Peace Out...

Dears, I am off to Texas for little vacation. I will be visiting family and friends, and will probably not be doing my normal blogging this week...though I promise to take some photos to share. Have an amazing week -- I'll see you soon!

Cheers,

Tara

Boudoir Fashion: Paul Seville London

If you're one of my parental figures, maybe you shouldn't read this...it might get awkward...

I've always had a bit of a fascination with boudoir tales [a polite term for S&M?]. Mind you, I'm really quite vanilla, but for some reason, in my late teens and early twenties, I became interested in literary works like the The Story of O and erotic stories by Anais Nin. I also have quite a fondness for movies like Eyes Wide Shut and Secretary. You get the picture.

I'm certain it has something to do with the associated fashion accoutrements: masks, corsets, stockings, chains, leather accessories -- what's not to like? It's not the pain that interests me about these scenarios [though that aspect is fascinating], it is has more to do with the notion of play, dress-up, and fantasy. Needless to say, when I came across a very intriguing article on Fashion 156 about Paul Seville London, I was immediately mesmerized.

Paul Seville London creates leather fashion accessories and boudoir jewelry. His collection includes such tantalizing items as: figure-hugging corsets, delicate twisted and molded leather rope belts and jewelry with knotted antique chains and ribbons. It is all so truly beautiful and tasteful that I can't imagine keeping it solely to the confines of the boudoir...

When is the masquerade ball I've been dying for someone to throw???

New Spring and Summer Items at A Single Charm Vintage!

This has nothing to do with my shop, per se [except that they appear in the photos], but how gorgeous are these peonies?? I found them at Whole Foods yesterday, and I was ecstatic! Peonies are my favorite flowers, and they seem so hard to find! Now I know a source! They are currently making my apartment smell amazing....

In shop news, I have some lovely new finds posted today... sequins, stripes, and florals, oh my!

Naughty Edwardian Postcard from Granny's Postcards

I just ordered this splendidly naughty postcard from Granny's Postcards!

It is from the early 1900's and the lovely lady definitely has a Gibson-Girl vibe. But the thing that won me over was the fact that she is smoking! Women were rarely depicted smoking until the 20's [and even then it was controversial], so it seems quite racy that she is not only holding a cigarette, but also blowing the smoke seductively into the man's mouth. Of course, postcards were always a platform for depicting taboo subjects, even when advertisers still had strict notions about what they could depict gender-wise. Can't wait to get my hands on it!!

Monday Mischief...On a Tuesday: Fashion and Film

Yesterday was spent recovering from a very fun girl's weekend in Kansas City, so I was lax in my blogging duties! OOPS!

This is going to be a somewhat random post, but I wanted to share my thoughts on something I have been contemplating lately, namely: films. I have noticed that I am extremely picky about movies. I rarely "love" a movie, and I'm often disappointed in other movies that people seem to like. I think I have certain aesthetic expectations about movies, and my "eyes" get bored very easily -- does that make sense?



The movies I most love are the ones with a strong visual statement [and an interesting story doesn't hurt]. I pay very close attention to elements like costumes, colors, sets, lighting effects, music and mood. I also really tend to dislike gritty realism -- I figure, who needs to pay to watch it when it surrounds us? I don't find the representation of people's pain and anguish entertaining. But, then again, I love films like "Kill Bill," that are criticized for being extremely violent. Maybe I feel violence is acceptable if it is glamorized and unrealistic? I guess it doesn't hurt that it is Uma Thurman kicking ass in an awesome yellow jumpsuit!!



Speaking of awesome outfits in films, why isn't there more written about fashion and film? Where are the good blogs on this topic? If anyone knows, please pass on the wisdom!



I did recently discover a new Brazilian site called "Filme + Fashion," which focuses on the relationship and interplay between film and fashion. If you don't speak Portuguese, you will have to use the translation on Google, but it is still worth checking out for updates and articles on this fascinating connection. Some films they have mentioned lately that I am dying to see include: Blonde Venus [with Marlene Dietrich], Coco Avant Chanel [about the life of Chanel], Picnic at Hanging Rock [supposedly the movie that influenced Sofia Coppola], and the new Grey Gardens film [with Drew Barrymore].



And of course, if you're a movie lover, Film Stills is an amazing site. In some ways, I almost enjoy looking at beautiful or provocative stills more than I like actually watching the movie.



What is your take on this subject, my dear readers? Are visual elements important to you when considering a film? What are some of the most beautiful or visually engaging movies you have seen? I think I need to start being more proactive about researching films I would actually be inspired by!
[By the way, the images in this post are from some of my favorites: Marie Antoinette, Blade Runner, Legend, Orlando, Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Dogville...to name a few]