Wallet-friendly Wednesday

It's been a great while since I've done one of these posts. That being said, today I was inspired to share some recently thrifted items that were largely inspired by a film that's pretty much held my brain hostage for the past few days. Never Let Me Go.

The filmmakers seemed to take great care in creating a film where the visual beauty nearly rivaled the poignancy of the tale being told. While the idyllic scenes of the English countryside can momentarily make you forget the movie's premise, the story is a story of sadness. Through and through. I won't delve into particulars in case you haven't read the book or seen the film yet (both of which I would highly recommend doing). What I will say is that I was overwhelming struck by the film's wardrobe, particularly those of Carey Mulligan and Sally Hawkins, and even more so by the sweaters and knits. I couldn't find many photos, especially of those items I would have liked most to share, but trust me when I say that they were superb.



So, with all of this on my brain, I went thrifting this afternoon certain that I would strike cardigan and pullover sweater gold. Hopefully in utilitarian yet feminine styles, warm earth tones, and preferably vintage. Funny how those things work out, because I did. Well, for the most part. And this being Wallet-friendly Wednesday and all, I didn't break the bank. With tax, I spent $3.97.
Let me show you what I found!




I can't wait to get these beauties washed so I can start wearing them! Three cheers for sweater weather!

Movie poster photo from reelmovienews.com
Movie stills from foxsearchlight.com

It's been a bit quiet around here this week. I've found that when I want to blog I can't and when I can I don't want to. Funny how that works. I've also had a lot on my mind lately which has put me into a prolonged dull and unexciting mood. I'm anxious to be rid of it and to get things moving in that direction some friends and I are having a Jane Austen movie marathon tomorrow night. We'll be watching the four titles pictured below. My friend who is hosting has never seen the "Pride and Prejudice" mini-series. I've told her she's in for a treat! I can't wait!

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Do you have anything fun planned this weekend?

Poetic placidity

Yesterday a friend and I ventured into Albany for a film and Lebanese take-out (mm, baba ghannouj). This particular friend and I make an effort to visit our favorite local independent theatre as often as possible -- to escape, however briefly, into the captivating world of motion pictures where our minds journey with the characters on screen and our heart-strings get tugged at a little (or a lot). It had been a while since any one film dropped its anchor in my core and stayed there until the credits ended. It had been a while since any one film held my eyes wide and attuned my ears to my heart. "Bright Star" was just that film.

A Thing of Beauty

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkn'd ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
'Gainst the hot season; the mid-forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms:
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.
-John Keats, 1818, from Endymion

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Drifting

Yesterday I watched Wendy and Lucy, one of last year's indie gems starring Michelle Williams. I read a review online describing the lack of emotion in the film which left me quite puzzled as I found the film to be emotionally explosive. I thought of it as a more subtle brand of emotion - quiet and reposed rather than loud and boisterous.

Williams plays a drifter named Wendy on a journey from Indiana to Alaska to find work. The film focuses on her relationship with her dog, Lucy, and the people she encounters in small-town Oregon where her car breaks down. With the burden of her financial situation weighing on her shoulders, Wendy makes a series of decisions that shape the time spent in a locale that should have been long gone in her rear-view mirror.

Have you seen this film? Care to share your thoughts?
Image source.

"You remind me of..."

We all know that character costumes in movies serve as inspiration to our own sartorial choices. We "ooh" and "ahh" at gorgeous articles of clothing making inquiries as to where we can get a hold of them for ourselves; sometimes settling for the more practical knock-offs. Or we visualize our own wardrobes trying to figure out a way to recreate a certain outfit or look.

One ensemble that I've admired over the years is the simple costume that Jennifer Connelly wears as Sarah in Jim Henson's Labyrinth. Sure, it screams 1986 in almost every way, but it also exudes a classic and casual style, highlighted with flouncy and romantic details ideal of an imaginative girl smitten with fantasy stories. A white blouse, a great pair of jeans, and a pair of flats will always result in a feel good outfit however one chooses to style it. And why not top it off with a detailed vest, just for fun?

This scene has been one of my particular favorites:



Oh, David Bowie. This is by far the best song sequence in the film and must be shared whenever someone makes reference to Labyrinth:



EDIT: Erin just informed me that Who What Wear is currently channeling inspiration from Labyrinth! Thank you, Erin!

Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree

Yesterday I watched the WWII musical comedy Private Buckaroo featuring The Andrews Sisters and Shemp Howard (from The Three Stooges. "Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk"). Patriotic (it was 1942, afterall) and lighthearted, the film was fun to watch especially with all the musical numbers. There's something refreshing in this day and age watching a film that was served to those hungry for a morale boost! :)



^ The Andrews Sisters performing "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me)"

Songbird

I have spent some time over the last few days watching old musicals featuring the ever so lovely Jane Powell.

The above images are from 1951's Royal Wedding in which Jane stars opposite Fred Astaire. If one can have fun while watching a movie, I surely did while watching this!

I first became an admirer of Jane one weekend afternoon as a teenager flipping lazily through the television channels. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was airing on Turner Classic Movies and from then on I had an all-time favorite movie. I found Jane's voice to be exceptionally beautiful; so strong and powerful, yet warm and soft.

Today I watched Delightfully Dangerous, one of Jane's earliest films. She was just 15 when it came out in 1945 and my, it was really one of the sweetest things I have ever seen! A few clips can be found here if you are interested. I must also note that I was completely captivated with the '40s fashion. I like being, if only temporarily, transported to previous eras through film.

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A List and Thoughts From the Heart

Classes officially ended yesterday, but exams still need to be taken and I currently find myself in the midst of writing a paper. Said paper is resting right now while I sort my thoughts and plan the remainder of what I need to write. The task is not overbearing and only requires me to write a minimum of 1,500 words. I am already nearing the 900 word mark. I would like to finish tonight, but will also save tomorrow evening should I need it. I'm trying to stay focused and disciplined as my wandering mind is half in winter break mode already.

Speaking of winter break, I've compiled a small list of books I would like to read during this much anticipated time of rest and relaxation:

• I Am England by Patricia Wright (Highly recommended by my grandmother)
• Chronicles of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery (Tales and short stories by the author of my beloved Anne of Green Gables series. I cannot help but love them. Their charm and innocence always brings a smile to my face and I find them to be a pleasant diversion to the mess that life can sometimes bring.)
• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
• Howards End by E. M. Forster

I do not find my list to be too daunting, although it may become so if I decide to add to it! The last book on the list, Howards End is a recent addition from the past week or so. I borrowed the film adaptation from the library and decided after watching that I must read the novel. The film on all accounts was superb. I cannot think of a better way to describe it. It won three of the nine Oscars it was nominated for in 1992 including Best Actress in a Leading Role (Emma Thompson), Best Art Direction-Set Direction and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium. The film was also nominated in the Best Costume Design category, but did not win. While watching I found myself nearly drooling over the beauty and elegance of the Edwardian era costumes. I have always admired fashion from this era, but now I feel my adoration stems from the fact that this is what my great-grandmother wore when she was roughly my age. Although I never got the chance to meet her, I tend to feel a sweet and comforting relationship with her through the photographs I've seen and the stories from my grandmother and mother. Both my grandmother and mother have told me time and again how well she and I would have gotten along. My grandmother was even so generous as to give me a brooch and a handbag both belonging to great-grandmother. Although not Edwardian, they are certainly small treasures that I hold dear to my heart.

Weep You No More Sad Fountains

This clip features Kate Winslet as Marianne Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility singing "Weep You No More Sad Fountains," a beautiful and anonymous poem collected by John Dowland in the 1600s. The poem was put to music by film score composer Patrick Doyle for Emma Thompson's 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel. Can I just tell you, I LOVE THIS MOVIE! I have watched it more times than is probably healthy for a person. I never seem to get enough! I watch it when I am feeling a little down or when I'm feeling happy and just need a Sense and Sensibility fix. I'll have it playing in the background while I busy myself with other things or at night as I drift off to sleep. Each time I sit in admiration of the direction, musical score, costumes, and the characters. Oh, the characters! A few years ago I purchased the soundtrack and it is quite often my daily car companion. "Weep You No More Sad Fountains" and the song Marianne sings toward the end of the film, "The Dreame" (lyrics by poet Ben Jonson), are performed by opera singer Jane Eaglen. What a voice! To further channel my inner nerd, I recently borrowed Emma Thompson's screenplay & diaries of the film from the library. I've never read a screenplay before, so I figured my first might as well be one of my favorite films. I'll leave you now with the lyrics to "Weep You No More Sad Fountains."

