Come on Vogue with The September Issue!

Something clicked for me while watching the fashion documentary The September Issue this week. I swear I heard the angels singing. I felt like a fly on the wall in Anna Wintour's office, editor-in-chief to American Vogue. And to get yelled by her would be a dream come true!

Or maybe it would be a thrill for me to just be inside the Vogue walls.

Vogue fall photo shoot

From the documentary it was Grace Coddington, Fashion Editor, that really caught my eye. It is her creative vision for photo shoots, cutting edge fashion and passion for shoots that struck me. Some of Grace's photo's can be seen here.

It was the marriage between Anna and Grace that surprised me. Anna is always on the forefront of Vogue, as she should be. Yet it was Grace that was able to challenge her with her true vision for the magazine.

The September Issue

Take a look at this promo for the movie to see Anna and Grace (the unmistakable redhead) go head to head.

Color, color, color and perfect pose. Work it girls! This picture seems to be flowing through.

I'm pretty sure I have this hat somewhere in my closet from Toronto. Hold on as I go and try it on!



I love this color and wish I could wear it everyday. If I wear a turquoise ring with it would it be too much sweetie?

Love this Cameron Diaz California girl inspired shoot from the Vogue 2009 issue. The September Issue movie helps the viewer understand a little more about the high society in the fashion world. Whether it's designs, to clothes, to photo shoots, to runway shows or flying to Paris a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Tell me, does this movie speak to you like it did to me lovely?

Calling all love stories: Brides of Cinema

The lovely and talented Bride Chic was kind enough to guest post for us lovelies. Have you been to her blog? She founded the The Design Project of San Francisco, a networking organization of fashion professionals collaborating their skills and talents on projects. And she's been a wonderful supporter of Under the Sheets~shhh. Take it away Amy-Jo.
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Claudette Colbert as Ellie Andrews, Audrey Hepburn as Jo Stockton. No, they weren't real brides but the designers, writers and producers who created them certainly were. Hollywood designers and the actresses who wore their creations influenced the way we look at weddings and fashion today. All the gowns pictured here are works of art and stellar representatives of their times. What could be more 1930s than Robert Kalloch's creation for Claudette Colbert in It Happened One Night? The body-hugging bias cut was still a new, even radical concept in 1934, especially for a wedding gown. During this golden era, it was not Paris anymore as much as Hollywood that decreed fashion. This simple satin gown with florals surrounding the neckline could be found today in a few designer collections. The look has become timeless. Attached to the cap head piece you'll see miles of chiffon netting, a light and airy fabric the designer chose because in this story, Colbert needs to become the runaway bride once she decides Clark Gable is the one. As she runs, the veil, long as it is, lifts and floats beautifully off the ground to produce a kind of 'bride in flight' look.

sourceThe Givenchy on Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face has become a favorite for brides of every decade. When clients bring in inspiration photos so I can get an idea of what they want in a gown, this photo is pulled out often. And sometimes it is not the exact same dress a bride wants so much as 'the look' it evokes, the epitome of pure, flawless design.

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Above is one of the purest, most traditional wedding designs out there (the other is princess Grace's--also by a Hollywood designer, Helen Rose). I'm glad I finally found this image of Julie Andrews in Dorothy Jeakins shantung wedding gown. It's from one of the most beautiful movies ever made, The Sound of Music. Raised in an abbey by cloistered nuns, when Maria marries Captain Von Trapp she marches down the aisle alone. This really touched me when I first saw this movie as a kid. So much so that when my own day came to meet my intended and take my vows, I too walked alone and gave myself away.

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The gown Elizabeth Taylor is wearing was standard for its time. Post war, the world celebrated lifts on fabric restrictions by using vast amounts of it in skirts. Bridal gowns were the ultimate show-off the hourglass shape vehicle. The MGM release of Father of the Bride coincided with Taylor's own real, life nuptials with hotel heir, Nicky Hilton. Both her own and fictional wedding gown was designed by Helen Rose.

Below right is Carrie Bradshaw's Ivory silk taffeta confection. It's actually one of the finale pieces from Vivienne Westwood's 2007 "Wake Up Cave Girl" Collection. Hand picked by Sex in the City stylist, Patricia Field, personally, I was surprised Sara Jessica didn't rate a custom designed gown for her role in the film. I mean heck! Check out Audrey Hepburn. Didn't she have that one-of-a-kind-designed-to-fit-her-character Givenchy tulle wedding dress? The suit on the left would have been my choice . . . but . . .ultimately it was Carrie's as well.
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Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson in Bridal Wars, 2009

There are so many 'must see' movies for brides who want to gather ideas. Some are golden oldies, others like Sex in the City are still less than a year old. All are romantic, all are incredibly inspiring . . . . Most below are out on video or disc/DVD. Watch your favorite and listen to the commentary if there is one--you'll learn so much.

