Top Fashionable Movies I Choose Watch

Fashion is oftentimes an assimilation of style and culture. Since the time of Audrey Hepburn to Grace Kelly in the old movie classics, the outfit of the actors has always added character to every scene. I do not know for certain how film critiques gauge a movie as fashionable. All I know is that even the movies whose actors are draped with what's currently on trend, sometimes don't go half the word of fashionable based on reviews. Perhaps a perfect blend of style, and how outfits are carried from beginning to end-- to how they are related to the movie-- is the moniker justified.

Not since Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby of the 20's high luxury fashion, to Carrie Bradshaw's collection of Manolos carried onto the big screen, to Hepburn's Funny Face of French couture and glossy magazines has a movie integrated the exquisite contribution of fashion to film. 

I look up to these two crafts combined. Among my top picks, revisited, here:

Click on the photos to watch the movies. Give yourself a style guide!

American Gigolo (1980)

Facts: A 117 minute American crime drama film by Paul Schrader. 

Story: Julian, an escort to wealthy Los Angeles women making a lucrative living. He suddenly suspects he's being framed for the death of one of his clients. Meanwhile he begins a relationship with a local politician's wife.

Inspiration: 80's stand up collar style and the luxe tailoring collection of Giorgio Armani. 

Annie Hall (1977)

Facts: An 93 minute American romantic- comedy film by Woody Allen. 

Story: Neurotic New York comedian Alvy Singer falls in love with the ditsy Annie Hall. [imdb.com]

Inspiration: Layering. White oxford topped with a man's silk tie, and a Civil War vest with the top button buttoned, inspired by Diane Keaton's real- life style.

Belle De Jour (or Beauty of the Day, 1967)

Facts: A 101 minute French drama film by Luis Buñuel.

Story: A frigid young housewife decides to spend her midweek afternoons as a prostitute. [imdb.com]

Inspiration: Tight buns and French roll hairstyle, double- breasted A- line coats and nifty little Yves Saint Laurent day dresses. 

Blow-Up (1966)

Facts: A 111 minute British- Italian crime film by Michelangelo Antonioni

Story: A mod London photographer seems to find something very suspicious in the shots he has taken of a mysterious beauty in a desolate park. [imdb.com] 

Inspiration: Sixties London fashion and mod makeup (perfect for the spring/ summer 2013 trend), and Jane Birkin of Hermes "Birkin Bag" fame. Disregard the casual making out in the film.

Bonnie & Clyde (1967)

Facts: A 122 minute crime- drama film by Arthur Penn.
Story: A somewhat romanticized account of the career of the notoriously violent bank robbing couple and their gang. [imdb.com]
Inspiration: Midi skirts and dresses. Silk, scarves, berets. 

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Facts: A 115 minute American romantic- comedy film by Blake Edwards.

Story: A young New York socialite becomes interested in a young man who has moved into her apartment building. [imdb.com]

Inspiration: Audrey Hepburn's signature elegant black satin sheath, inspired by 40's and 50's greatest models, and Hubert Givenchy's designs for Hepburn. 

Coco Avant Chanel ( Coco Before Chanel, 2009)

Facts: A 110 minute French film by Anne Fontaine.

Story: The story of Coco Chanel's rise from obscure beginnings to the heights of the fashion world.

Inspiration: Chanel's "tomboy chic" style of the World War I period, working outfits into a sophisticated look.  

Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky (2009)

Facts: A 118 minute French film by Jan Kounen. 

Story: Paris 1913. Coco Chanel is infatuated with the rich and handsome Boy Capel, but she is also compelled by her work. Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring is about to be performed. The revolutionary dissonances of Igor's work parallel the radical ideals of Coco Chanel.

Inspiration: Coco Chanel's style of striking black, navy blue, and white.

Coco Chanel (2008)

Facts: A 139 minute TV film by Christian Duguay

Story: The life story of legend fashion designer Coco Chanel. [imdb.com]

Inspiration: Coco Chanel's famous box leather jackets.

Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)

Facts: A 104 minute American romantic- comedy film by P.J. Hogan.

Story: A college grad lands a job as a financial journalist in New York City to support where she nurtures her shopping addiction and falls for a wealthy entrepreneur. [imdb.com]

Inspiration: Color block. Quirky and glamorous urban street style.

Funny Face (1957)

Facts: A 103 minute American musical film by Stanley Donen.

