Sometimes it is good to look beyond your culture and surroundings and experience something totally different to give you perspective. A great way to do that is to travel abroad--but sometimes that is not always so easy. My back up idea is to rent an amazing foreign film! Here are my top 5 with summaries (wikipedia) and my opinion. Please feel free to share more in the comments! Also, to respect the actors--you have GOT to see them with subtitles--no english voice overs. It really kills the mood.
5. La Vie en Rose
La Vie en Rose (French pronunciation: [la vi ɑ̃ ʁoz], literally "Life in Pink"; released in France as La Môme, referring to Piaf's nickname "La Môme Piaf," meaning "The Little Sparrow") is a 2007 French-Czech-British biographical film about the life of French chanteuse Édith Piaf.
Plot: Essentially the life story of singer Edith Piaf
My review: This movie captured my interest because the actress Marion Cotillard (the wife in Inception) won best actress for playing Edith Piaf (also the singer of the songs they woke up to in Inception). I actually watched it on a long flight home and was so intrigued by the story line. I had heard her songs before but never knew who she was or what her story was about. It is a bit sad, but it kept my interest the entire 140 minutes! My recommendation--you may want to watch this one on your own-its kinda heavy.
4. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (simplified Chinese: 卧虎藏龙; traditional Chinese: 臥虎藏龍; pinyin: Wòhǔ Cánglóng) is a Chinese-language film in the wuxia martial arts style, released in 2000.
Plot: Two warriors in pursuit of a stolen sword and a notorious fugitive are led to an impetuous, physically-skilled, teenage nobleman's daughter, who is at a crossroads in her life.
My review: This story had some awesome cinimatography and my favorite part was that the women were the bad asses! It was the perfect balance of action and romance to keep both women and men's attention...so feel free to see it with any type of friend....that is willing to read subtitles the whole time that is...
3. Amélie
Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain (French: [lə fabylø dɛstɛ̃ d‿ameli pulɛ̃], French for "The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain"), or simply Amélie, is a 2001 romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet.
Plot: It tells the story of a shy waitress, played by Audrey Tautou, who decides to change the lives of those around her for the better, while struggling with her own isolation.
My review: This story is the cutest little chic flick--and I absolutely adore it! My big sis recommended it years ago when it first came out and actually bought the movie for my mom, but I never got around to watching it until very recently. It is choc full of wit and whimsy and a really cool thing is that you will recognize several themes/songs that are derivatives of/inspired by this movie (Wale's song, Travelocity gnome) So invite your girls over, break out the Nutella and crêpes and prepare to say "awww!!"
2. City of God
City of God (Portuguese: Cidade de Deus) is a 2002 Brazilian crime drama film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, released in its home country in 2002 and worldwide in 2003.
Plot: It depicts the growth of organized crime in the Cidade de Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro, between the end of the '60s and the beginning of the '80s, with the closure of the film depicting the war between the drug dealer Li'l Zé and criminal Knockout Ned. The tagline is "Fight and you'll never survive... Run and you'll never escape."
The film received four Academy Award nominations in 2004: Best Cinematography (César Charlone), Best Directing (Meirelles), Best Editing (Daniel Rezende) and Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay) (Mantovani).
My opinion: This movie is HEAVY and extremely raw, but packed full of action! When I say raw I mean children shooting children...slums...shoot outs...crime--anything you can think of that does NOT typically come to mind when you think of Rio de Janeiro. But there is a lot of reality that you should be aware of. Great movie. The guys love it--and make sure you see it with people who are not afraid to voice their opinion, because there is a lot to talk about after you see this movie!
1. Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire is a 2008 British film directed by Danny Boyle, written by Simon Beaufoy, and co-directed in India by Loveleen Tandan.[2] It is an adaptation of the novel Q & A (2005) by Indian author and diplomat Vikas Swarup.
Plot: Set and filmed in India, the film tells the story of Jamal Malik, a young man from the Juhu slums of Mumbai who appears on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (Kaun Banega Crorepati in the Hindi version) and exceeds people's expectations, thereby arousing the suspicions of the game show host and of law enforcement officials.
Slumdog Millionaire was nominated for 10 Academy Awards in 2009 and won eight, the most for any film of 2008, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It also won seven BAFTA Awards (including Best Film), five Critics' Choice Awards, and four Golden Globes.
My opinion: This movie was so amazing! You have a roller coaster of emotions as you watch it--sad, happy, disappointment, suspense--you name it! You are truly rooting for this boy to make it--after all of the craziness he has survived and had to tolerate. That's all I can tell you without ruining anything! Okay one more thing--the soundtrack is also pretty amazing--and includes M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" (if you are into her). 2 thumbs WAY up!
