because I disliked her, but because she never really caught my interest other than to make me envious of her body. Now that she is a mother, however, I find her to be quite lovely and elegant. Being a mom definitely fits her well, and now instead of looking like a cheeky girl next door, she is calm and serene and she has this glow about her that is quite captivating. So somehow, the almighty Jessica Alba has caught my eye (and made me even more excited to be a mother!)

Sweet Spring

2009-04-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

It's spring at last- the freshest, cleanest, brightest season! I know I've been going ga-ga over summer, but spring deserves some recognition- here are some much needed spring essentials..

Tikirani Valencienne Vest

Kimichi Blue Antique Tunic Top

Deux Lux Backpack

Matt Bernson Barracuda Sandal

So Sew Lovely

2009-04-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

How adorable is this sewing kit? It's such an essential item to have and it really couldn't be any sweeter (I'm pressing purchase as we speak!)

Barret

2009-03-28T06:09:00.000-07:00

I came across this darling photo of Barret Swatek and I just had to post about it! I'm always a fan of sassy things that manage to stay lovely, and I though this picture was a perfect fit.

Photo Credit Via Elisabeth Caren Photography

Young Love

2009-03-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

The loveliest part in Lolita is Humbert's memories of his first love, Annabel. Their love is so honest and pure, amongst all their tender and clumsy encounters. This excerpt has always enchanted me and it is the kind of love I dreamt of when I was younger.

Annabel was, like the writer, of mixed parentage: half-English, half-Dutch, in her case. I remember her features far less distinctly today than I did a few years ago, before I knew Lolita. There are two kinds of visual memory: one when you skillfully recreate an image in the laboratory of your mind, with your eyes open (and then I see Annabel in such general terms as: "honey-colored skin," "thin arms," "brown bobbed hair," "long lashes," "big bright mouth"); and the other when you instantly evoke, with shut eyes, on the dark innerside of your eyelids, the objective, absolutely optical replica of a beloved face, a little ghost in natural colors (and this is how I see Lolita).

All at once we were madly, clumsily, shamelessly, agonizingly in love with each other; hopelessly, I should add, because that frenzy of mutual possession might have been assuaged only by our actually imbibing and assimilating every particle of each other's soul and flesh; but there we were, unable even to mate as slum children would have so easily found an opportunity to do. After one wild attempt we made to meet at night in her garden (of which more later), the only privacy we were allowed was to be out of earshot but not out of sight on the populous part of the plage. There, on the soft sand, a few feet away from our elders, we would sprawl all morning, in a petrified paroxysm of desire, and take advantage of every blessed quirk in space and time to touch each other: her hand, half-hidden in the sand, would creep toward me, its slender brown fingers sleepwalking nearer and nearer; then, her opalescent knee would start on a long cautious journey; sometimes a chance rampart built by younger children granted us sufficient concealment to graze each other's salty lips; these incomplete contacts drove our healthy and inexperienced young bodies to such a state of exasperation that not even the cold blue water, under which we still clawed at each other, could bring relief.

Among some treasures I lost during the wanderings of my adult years, there was a snapshot taken by my aunt which showed Annabel, her parents and the staid, elderly, lame gentleman, a Dr. Cooper, who that same summer courted my aunt, grouped around a table in a sidewalk café. Annabel did not come out well, caught as she was in the act of bending over her chocolate glacé and her thin bare shoulders and the parting in her hair were about all that could be identified (as I remember that picture) amid the sunny blur into which her lost loveliness graded; but I, sitting somewhat apart from the rest, came out with a kind of dramatic conspicuousness: a moody, beetle-browed boy in a dark sport shirt and well-tailored white shorts, his legs crossed, sitting in profile, looking away. That photograph was taken on the last day of our fatal summer and just a few minutes before we made our second and final attempt to thwart fate. Under the flimsiest of pretexts (this was our very last chance, and nothing really mattered) we escaped from the cafe to the beach, and found a desolate stretch of sand, and there, in the violet shadow of some red rocks forming a kind of cave, had a brief session of avid caresses, with somebody's lost pair of sun-glasses for only witness. I was on my knees, and on the point of possessing my darling, when two bearded bathers, the old man of the sea and his brother, came out of the sea with exclamations of ribald encouragement, and four months later she died of typhus in Corfu.