Story: An impromptu fashion shoot at a bookstore brings about a new fashion model discovery in the shop clerk. [imdb.com]

Inspiration: Photography- worth fashion, featuring the designs of Givenchy. An appreciation for art than the cafe' society.

Garmento (2002)

You'll see a trailer video in this link. I'll search over the net to find the full movie video for you.

Facts: A 90 minute American film by Michele Maher.

Story: "The Steamy Side of Fashion". Fashion is considered a glamorous industry full of beautiful people. "Garmento" tells the other side of the story, with a dark and satirical look at New York's wholesale garment industry, where shady deals are made for a buck and ruthlessness is a prerequisite for career success. [imdb.com]

Inspiration: Street style. Jeans. 

Grace of Monaco (2013)

Watch for the trailer video soon. Full movie release date Dec. 27, 2013

Facts: An American- French biography film by Olivier Dahan.

Story: The story of former Hollywood icon star Grace Kelly's crisis of marriage and identity, during a political's dispute between Monaco's Prince Rainier III and France's Charles De Gaulle, and a looming French invasion of Monaco in the early 1960's.

Inspiration: Mix of Hollywood fashion and royal allure. Swingy style, body- flattering skirts, mixing of texture, feminine ruffles, sweater and pearls, retro.

Legally Blonde 1 & 2 (2001, 2003)

         

Legally Blonde 1

Legally Blonde 2

Facts: A 96 and 95 minute American film by Robert Luketic and Charles Hermanwurmfeld respectively.

Story: When a blonde sorority queen is dumped by her boyfriend, she decides to follow him to law school to get him back and, once there, she has more legal savvy than she ever imagined. In the sequel, she heads to Washington D.C. to pass a bill that will ban animal testing. [imdb.com]

Inspiration: Lush and pastel pink style. Chunky knit cardigans, dress, and leathers.

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Facts: A 127 minute historical comedy- drama film by Sofia Coppola.

Story: The re- telling of France's iconic but ill- fated queen, Marie Antoinette. [imdb.com]
Inspiration: French Haute Couture Fashion featuring designs from John Galliano, Alxander McQueen, and Christian Lacroix; and sequined stiletto shoes. Also portrayed by Kate Moss in the April 2012 issue of Vogue US.

Point & Shoot (2004)

It's a movie trailer here, too. Sorry :( I'll look for the full video and link it here!

Facts: A 96 minute romantic drama movie by film makers Shawn Regruto and more.
Story: Blurring the light between fiction and reality, aspiring fashion photographer Shawn Regruto-- obsessed with documenting every part of his life-- assembles his personal and professional home- video footage into a feature film. [imdb.com]
Inspiration: Urban street style. Magazine- worthy fashion.

Pret- a- Porter (1994)

Facts: A 133 minute Americal satirical comedy film by Robert Altman.
Story: A fashion show in Paris draws a usual bunch of people: designers, reporters, models, magazine editors. [imdb.com]
Inspiration: Collections of most famous designers like Christian Dior.

Sex and the City (2008)

Facts: A 145 minute American blue romantic comedy film adaptation by Michael Patrick King.
Story: A New York writer on sex and love is finally getting married to her Mr. Big. But her three best girlfriends must console her after one of them inadvertently leads Mr. Big to jilt her. [imdb.com]
Inspiration: New York street style- coats, vests, scarves, dress, chic bags and accessories. (except again the make out scenes).

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Facts: A 109 minute comedy- drama film by David Frankel, an adaptation from the novel written in the same title by Lauren Weisberger.
Story: A naive young woman comes to New York and scores a job as the assistant to one of the city's biggest magazine editors, the ruthless and cynical Miranda Priestly. [imdb.com]
Inspiration: Texture, color, prints, and pattern combinations. Designer clothes-- Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Vivienne Westwood, and Prada.

The Great Gatsby (1974, 2013)

Facts: A 143 minute American 3D romantic- drama film by Baz Luhrmann, an adaptation from a classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Story: A Midwestern war veteran finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his millionaire neighbor. [imdb.com]
Inspiration: 1920's high luxury fashion. Vintage flapper dress.  Pearl necklaces and accessories. Feather vintage pieces. Summer whites. Crisp oxfords. Suits.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Facts: A 109 minute comedy- drama film by Wes Anderson.
Story: An estranged family of former child prodigies reunites when one of their members announces he has a terminal illness. [imdb.com]
Inspiration: Leathers and loafers. Suits. Unique fashion ensembles.