Well that rounds out my 5...share your opinions after you see them!
These days it is more and more common to see people showing off their natural, shorter nails in brighter and non traditional colors! How fun, right? But how do you know which colors would best suit you? You will have your answer soon...
*side note* I have never really been into acrylic both for the damage to your nails and the price. The cool thing about natural nails is that it doesn't have to be expensive and you can express your personality or mood through color far more frequently!
*Back to the point * Oftentimes colors are recommend based on skin tone (light, medium, dark), but I believe that is the wrong way. I think you should pick nail colors and consider your undertones-- the same way that you pick your makeup. For example, some people have yellow undertones, some have red, and some have blue.
My favorite brand of nail polish is OPI (in my opinion the best quality, best color range and the most original names guaranteed to make you smile).
OPI just debuted their "Swiss Collection" for fall....*side note* Every so often OPI comes out with new collections with an overall theme (like India or South Beach) but these themes really don't mean anything--just inspiration for naming the colors. I am convinced that the colors are not new, just old colors repackaged with new names!
I don't want to limit your interest in any of these colors so just scroll through and pick your favorites without any guidelines. Here are the 12 new colors for fall (note the "Swiss" names underneath):
Diva of Geneva . Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous . Glitzerland
I’m Suzi & I’m a Chocoholic . From A to Z-urich . Color So Hot it Berns
Just a Little Rösti at This . William Tell Me About OPI . Ski Teal We Drop
Yodel Me on My Cell . The Color to Watch . Cucoo for This Color
OPI retails for between $6 to $8 dollars a bottle at Sephora, Ulta or sometimes even the grocery store. If this is a little pricey (or you don't have access to these stores) you can go with some of the polishes at your local drug store. I have had great experiences with Sally Hansen's HD nail color, and Complete Salon Manicure (Fairy Teal shown at the very top)--they have a variety of great, long lasting colors and retail for between $3-$6.
I have recently taken to Milani's "Liquid Metal" collection shown below. "Ms Milani" (far left) is a beautiful pewter color that will work great for fall and retails for about $3-$5 at CVS. They also have a dope "neon line" that I hear lasts long too.
I'm sure you may be expecting some more guidelines on how to choose the color for you like "cool undertones stick to cool colors" and vice versa, but honestly now that I think about it--I don't think there should be any rules! Like I said consider your undertones, but don't limit yourself. Try out what colors you are drawn to or curious about and if it scares you after 48 hours--change it. If all 10 fingers being painted scare you--just paint a couple nails in each of the colors you are considering and wear them around for the day to see how you feel.
If any, there should be some guidelines on HOW to wear the colors. Colors can really enhance a look--and you have to decide if you want a bright pop, a metallic edge, or a classic look. What you want may change daily--and that's totally fine!
*quick example* If you are going out--try something edgy or funky--something you normally wouldn't--and if you hate it in the morning--change it! Or if you are going for a vintage look--try a bold traditional color like a deep red to set off your polka dots and pin curls.
*personal story* I was always scared of reds--but I tried a modern spin on red to go with a festive frock (OPI's "Cajun Shrimp" --similar to "Color So Hot it Berns") and after the initial shock--I loved it. So be adventurous!
Consider what look you are going for and take it there (including hair & make up). The important thing is that you love it--who cares about everyone else ;)
If you are anything like me, you sometimes get bogged down with sorting through the mail. It piles up so quickly right!? Frankly sometimes I just don't feel like shredding, sorting, or filing so the pile can get pretty intense!
Another problem that I have run into is an overflow of thick files from years and years of filing statements and other papers. Since I was never told how long you are supposed to keep this stuff, I did a little research and I found out some answers! Here is what I found:
Keep for ONE MONTH: • Credit card receipts • Sales receipts for minor purchases • Withdrawal and deposit slips (toss after you have checked them against your monthly bank statement)
Keep for ONE YEAR • Paycheck stubs • Monthly bank statements • Monthly credit card statements • Mutual Fund, 401K, any other Retirement account statements
Keep for SIX YEARS • W-2s, 1099s, and other guts of your tax returns • Year end credit card statements, • Brokerage and mutual-fund summaries
Keep INDEFINITELY • Tax returns • Receipts for major purchases • Real estate and residence records • Wills and trusts Keep in a SAFE DEPOSIT BOX
• Birth and death certificates • Marriage licenses • Insurance policies
Okay ladies, let's talk about our bodies. Your body is your temple, right? And naturally you want to look your best whatever your body type may be.
Luckily that is why there are so many different styles and trends. And yes, this means that not every trend and style is for you/your body type!