Here are some of my favorites--not necessarily the movie so much as the designs . . .It Happened One Night (1934)Father of the Bride (1950) Father of the Bride (remake 1991) Panama Hattie (1942) Design for Living (1933) The Sound of Music (1965) The Graduate (1967) Penelope (1966)Sex and the City (2008)

My addiction to the Oscars

Why is watching the Oscars so important to me? Is it the glitz and glamour of a different time and place? Yes it is. Do I love seeing the fashion and gowns. Definitely. But it also reminds me of my childhood. The Oscars was a love of my mothers. She would look forward to it every year and gather the family around the T.V. while we chose our winners on a ballot. My mother was also addicted to reading People magazine so knowing about celebrities was something we would talk about throughout the year.

But I love watching the Oscars because I simply love movies. I love watching incredible performances of actors that take my breath away. Actors have a way of losing themselves completely into a character and I enjoy following their career. Going to the movies for me was always a treat and not just because I adore buttered popcorn. Watching a movie allows me to escape my life and be carried into someone else’s. My movie tastes range from classic to documentary, to romantic and comedy, but I still shy away from westerns and horror.

I get excited about getting a new Netflix movie and creating my very own list of gems. And then the Oscars become a reward for all of my movie dedication throughout the year. Whether I’m watching with friends and dressed up or at home snuggled under a blanket, I feel the glamour and excitement of the Oscars.

Last night I watched as Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin host the awards. I was touched by The Hurt Lockers wins, Sandra Bullocks speech, Oprah Winfrey toasting the actress of Precious, seeing Up win best score and was amazed by the incredible dancers.

But to actually be at the awards is an out of body feeling.

I’ve had some experience with this, as my stepmother is a makeup artist. She has helped prepare stars for their red carpet debut. And I can’t tell you how hard we’ve all screamed when we saw them coming down that red carpet. I guess I will always been struck by the Oscars and I hope I never lose the feeling of escaping into Hollywood royalty every year. And I hope to see you at the movies real soon! What was your favorite part of watching the Oscars?

Call me George Clooney! movie review

I must admit to you that George Clooney is one of my favorites. There’s something so charming, elegant and cheeky about him that makes me enjoy him on screen. To make my crush worse, in real life he is supposed to be a huge practical prankster that lives life to the fullest. Now that I got that off my chest, time for my movie review. You have to go and see his new movie, Up in the Air. If you loved the rawness and sarcasm of Juno and the realness of the characters then run, don’t walk, to the movie theater.

George Clooney plays the character Ryan Bingham who is in love with his job. Ironically his joy for his job is at other peoples expenses. His company is hired by other companies to fly around the country and fire their employees. Ryan seems to have a narcissist peace by not being tied down, living out of a suitcase and racking up frequent flier miles.

Before flying out to an assignment, I enjoyed watching Ryan pack his suitcase with army like precision. And his reasoning for choosing which people to stand behind in the security check point is hilarious. When his protégé Natalie joins him on the road to learn his job, he shakes his head at her choice of pulley suitcase. One of my favorite scenes is when Ryan takes Natalie to the closest airport suitcase store and encourages her to repack in a new suitcase. Frustrated, he throws out her neck pillow and bed pillow.

And just like in Juno there are hidden meanings to the movie about our economy and relationships. As you watch Ryan fire people you are reminded that they have mortgages, families, responsibilities and feelings. And then I wondered how Ryan can do this…for a living? As you get to know his character more, we discover his life is in the air, with no real ties to earth.

I enjoyed the twists and turns of this movie. The moviegoer feels connected to the characters and can relate the story to their own lives. Plus I felt inspiration to call my loved ones and appreciative of my job. Most people are going to see a little movie called Avatar, but try and see this little gem of a movie Up in the Air. Oh and George…I’m here anytime to discuss your work. Call me?

The Holiday inspiration for home exchange

It's starting to look at a lot like Christmas...and it’s the time of year where all I want to do is snuggle under a warm blanket and drink tea. And since I'm at home more, I seem to be rewatching my favorite movies. A Christmas Story, Miracle on 34th and The Holiday are some of my holiday favs. I'm sure we've all had those moments where we're tired with our lives and wondered if things will ever change. The Holiday characters have a great idea of swapping homes and then they find true love.

Yes, yes I know it’s just a movie, but it got me thinking...if I was going to exchange homes with a stranger for 2 weeks over the holidays where would I go? There are so many places that I would like to visit, but moving in and seeing how someone else lives is an entirely new ballgame.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel, was raised in Toronto, lived in L.A., visited Brazil and England. Yet over the holidays, I would like to be in place that speaks another language, likes to use white lights over the city, has incredible views and culture and has wonderful people. Eureka I would exchange my San Francisco flat with someone in Paris for the holidays.
My fake ad for Home Exchange:

Clean, responsible, fun loving (and humble) female seeking charming flat with view of the Eiffel tower for the holidays. Flat must be under a flight of stairs (for charm) near a bakery and farmers markets and included must be one night where I throw a housewarming party for your friends. If your pantry is stocked with French wine then I'll be your new best friend. If flat is covered in white lights an even bigger bonus. In exchange you will stay in my four room San Francisco flat that is up one flight of stairs and located over a coffee shop. Must be ready to enjoy the noise of the cable car at night, music from the nearby comedy store and three old electrical outlets for all of the rooms. I promise to add white lights ASAP.

How fun would this be to exchange homes like they did in the Holiday? If you know of a little flat in Paris please send them my way. If you could exchange homes anywhere in the world for the holidays where would you go and why?