Hmmm, have you found a little inspiration on how to make your outfits work together in these movies? Succumb to the fashion forces!







References:
wikipedia (dot) org
imdb (dot) com

Photo Credits:
google (dot) com (slash) images
freemovie (dot) net
manilaurbanite (dot) blogspot (dot) com
businessofffashion (dot) com

Top 5 Sweet Flicks for Valentine's Day

If only my website had a way of speaking directly to me, I would have ended heartbroken. I left it for a bit long while to juggle three other jobs. I knew I screw for having that said as a reason but I am definitely on to making a good start to recompense for the damage.

It's Valentine's day and it's always nicer to spread love than bad vibes. 

I saw fair ladies and gents carrying roses and chocolates with them down town. And while a romantic dinner set by the beach makes for a perfect activity, I suggest taking the rather less expensive but thoughtful way of spicing up the evening with your loved ones.

I have picked 5 romantic movies singles, couples, and families can take joy in watching at home:

1. Valentine's Day

Don't you think the title is very high time? It's a 2010 romantic comedy movie about couples and singles in Los Angeles breaking-up and making-up based on the pressures and everyday anticipation of Valentine's Day.

The movie depicts relationships in different stages and points of view, from childhood crushes and puppy loves, to hormone-driven teen-playing-adult relationships, to mature and stable adult relationships. 

The downside is that there are few scenes and lewd conversations that couples, especially parents need to get ready for in explaining and guiding their children.

Watch Valentine's Day here.

2. Serendipity

This movie aired in 2001. It's about a couple who reunited years after they first met and opted to trust in fate, chance, or destiny to decide whether they are truly meant for each other or not.

You might somehow find a predictable script but the actors, music, and the plot will give you a light heart. 

Watch Serendipity here.

3. 50 First Dates

It's a 2004 romantic comedy movie about a man who used to have no interest in having a serious relationship but met a local pretty young woman in Hukilau Cafe'.

The good part was that the man untiringly loved and cared for the woman even if she had Goldfield Syndrome, a kind of anterograde amnesia that makes her memory last for only a day. 

On another note, you'll love to see walruses flying a kiss.

Watch 50 First Dates here.

4. Letters to Juliet

It's a romantic film in 2010. It's mainly about a couple who separated for many years but suddenly found each other in Italy through the help of an aspiring writer who replied back to a love letter sent in Juliet's House in Verona, Italy. 

The place exists in real life and the movie clearly shows that true love doesn't age.

Watch Letters to Juliet here.

5. A Walk to Remember

This movie is a tear-jerker, but the story is love. It's a 2002 romantic drama film based from the novel of the very good Nicholas Sparks. 

It's about two teens who have shown important elements in love-- sincerity, care, trust, forgiveness, hope, and sacrifice along their relationship. 

Personally, it's a movie grown-ups and growing ups need to see.

Watch A Walk to Remember here.

Some of you might prefer watching Editors' picks romantic classics like Pride and Prejudice, Breakfast at Tiffany's or the famous When Harry Met Sally. But the above choices will spur you with cheerfulness, resilience, and hope about love. 

You might have or have not watched them yet but another suggestion is for you to read the more elaborate book version of the movie (if any). It's as if you need telling twice, only that it's fulfilling to know the story without its other significant parts cut.

You can also look for more romantic comedy sweet flicks here. The list actually goes on.

More importantly, let me remind you what the Bible says about love:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud or rude. It is not self-seeking.  It is not easily angered. Love keeps no record of wrongs. It does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. ~ 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! God bless your heart! 

Drop your comments below.

Photo & Video Credits:

google (slash) images (dot) com

megashare (dot) info

References:

imdb (dot) com

Balik Tanaw: Favorite 90's Memories Part 3

Man, was the idea of posting memories from the 90's a total baloney? I guess not.

Needless to say that most people can to relate to it. There are still fun remembrances that others can hardly recall until someone is there to remind it to them. I tell you it's not false modesty if I say posting this is not all about gaining more traffic to my site. It's more about bringing out something relevant to my readers. And given  my druthers, I'd like to hope this post will serve as reference soon when 90's will already become a distant decade in the past.

Let's begin our time travel for the third time.

Where did I stop in Part 2?

Ahh here!

Morning TV Shows

                  "Bawat bata may tanong, 'ba't ganito, ba't ganon?' Hayaang buksan 

                ang isipan sa Science o Agham. Tayo na! Sa sineskwela! Tuklasin na-

                   tin ang siyensya. Buksan ang pag-iisip. Tayo'y likas na sayantis."