Fortunately for us women--we are beautiful in many different ways, and thus we naturally have different attributes that we want to highlight.
I have done my best to categorize all of bodies types that I have seen and added an appropriate name for each (you will see). I never liked those negative labels like "pear" or "box" so you will have a much more appealing name to call your body type after reading this blog!
Scroll down to see which one best matches you--and remember, you may be a combination of more than one. Once you find your body type--I have added celebrities to watch, what your style goal should be, and things to AVOID!!! I have also added other names you may have previously heard for that body type.
Please share this link with girlfriends, mothers, sisters, cousins, whoever you think will benefit from reading--the more the merrier--by clicking the tab at the end.
I got most of the information from DressYourBodyType.com which is an excellent resource because they have detailed rules for each body type. Some of the info is kinda dated, but it is still really good! Go to their website by clicking --> HERE.
Have a great day and don't forget to share with at least one friend by clicking the tab at the end!
Love, Rose
P.S. I may do a blog on dressing right for your age too...
The Goddess
(Formerly Petite)
Celebrities to watch: Kelly Ripa, Kristen Bell, Natalie Portman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jada Pinkett-Smith
Style Goal: to elongate your figure
Characteristics: If you answer "yes" to almost everything below, you have a petite figure and should read on to find out what garment is best for your shape:
You describe yourself as having a “small frame”.
You are typically under 5'3".
You wear “ankle” length pants or may feel “short”.
Balanced proportions.
Avoid:
Over sized tops and coats.
Large, over-powering patterns or prints.
Skirts that are way too full or too-long.
Pants that are too wide or cuffed at the hem make you look shorter than you really are.
Blousy dresses
Be cautious when picking out a long dress. It may swallow you.
No child-sized swimsuits!
The Queen
(Formerly Full Figured/Apple/Diamond)
Celebrities to watch: Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Hudson, America Ferrera, Queen
Latifah
Style Goal: For the full figure, you want to minimize those curves, but not deny them. Your #1 challenge is finding beautiful, trendy clothes that fit. First, let's find out if you are a full or curvy figure. If you answer "yes" to most of the characteristics below, then read on.
Characteristics:
You have a full bust and hips.
You may be thick-waisted or you have little to no curve in the waste.
You feel your hips and upper portion could be smaller and want to minimize the portion.
Avoid:
For button-up blouses, make sure the fit is right. The space between the buttons may open a bit. To solve this problem, use Velcro to secure the fabric. I hear it works perfect.
Waist length jackets. This piece cuts the body in half. You want to elongate the body not chop off.
Throw out the skirt that is gathered at the waist.
Pleated and ankle-tapered pants.
Big-patterned prints --run the other way!
Tight satin-y dresses or any thin or flimsy fabric will ruin those curves.
Anything too baggy--the volume only makes you look heavier than you actually are.
Granny-style skirt swimsuits - give them to Goodwill!
The First Lady
(Formerly Pear/Triangle)
Celebrities to watch: Michelle Obama, Lucy Liu, Kristin Davis, Jennifer Lopez, Sandra Bullock, Alicia Keys
Style Goal: The challenge is finding apparel that balances the upper portion with the bottom. Our goal is to visually slim your bottom half and play up your top. Choose bottoms with flowing fabrics to de-emphasize your wide hips.
Characteristics: You are generally bottom heavy. You have a slender neck, narrow shoulders, smaller bust, as well as a shapely waist, generous lower hips and full thighs.
So you think you may have a pear shape figure? Well, since this is the most important part of developing your image, let's make sure. If you answer yes to all of the statements below than you most likely have the pear shape figure:
You have narrow shoulders. Your bust and waistline are small and petite.
You have more voluptuous hips, bottom and thighs.
You are blessed with the “derriere” syndrome.
Avoid:
Tops that hit right at the waist or waist length jackets
Don't wear extra full or clingy skirts.
Drawstring pants, gathered, pleated, cuffed, or tapered ankles.
Be cautious when it comes to skinny jeans.
The same rule applies for skirts has it does for dresses. No full and clingy dresses.
Stay away from boy-leg styles or super-high cut legs.
Celebrities to watch: Jessica Simpson, Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore
Style Goal: You are blessed with a generous bust-line but haven't a clue how to balance your shape. You probably feel like people only see what's below your face. Well, lucky for you women pay thousands of dollars to have that bust-line. That's not the only plus; there are ways to wear certain fashions to complement not flaunt.
Characteristics:
Bra size is over a "C" cup.
Usually this shape has a combination of a shorter waist.
With out the right support, your body can look 10 pounds heavier than it really is.
