Street Style - April 2014

I really appreciate people who make an effort with their appearance. I appreciate style; it doesn't matter that it's not MY style.

Years ago I remember going to the DMV, drab, bureaucratic, HORRIBLE lighting. There was a woman behind the counter,  

I would guess in her late 50's or early 60's, dressed to the nines.  She was like a beam of technicolor in a sea of greige. Her frosted, teased hair was flawless. Lipstick and nail color matched, an abundance of makeup. I don't remember what she wore but it was LOUD  and I am fairly certain there was some leopard involved. She had style. SHE was memorable.

Remember Cher as "Laverne"?

I follow some style blogs. I love The Sartorialist, Scott Schuman's photography is fantastic. I like Garance Dore very much. I think Ari Cohen's Advanced Style is brilliant. The challenge is finding women on ANY Style blogs who are in their 40's, 50's and 60's. Sure there are a some exceptions, mostly fashion people or celebrities. Women don't just disappear after the age of 40 and re-emerge in  their 70's. I know because I see them everywhere..fabulous, stylish women.. in the middle.

Some style spottings...

This is a mother and daughter; the mother is on the right! The daughter is in her 40's and owns a yoga studio. Her mother is wearing a dress she made from a french tablecloth. They both look so chic and beautiful.

I thought these two couples looked sooo elegant... and who doesn't love a bow tie???

I have seen this couple several times around town. Always dressed perfectly for the occasion and always complementing each other....I do love Lilly!

I call these ladies "The Three Graces".  I think they look so cool and comfortable. Linen is the perfect summer fabric.

I'm looking forward to what style May will bring:)

Cine-Picks Transformations #1

I LOVE going to the movies. Mr. Charles and I usually go once a week but sadly, that is not always the case. Superheroaction movies do not speak to me. I like to be transported and inspired. 

For my first  Cine-Picks I've chosen 5 films where each mid-life heroine is transformed in some way.

Being Julia - 2004

Based on a Somerset Maugham novel "Theatre", "Being Julia" takes place in 1930's London. Annette Bening is PERFECTION as the fabulous theatre actress Julia Lambert. Jeremy Irons as her producer husband, the great Michael Gambon as her deceased mentor and Juliet Stevenson as her protective assistant are just delightful. The sets and costumes are breathtaking but it it the STORY which is the best.

Bread and Tulips - Italian - 2000

The gist of this charming Italian film is that a taken-for-granted housewife begins a new life in Venice. But it's so much more; nuanced with lovely characters. She doesn't just begin a new life, she blooms. Bruno Ganz co-stars, as does Venice.

Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day -2008

Set in 1930's London (hmm there seems to be a theme) this is a charming , screwball comedy fairytale...and what a cast! Frances McDormand as Miss Pettigrew with Amy Adams, Lee Pace and Claran Hinds.

ShirleyValentine - 1989

Shirley is a mid-life housewife who's in a rut. When her best friend wins a trip to Greece, Shirley joins her and yes, is transformed. It takes courage to make big life changes, especially in the middle..a sweet film.

Love Is All You Need -Danish/English -2012

I happened to see this film on a return flight from Paris and REALLY enjoyed it. Ida is a Danish woman who recently finished chemotherapy treatments. Just before heading to Italy for her daughter's wedding she discovers her husband is having an affair.
Pierce Brosnan plays a bitter widower very, very well. In this film Ida is not the only one who is transformed. There is an interesting sub-plot as well.

All films are available on Netflix.