Valentino - The Last Emperor

Valentino: The Last Emperor, produced and directed by Matt Tyrnauer, Special Correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine, is an intimate and engaging fly-on-the-wall exploration of the singular world of one of Italy's most famous men. The film documents the colorful and dramatic closing act of Valentino's celebrated career, tells the story of his extraordinary life, and explores the larger themes affecting the fashion business today. At the heart of the film is the unique relationship between Valentino and his business partner and companion of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti.

I had the pleasure of viewing this movie at the Tara Cinemas in Buckhead. Anyone romantically involved in the world of fashion should definitley see this. Besides all the breathtaking dresses it was a story that would not expect from a documentary. There was so many different themes to take in. You had the love story between Valentino and & Giancarlo, then the romance between Valentino and Giancarlo and the fashion line itself. This documentary also gave an in depth look of the world of couture that in essense no longer exists. The intricate detail and relentless work of making a masterpiece of a garment by hand. Even though the world knew of Valentino's retirement the documentary let you live the heartbreaking details. The audience was taken with emotion as we all got a glimpse of the tyranny of big business of a man that should be producing masterpieces on his deathbed. This documentary produces a whirlwind of emotion for the audience.

As a added bonus, Matt Tyrnauer, the director of the movie did a Q&A session. When I tell you I was a little overwhelmed with glee. He answered any and every question that the audience uttered. Even some of the personal and intimate questions about the movie were answered in completeness but with taste and class. All I can is BRAVO, BRAVO!

Vintage for the Curvy Girl

With the recession underway a lot of girls have taken the vintage thrift store route to try and stay chic, but save some cash. But the Vintage shop could be dangerous and chicless for the curvy girl if you take things too far. With this in mind I would like to give a few tips to help the curvy girl in the vintage shop.

1. Do Not dress in vintage from head to toe! Mix in vintage with modern. "The Little House on the Prairie" is never good. No one should be looking at you and thinking to themselves...their clothes sure look old.

2. Just because it is a "steal" does not mean it looks good. Ahh...the reason that probably most women have crap in there closet that they will NEVER EVER wear or if they do wear it they rant and rave about their $5 dress and everyone is thinking yea it looks like it cost that much. Just because it cost $2 does not mean it is for you. Ask yourself before you purchase am I buying this because I like it or because it cost $2 bucks. Listen to your inner fashionista...she wont let you down.

3. Dont be afraid to try new things. If you are so lucky to find a shop where the owner works in the shop take advice from them. This is their passion. They can give you ideas on what to do with a piece. Curvy girl's especially...the vintage pieces that are over a size 14 are scarce, so you will need to creative if you want to incorporate vintage pieces in your wardrobe. Someone who is an expert on vintage can give you some great advice.

Yellow vintage crops paired with Jibri(www.jibrionline.com) off the shoulder blouse, navy blue belt, blue sandals, and purse are from Target. An example of mixing old with new and trying new things. Model Meilee McElroy

4. Tailor those old styles to bring an updated look. This can really transform a piece. You can shorten a dress...go from long sleeve to short sleeve...tailor it to fit your waist exactly. There are infinite possibilities. But be sure to take it to a professional so you will get that polished finished look.

5. Do give that drab dress a try. Look for the potential in pieces. Adding a belt can give a pieces a 360 degree turn from drab to fab!

Vintage fushia shirt dress paired with a belt. Model Chris Middleton.

6. Don't overtrend. Yes there is a such thing as being too trendy. We all know the 80s is alive and well in 2009...maybe too alive and well. Looking like Cyndi Lauper or some 80s skateboard kid is not a good look for a grown woman. Or we even have the people who like to wear a piece from every decade on their bodies at once. JUST STOP IT! Pick one or two pieces and work from that. Look we already know that you are cool no need to try to prove it to us.

Before I leave I must recognize Poor Little Rich Girl located on Main Street in College Park, GA for all you Atlanta Curvy Girls. The owner Wintter Alex knows her stuff and keeps me in fabulous vintage pieces as you see on this blog. She can definitely guide you in the chic direction.

<3

I found this on Rockstar Diaries and just had to share it with you :)

The Apparition

If we ignore how alarmingly skinny the model is, these images are lovely. Reminds me of a fairytale/dream world sort of thing (who knows what I actually mean by that)...

SCMP STYLE Magazine - April 2009

Elyse Sewell photographed by Baldovino Barani

Styled by Holly Suan Gray

Hair and Make-up by Denise Toms

Shot on location at Dragon Garden, Hong Kong

(Source: Foto Decadent)

No Cheapassness!

Ok...Yeah I said it. There is a epidemic that is running rampant through the curvy community that we must address! Time and time again I run into the same issues with curvy girls(size 14+). As a stylist and a person who associates herself with fashionable and stylish people I seem to keep seeing the same problem in the curvy girls. They don't want to pay for quality fashionable pieces that would flatter their bodies. I keep seeing women who continue to wear thin & cheap fabric that show every bump, roll, dimple, etc. Now I am all for a great deal believe me, but I think a great deal comes every blue moon not every other day. I understand that to obtain the look I want I must spend money on quality pieces. Our size 0-12 women have realized this (And dont get mad b/c our little ladies are spending money on their clothes i.e. Dolce & Gabana, Prada...etc...and we don't event have designers that close to being as expensive as these), so the Curvy girl should understand this same concept. There are a lot of curvy ladies out their claiming to be fashionistas, but in reality are far from it. All I am saying is come to terms with epidemic and grow from it.