"Weep you no more sad fountains;
What need you flow so fast?
Look how the snowy mountains
Heaven's sun doth gently waste.
But my sun's heavenly eyes
View not your weeping,
That now lies sleeping
Softly, softly, now softly
Softly lies sleeping.

Sleep is a reconciling,
A rest that peace begets.
Doth not the sun rise smiling
When fair at ev'n he sets?
Rest you then, rest, sad eyes,
Melt not in weeping,
While she lies sleeping
Softly, softly, now softly
Softly lies sleeping."

Three Languages

Last night and into this morning I watched the tri-lingual film, The Band's Visit. An Egyptian police band, set to perform at an Arab Cultural Center in Israel, mistakenly gets on the wrong bus winding up somewhere other than their planned destination. The film follows the band members' interactions with the townspeople they meet. Does it sound too boring, too uneventful? I got that impression from my mother when I described the plot to her. I tend to like quirky films such as this, yet can see where others would not. I particularly enjoyed the use of language throughout this film. The Egyptian and Israeli characters spoke Arabic and Hebrew respectively, but when conversing together spoke in English. In one scene, an Israeli character is speaking to an Egyptian character and says, "Tell me something in Arabic. Something, I don't know, to hear the music." Yes! Isn't language so beautiful and intricate just like music?! To me, hearing a language other than my native tongue is like hearing a song for the first time. Don't misunderstand me and interpret that last sentence as my not thinking English is a beautiful language. I feel all languages are beautiful in their own unique ways, but to hear a language spoken that I myself do not speak completely captivates my mind!

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Adieu midterms!

Midterms are finally over. Phew.

After classes I made my way through the cold rain to my car and took myself on a mini-shopping spree. I've had this feeling lately that I'll find some superb clothing treasure or trinket while thrifting, but it hasn't happened yet. I decided to forgo the thrift shops and take on the mall. I ended up paying full price at H&M for what the receipt calls a "fancy jersey." Think: purple 3/4 sleeve shirt adorned with ribbon and some embroidered eyelet loveliness. At first, I thought about buying the same shirt in gray, but when my eyes met the purple version it was a done deal. On to Old Navy where there was a MASSIVE clearance sale going on. After picking through a sea of racks I found a black skirt for $3.49 and a white boyfriend cardigan for $7.24. Not too shabby.

When day breaks I need to get back into focus-on-school-mode and begin writing a paper that is due next week. I've already decided that once it is typed, printed, & handed in I am going to treat myself to watching this version of "Pride & Prejudice" again. I think it will be 4+ hours well spent.

Sensory enjoyment

Sight
This past week my friend Sarah and I went to see Frozen River. Fantastic film! It is loaded with perspective, feeling, and meaning. It felt so real watching it, as if I personally knew the characters. I am hoping it gets recognition during award season. The next must see on my list is Happy-Go-Lucky. It looks so delightful!

Sound
I cannot stop listening to Basia Bulat's album "Oh, My Darling." Give it a listen! Her voice is so richly sweet and she's as cute as a button!

Taste
Last weekend I tried out this recipe for Carrot Honey Cookies. Delicious! I omitted the nuts (because we didn't have any) and the raisins (thanks but no thanks). I want to make them again soon and I'm thinking of adding a touch of either cinnamon or nutmeg to the recipe...

Touch
The mornings are chilly as of late. I love wrapping my hands around my cup of coffee or tea and feeling the heat.

Smell
Take a deep breath and smell the dried Autumn leaves as they fall from the trees. Aahh.

Highly recommended

I watched Lars and the Real Girl last night and must say that it is one of the best films I've seen in a while. Ryan Gosling's performance is superb (when is it not?). The film is a great balance of sweet and funny packed creatively into 107 minutes. The Wall Street Journal praised it as, "An endearing, intelligent, tender comedy." I have to agree. Open your mind and keep that description in consideration. You won't be disappointed.

Enjoy.

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