I have reserved for the conclusion of my "Annabel" phase the account of our unsuccessful first tryst. One night, she managed to deceive the vicious vigilance of her family. In a nervous and slender-leaved mimosa grove at the back of their villa we found a perch on the ruins of a low stone wall. Through the darkness and the tender trees we could see the arabesques of lighted windows which, touched up by the colored inks of sensitive memory, appear to me now like playing cards--presumably because a bridge game was keeping the enemy busy. She trembled and twitched as I kissed the corner of her parted lips and the hot lobe of her ear. A cluster of stars palely glowed above us, between the silhouettes of long thin leaves; that vibrant sky seemed as naked as she was under her light frock. I saw her face in the sky, strangely distinct, as if it emitted a faint radiance of its own. Her legs, her lovely live legs, were not too close together, and when my hand located what it sought, a dreamy and eerie expression, half-pleasure, half-pain, came over those childish features. She sat a little higher than I, and whenever in her solitary ecstasy she was led to kiss me, her head would bend with a sleepy, soft, drooping movement that was almost woeful, and her bare knees caught and compressed my wrist, and slackened again; and her quivering mouth, distorted by the acridity of some mysterious potion, with a sibilant intake of breath came near to my face. She would try to relieve the pain of love by first roughly rubbing her dry lips against mine; then my darling would draw away with a nervous toss of her hair, and then again come darkly near and let me feed on her open mouth, while with a generosity that was ready to offer her everything, my heart, my throat, my entrails, I gave her to hold in her awkward fist the scepter of my passion.

I recall the scent of some kind of toilet powder--I believe she stole it from her mother's Spanish maid --a sweetish, lowly, musky perfume. It mingled with her own biscuity odor, and my senses were suddenly filled to the brim; a sudden commotion in a nearby bush prevented them from overflowing--and as we drew away from each other, and with aching veins attended to what was probably a prowling cat, there came from the house her mother's voice calling her, with a rising frantic note--and Dr. Cooper ponderously limped out into the garden. But that mimosa grove--the haze of stars, the tingle, the flame, the honey-dew, and the ache remained with me, and that little girl with her seaside limbs and ardent tongue haunted me ever since--until at last, twenty-four years later, I broke her spell by incarnating her in another.

(excerpt via Vladimir Nabokov)

Virgin Suicides

2009-03-25T14:47:00.001-07:00

I've been feeling rather broken hearted today, so I decided to cuddle up on the couch and watch Virgin Suicides. Theres nothing more lovely or tragic than a teenage girl...

Black and White Summer

2009-03-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

This Vogue Italia shoot makes me so excited for the summer...

photos by Greg Kadel

Dreamy Ballet

2009-03-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

Blurry ballet wonderland shoot from Elle that makes me want to twirl and whisper.

I Carry Your Heart With Me

2009-03-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)i am never without it(anywhere i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing,my darling) i fear no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true) and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

one of my favorite poems.. by e.e. cummings

Lovely Bath

2009-03-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

Loving, adoring, and swooning over Katya's bath from Interview. I love how calm and elegant the lighting is, and the fixture on the wall is so lovely. How romantic!

Lovely Summer Food

2009-03-21T08:08:00.001-07:00

Food is always better in the summer, and these lovely and simple meals are perfect for warm summer evenings.

Roast Chicken With Grape and Blue Cheese Salad

Linguine With Clam Sauce

Citrus Salad With Honey and Mint

Arugula Salad With Chicken and Avocado

Cucumber and Goat Cheese Sandwiches

Berry Vodka Spritzers

Sugar Rush

2009-03-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

When my guilty pleasure is on the cover of Rolling Stone, I get a little giddy. I'm loving the shoot, its very seductive and indulgent- a sugar rush. Oh, Gossip Girl, how I love (and hate) you so...

Le Scaphandre et le Papillon

2009-03-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

I am madly in love with Le Scaphandre et le Papillon ( The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.) It is a tender film about Jean-Dominique Bauby, the editor of French Elle. Jean-Dominique had a stroke at age 43, and was paralyzed with the exception of his left eyelid. His only way of communicating with the world was by blinking. This beautiful movie is based off of Jean-Dominique's memoir (also titled le scaphandre et le papillon) that he wrote by blinking. Jean-Dominique died 10 days after completing his book, and I find his whole story to be quite magical and mesmerizing. The film is a blurry and beautiful insight into Jean-Dominique's new view of the world.

Désolé

2009-03-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

So sorry for all the abandonment, life is moving too quickly! I came across this lovely old Keira Knightley Vogue photo shoot and I thought it was a perfect fit. The shoot is so sweet and modest, I love it! It reminds me of warm summer air...

Lovely Inspirations

2009-03-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

I've been doing quite a bit of daydreaming about fanciful things (I think it all stemmed from the gorgeous Oscar de la Renta dress that I fell in love with.) So I've been looking for inspirations for evening gowns, beautiful hair, and lovely makeup. Here are some wonderfully dreamy inspirations

Nicole Kidman pretty in pink in the Chanel No. 5 Commercial. I love the simplicity of her hair and her pale skin with the pale pink dress.

Love Drew Barrymore's fairy makeup and hair in Ever After! Glitter and jewels, oh my!

Love the royalty of Marie Antoinette- especially the simple black ribbon around the neck or the pretty lace eye mask! Everything is over the top and utterly delicious.