Theories on the epidemic:

1. Maybe these women think they will lose weight, so they don't buy clothes or buy cheap gross looking clothes. Why is this a problem? Because these women aren't getting any smaller...If you have been the same size for 2 years face it...that is your size, so you might as well work with what have and do the best with what you have.

2. A false sense of reality. It takes more material to make plus size clothes, so why shouldn't you cost a more. Common Sense!

3. The idea that cheap is chic. FALSE FALSE & FALSE. Regardless of what price you pay you should always buy a quality product. I have heard people announcing the cheap price of their garment as if they found this phenomenal buy when in actuality the garment and its owner are a horrendous pair. - (And for God sakes people stop announcing the price of your clothes...that cheap ass dress that you bought that you think is hot...ISN'T...period.

So as I step off my soap box if I can help just one person be fabulous my job here is done. Til next time....Tootles:)

Lingerie Love

I've always had a bit of a thing for buying nice undies. I'm not sure why. I guess it just makes you feel feminine and sexy, which is never a bad thing.

We've been doing a broadcasting project at uni about how the recession has affected underwear sales. Apparently more people are investing in nights in rather than nights out, so are buying more lingerie (and Dominoes pizza apparently?).

Agent Provocateur and Elle McPherson's line have seen increased sales since the recession began.

Anyhows, I thought I'd have a look around for some pretty knickers and such and share some of my favourite finds with you all.

Enjoy :)

(apologies for the tiny numbers - Blogger always somehow manages to make my photoshop efforts look abysmal!)

1 - 'Phoenix' red/black silk bra: £25, shorts £18 - Ann Summers

2 - Elle Macpherson Intimates 'Coranto' Padded bra: £32 - Figleaves.com

3 - Elle Macpherson Intimates 'Coranto' Thong: £20 - Figleaves.com

4 - Odille Butterfly Multiway Print Bra: £19.75 - ASOS.com

5 - Odille Butterfly Print Short: £11.75 - ASOS.com

6 - Peach Chiffon Bandeau Bra: £14 - Topshop

7 - Peach Silk Ruffles Bow Mini Knicker: £6 - Topshop

8 - Cream Satin Butterfly Brief: £5, or 3 pairs for £9 - Miss Selfridge

9 - Shimmer Satin Bra: $8.80 - Forever 21

10 - Shimmer Satin Panty: $4.80 - Forever 21

11 - Autograph Silk Rich Padded Pleat Plunge Bra: £19.50 - Marks & Spencer

12 - M&S Autograph Silk Rich Pleated Shorts: £9.50 - Marks & Spencer

Psst! Good news:

Marks & Spencer are offering 25% off on all bra's until 25/05/09. Time to stock up!

Harper's Bazaar's 'Tulips & Pansies: The Headdress Affair'

I came across some images on good old Facebook via the Harper's Bazaar fan page. I followed the link to their website to check out the whole collection. The photos are from a fashion show, held as a fundraiser 'for providing care for New York citizens living with AIDS/HIV'. Fashion designers lent their dresses, while master florists created the stunning headpeices. All I can say is I now want to pick thousands of flowers and start getting creative...

In the meantime, here are some of my favourites.

Beauuutiful :)

For more images/information click here!

The Curvy Girl's Guide to Style

Ladies join the us for an event that will encompass a night of high fashion and chic styling.


Saturday, May 16th
7-10 pm

Geisha House
Atlantic Station
1380 Atlantic Dr,
Atlanta, GA
678-683-1711
Cost: $5.00
RSVP at curvygirlevents@gmail.com

Shop samples from High Fashion Plus Designer JIBRI and custom order foundation from BODY EVOLUTION. Consult with GARNERSTYLE, personal shopper & curvy stylist, for tips on revamping wardrobe basics through tailoring and chic styling.

Catch Up...

Well, not that there's much to catch up on. I may have been a bit out of the loop but there doesn't seem to be much happening right now in the wonderful world of fashion. This leads to a lack of inspiration.

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However, for a change, I enjoyed reading the new Vogue today. Despite being a subscriber, I rarely make my way through the whole issue lately. This month's issue is allll about bodies. Cue envy-inducing shoots with a naked Natalia Vodianova (no way has she had 3 kids?!) and a beautifully busty Lara Stone. Note to self: Invest in a scanner!

I found Christa D'Souza's article on her obsessive weight control very interesting to read. Lately I've been getting quite strict with my food* (if we ignore todays unusual binge) and I generally dont tend to crave chocolate anymore.

*Not in a concern-raising way may I add.

Reading about other people's eating habits interests me for some reason...

Anyways, if you're into all that then it's a good issue to buy if you dont plan to already. I'm always amazed at how large their word counts must be! Articles going on for pages and pages...

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Oh and news on the Glamour placement. I was invited a few months back to start in June, but they needed extra help in the office last week so called me in to lend a hand. I was in the fashion closet most of the day and almost cried at the wall full of (mostly) Louboutins. And a floor covered in Chanel jewellery. I'm so excited to go back - everyone there is soooo so lovely! More than I could've possibly imagined. I know that sounds bad, but I watched The Devil Wears Prada for the millionth time a few nights before and got the nerves/fear of nasty fashion people?

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Anyhow, I'm off to read more blogs for inspiration/catch up on the new Gossip Girl... This episode looks so good I think I may DIE! (Also been watching the Rachel Zoe Project, quite obviously...)

Ciaoo :) x