What I Need

I mentioned a little bit ago that the Cat and I have been watching a lot of French inspired films lately, including An American in Paris.  One of the outfits that Leslie Caron sported in the film is now on my short list of outfits I need to recreate.  (Another is a vintage Barbie outfit, yes, it's true- don't mock me.  I have found the skirt for said outfit, but still need to find the perfect top.)

Anyway.

So in the movie, Caron's character wears a fantastic outfit in the form of a cardigan (in my favorite green shade, no less), pencil skirt, heels, and polka dot collar/scarf thing.

image via Hollywood Fashion Vault

image via

Ahhh, I love it.  I have a pencil skirt that will work (I have both black and navy; I'm thinking she's wearing navy, but maybe it's black?), I have a green cardigan, but the buttons and neck line is off. I do have a pullover in the right color, though, which should work.  What I need is the polka dots.  Who doesn't love a good polka dot, right?!

Vintage Scarf; Ecclectia, $5

Vintage Navy Polka Dot Scarf; Lost Found and Loved

So now I am on the lookout for polka dotted neck wear.  And would you like to know a very unfashiony secret?  I am even considering -gasp- one of those really lame dickies.  For shame, for shame, please don't stop reading the blog because of that!  If it weren't for the anonymity of the internet, I don't think I would even consider that option.  I can't actually imagine carrying one of those up to a register.  This isn't a tiny town, but it's small enough that I would be afraid of being seen purchasing such a poorly named piece of clothing.

I'll keep you posted.

~Lori

Daddy Long Legs

via squidoo

I hope everyone has seen the movie Daddy Long Legs(1955). It is such a charming and fun musical.  Fred Astaire himself said that it is his favorite.  It is based on an epistolary novel written in 1912 by Jean Webster.  She inspired later writers like L.M. Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott.  

via lenonimports

via pixmule

Aren't they lovely?

This past weekend my husband and I had the privilege to see the musical, Daddy Long Legs (Music and Lyrics by Paul Gordon) at the  PCPATheaterfest as a gift from my parents. The small theater is outdoor and arranged in a circle with the stage curved in front (like a mini Globe).  We brought blankets and there is a place to buy homemade cookies and coffee, even wine.  The crickets chirped and we had the most memorable evening.  

via santamarias

Cast: Ephie Aardema as Jerusha Abbot 

Kevin Earley as Jervis Pendelton

 The two person cast had me wondering before the show began 'how are two people going to carry a full length musical?'  But as soon as they appear it becomes clear that they have the talent and personality to pull it off. There is one set, but a lot of surprises.   

via newtimes

Here we are.  We got in trouble for taking a picture of the stage (we didn't know!) We are such rebels.

via you tube

Here is a little preview with the original cast.  The production will be opening in Japan and England this fall.

Inspiration: Black and White

via dressed cinema

via jo malone

When I think of black and white I think of  Cecil Beaton's costumes and set design in My Fair Lady.  I think of the perfumer Jo Malone and her crisp packaging and store front.  Automatically I think of Chanel and all things classic and glamorous; like Grace Kelly in Rear Window, and Leslie Caron dancing with Kelly in An American In Paris.  Black and white is the anti color combination to beat any color scheme when decorating too.  There is nothing more impactful  than a beautifully executed black and white space.


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via closet


via style forum

via goaltus

via pinterest

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via shelter

via color outside the lines

via bossy color

via anne sage

via picture of elegance

via house crush

via good life of design

via royalty girl

via iroonie

via gstatic

via seattle times

   
via country living


via country living


It's obvious that Lori and I love a black and white outfit!

Film Inspiration: An American In Paris

annyas
Most movie critics agree that the 1951 musical An American In Paris is one of the best musicals ever made.  From an aesthetic standpoint how can anyone in the design industry disagree?  Even today there is still freshness and inspiration found in every frame.  From it's lovely stars and their costumes to the visually stunning sets, see if you also are in love with An American in Paris.

latimesblogs
An American In Paris. 1951.


themoviewaffler
Kelly says a joyful "Good morning" from his Paris apartment.


imcdb
How about this fabulous emerald green roadster!

themoviewaffler
What do you think: would you rather a lavish Parisian abode like Kelly's rich friend?  Or a humble and charming plaster abode where Kelly's character already lives?


doctormacro
Lesley Caron, discovered by Gene Kelly, in her film debut.


gardian
The first time we see Caron is in this "dream" scene.  I love how theatrical the set is...over- the- top Parisian.

academyhistory
The movie is so visually stunning!


One of the world's greatest song and dance men.  You've got rhythm and music, who could ask for anything more?

Well...a fabulous Parisian penthouse wouldn't hurt.

 Living is an art in this French inspired living room.

I like the addition of mauve in this modern meets old-world space.


Paris apartment of designer I'wren Scott

 
Stunning.


If I were single, this is the feminine space I would want to live in.


dyingofcute
This room would be more suited to the monied cross- section of France, like Kelly's patron in "An American In Paris."


pinterest
This space actually reminds me more of the movie "Daddy Long Legs," with Leslie Caron and Fred Astaire, at the French school where Caron's character is first spied by the well-to-do Astaire.

The French are masters of the "imperfectly perfect" look.



This room has the quintesential French appeal of rustic plaster and sparse furnishings mixed with fine elements like the crystal chandelier and intricate woodwork.