Lower portion of body is petite to normal size compared to the upper portion.
Avoid:
Embroidery, ruffles, gathering, shirring or big patterned tops. All they do is draw more attention to the bust-line.
Flimsy fabrics or bias cuts lack support. Shop for thicker cotton or wool textiles.
Be cautious with Empire waists. Make sure there is no extra fabric gathered or shirred around the bust.
No waist-length jackets
Mid-thigh or narrow skirts make you seem top-heavy.
When shopping for pants or jeans, keep away from super skinny or super full legs. However, putting the boots over the pants works well with skinny jeans. It's a great trick to balance the top with your bottom half.
Run from fullness on top such as ruffles or shirring.
For special occasions, keep it simple on top. Don't let the clothes wear you.
Be cautious when purchasing string bikinis!
The Renaissance Woman
(Formerly Classic Hour Glass)
Celebrities to watch: Scarlett Johansson, HalleBerry, Heidi Klum
Style Goal: The hourglass figure is the dream body shape, so make sure you accentuate your curves well.
Characteristics: You have a small bone structure; defined waist; curved hips; protruding bottom and shapely legs. The body shape that most clothes today are made for.
Dubbed the “perfect body shape,” an hourglass has equally-proportioned bust and hips with a well defined waist. 36-26-37 is an example of an hourglass silhouette.
Avoid:
Hourglass shapes should avoid stiff, bulky fabrics
high necklines
tapered pants
baggy clothing
David Justice...(okay that was a joke--he is Halle's ex husband!)
yeah, that is pretty much it ;)
The Duchess
(Formerly Rectangular/Tall & Slim/Athletic)
Celebrities to watch: Jessica Alba, Nicole Kidman, Cameron Diaz, Gabrielle
Union
Style Goal: With this shape you might look shorter and/or heavier than you really are. So your main goal should be to create a waist on your figure and add more width to your upper and lower part -- transforming your body into a proportionate hourglass shape.
One advantage is you don't have to hide unwanted curves. You can emphasize areas that other women can't. With a tall frame, you want to work in a little curve with different blouses, ruffles, tailored jackets, belts and other fun trends
Characteristics: Do you struggle with shopping for the perfect outfit to bring out your girly side? If you match the profile below, you may have a tall and slim body type:
You have little to no curve in the waste.
You have long arms and legs.
You have a straight shape from shoulders to hips.
You maybe thick-waisted or very lean and tall.
Your goal is to look more feminine.
Avoid:
Leave plain t-shirts, camisoles and solid tanks as a second layer
Don't wear a v-neck alone. Tight v-necks over elongate the body. Stick with blouses and ruffles.
Stray from extremely full or baggy pants. You have the body most trends are made for. Flaunt it!
Straight, boxy mini skirts.
Tight knit dresses.
The Diva
(Formerly Curvy)
Celebrities to watch: Beyonce Knowles, Selma Hayek, Nelly Furtado
Style Goal: For the curvy figure, you want to minimize your curves, but not deny them. Your challenge is finding beautiful, trendy clothes that fit. First, let's see if you are a curvy figure.
Characteristics: If you answer "yes" to most of the characteristics below, then read on.
You have a full bust and hips.
Your shoulders and hips a line evenly.
Your waist curves like an hourglass but you are fuller around the bust-line and lower portion.
You feel your hips and upper portion could be smaller and want to minimize the portion.
Avoid:
For button-up blouses, make sure the fit is right. The space between the buttons may open a bit. To solve this problem, use double sided type to secure the fabric. C'est magnifique!
Throw out the waist length puffer jacket. This piece cuts the body in half. You want to elongate the body not chop off.
Throw out the skirt that is gathered at the waist.
For pants, avoid pleated and ankle-tapered pants.
Big-patterned prints are a big no! Run the other way!
Tight satin dresses or any thin or flimsy fabric will ruin those curves.
Don't wear anything too baggy or with too much volume
Throw out the granny-style skirt suits!
Le Petite Diva
(Formerly Curvy Petite)
Celebrities to watch: Reese Witherspoon, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Style Goal: For the curvy petite figure, finding clothes that do not overpower your frame and still, minimize your curves is one of your biggest challenges. First, let's find out if you are a curvy petite figure.
Characteristics:If you answer "yes" to most of the characteristics below, then read on.
You have full bust and hips.
Your voluptuous curves are well proportioned with you r body.
Your goal is to elongate your figure.
You feel your hips and upper portion could be smaller. You want clothes that slim your curves instead of drawing too much attention to them.
Avoid:
When it comes to work environment and wearing button-up blouses, be cautious of the space between the buttons. It tends to open a bit. A quick solution to this problem is adding velcro to secure the fabric.