Aahh, those lines play a huge part of my childhood. I still watch this every weekday mornings on Knowledge Channel whenever I have the chance to.

Naaalala mo ba yan? Batibot! :D

Eh yung mga kanta ng At Iba Pa??? :D

Remember Porfirio of Epol Apple? Eh si kuya Bodjie who was formerly in Batibot, too? :D

            Do you remember this also? Hit play so you'll know :D I'm totally not a math junkie but I knew I'm going to enjoy it someday just by listening to this :D

   Ikaw ang unang nag-buo ng bayang pilipino. Ikaw ang 

      unang lumaban sa pananakop ng dayuhan. Ikaw ang nag-sindi 

        ng ilaw. Ikaw and nag-bigay ng liwanag sa kahulugan at katwiran, 

        sa halaga ng kalayaan! 

 Bayani! One of my faves! My nationalistic hint is awaken. Kinikilabutan pa rin ako. This honestly influenced my love for learning Philippine History kahit pa ba madalas nakakalula magbasa ng mahahabang narratives. Kayo, anong episode ang naaalala n'yo? :D

I even posted an entry that entirely talks about another sensible TV show, Hiraya Manawari. Click here in case you haven't read it yet.

                  Hiraya Manawari! Aaahhh childhood! Agree when it was said that not all youth experienced

childhood with these TV series.

Remember Balt and Mithi?? How about listening to that vid below

                           Could not find any better video for the opening. But I surely miss watching this.

           Still aired on Knowledge Channel. You can check on their website to know the time slot.

          Mga kwentong mula sa pahina. Mga kwentong panitikan. That's how I describe this TV series. :) :)

Nighttime TV Shows

Familiar lang ang linyang yan for sure! :D

"Magandang gabi bayan!" a la Noli de Castro haha :D

A trusted news program already! Ever since the 90s :)

There was Balitang K long before Rated K! :D

Kung may Kuya Kim ngayon, noon merong Ka Ernie Baron along the famous line,
"Pag walang knowledge, walang power" :)

And of course! Who will ever forget?? Go go go Power Rangers! hahaha :D

Whoa! Si Alpha who is better known by kids as "ayayayay" hahaha :D

Real crimes, real people, real story. Calvento Files! I so remember this!!!

Dramas oh dramas!!! hahaha

How did it feel when Ted Failon already starts to say "Hoy gising!" haha :D

How about the Mexican novelas that invaded Phil TV before Korean novelas did? haha:D

The World Tonight! My favorite late night news program (I was 5 and young but I'm honest if I'd say I really watch this back then) I remember Mr.Teddy Locsin breaking the opening line, "I'm Teddy Locsin,Jr. and this is The World Tonight" I loved that!

Oka Tokat (Takot Ako) Creepy TV series every Tuesday nights in the 90s :)

And one of the most sensible TV shows, Wansapanataym! :) Sometimes it makes me cry when I listen to the opening song again :) :) A very good show to watch,aired every Sunday evening (just before kids go back to school on the weekdays)

     Napanood niyo din ba yung movie??? :) Si Barbiel!!!Who made known the line "Oh my gulay!" hahaha

And here's to all the 90s evening filled with laughter...

Balik Tanaw: Favorite 90's Memories Part 2

The afterthought is endless. I was not born an expat so I have a somewhat serious mind for a lot of Filipino  memories in the 90's. Though I could also not afford to overlook the foreign ones. Some of my readers and friends' reactions after posting the Part I made me realize there is just too much I could look back on to.

And so I reckon more retrospection as something positively worth doing.

Ready for another journey down memory lane?

The Music

There was MTV before Myx hehe :D

You're a 90's kid if you can finish the song, "Ice Ice _ _ _ _" Alam mo yaaaannn! hahaha :D

You surely know Spice Girls! And almost all of their songs!

You can pretty memorize Barbie Girl by Aqua haha :D

You know S Club 7!!! :D

Very in ang BOY BANDS!!! N Sync, Backstreet Boys (Backstreet's back, alright! hahaha) , 98 Degrees, A1, Westlife, and guess what band is in the lower left? ------------- Boyzone! Squeals! :D

I almost forgot!!! Boyz II Men whew!!! I'd be cursed! haha

If today's decade has Justin Bieber, before we had Aaron Carter!!!!! I bet you are already  humming "I'm all about you, I'm all about us" in your mind right now noh?! haha