Items to throw out: waist length jackets. This item tends to cut the body in half. Before purchasing any garments be sure it elongates your body.
Stay clear of big prints and patterns that over-power your frame.
Avoid pleated and ankle tapered pants.
Be cautious when picking out a long dress. It may swallow you.
Don't be ashamed of your curves. Channel Marilyn Monroe --she had voluptuous curves and is an icon.
Since I have not done a Fashion Friday in a couple weeks (I have been working on a few at the same time but none are finished)...I found this amazing article on how to make your wardrobe last and I thought I would share!
RealSimple.com is my home page website because there are always fun little tips and tricks that you can read about covering everything from home decor to house cleaning schedules! They have printer friendly spreadsheets and pictures that illustrate exactly what they are talking about. Instead of re-inventing the wheel--I will just share my favorite discoveries from their website! I picked out my top 10 tips (of their 20), and for the full article-- click the link at the bottom.
10 Tips to Make Your Wardrobe Last
courtesy of RealSimple.com by Sarah Jio
1. Don’t drive in good heels. “The floorboard scuffs the heel, and the pedal scratches the toe,” warns Elena R. Aronson, a San Francisco–based stylist and personal shopper. Drive in simple flats, or try heel protectors by Smart Heel ($12, smartheel.com), which are plastic coverings that slide over high heels.
2. Never hang pearls. "This weakens the silk threads that hold the necklace together," says Helena Krodel of the Jewelry Information Center, in New York City.
3. Launder whites after every wear. It’s tempting to put a white blouse back into the closet after a spill-free wearing. After all, it looks spotless. But "body oils and perspiration, along with other time-released stains (like perfume, white wine, and oil splatters), will start to give a once-bright white a yellowish tint," says Steve Boorstein, developer of the DVD Clothing Care (Day Light, $20, amazon.com).
4. Beware the dryer. "Excessive heat makes fibers brittle, causing the fabric to break down," says Boorstein. Combat this by removing lightweight garments, like T-shirts and camisoles, and anything containing spandex (which can lose elasticity over time when exposed to too much heat) 10 minutes earlier than heavy garments, such as jeans and sweatshirts. “Most of the damage is done in the last 10 minutes of drying,” says Boorstein.
5. Iron clothing inside out. "Ironing can fade dark colors as well as create shine marks on fabrics with sheen, like gabardine, acetate, and polished cottons," says Chris Allsbrooks, a textile analyst with the Dry Cleaning & Laundry Institute, in Laurel, Maryland. Avoid damage by using the appropriate heat setting and pressing the item on the reverse side. Or use a cloth between garment and iron. And, adds Boorstein, “never iron a crease on a black garment―it can leave a permanent line.”
6. Wash (unstained) jeans every third wear. “Most people wash their jeans too often,” says Melissa Ladines, a fit expert for Levi Strauss. Launder them inside out and in cold water. Obsessed with preserving the deep dark rinse? Skip the clothes dryer and let them air-dry, or take them to a dry cleaner.
7. Hold off on your jewelry. "Wait 15 minutes after applying perfume or body lotion before slipping on baubles," says Krodel. Beauty products are notorious for leaving a greasy buildup.
8. Zip up to avert snags. Your clothing goes into the wash perfectly intact. Later you notice a mysterious pull. "The teeth of zippers (especially those made of metal, as on jeans) or any kind of hook closure is typically the culprit," says Boorstein. Next time close all zippers and clasps before tossing clothes into the washing machine (or, better yet, the hamper).
9. Store handbags on shelves. It may sound counterintuitive, but “hanging a bag by the handles lessens the life span of the bag,” says Chris Moore, owner of Artbag, a New York City handbag boutique and repair shop. Hanging puts stress on the strap seams, and “it can leave unsightly marks on the handles,” says Moore.
10. Alternate bras. "Allow a bra to rest for a day in between wearings so the elasticity has a chance to bounce back," says Susan Nethero, chief fit strategist for Intimacy lingerie boutiques. If you don’t, your bras will wear out faster from being stretched for 14 to 16 hours a day.
For all 20, read the full article on RealSimple.com click here -->
La Vie en Rose (French pronunciation: [la vi ɑ̃ ʁoz], literally "Life in Pink"; released in France as La Môme, referring to Piaf's nickname "La Môme Piaf," meaning "The Little Sparrow") is a 2007 French-Czech-British biographical film about the life of French chanteuse Édith Piaf.
Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain (French: [lə fabylø dɛstɛ̃ d‿ameli pulɛ̃], French for "The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain"), or simply Amélie, is a 2001 romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet.
