Monday 24 January 2011

That was the week that was

I've always wanted to write a day in the life or week in the life post and I've sort of touched upon this style before, but have never just gone for it. I'm not going to pull a it is my blog card and I can do what I like, as I have an editorial structure, though this might not be apparent to some!

However with my life in transition and the fact I 've had the busiest January ever, I've hardly had time to plan or think. I think my post on Friday was a good example of not being focused or together, it was a bit weak!

I've been writing a lot to meet looming magazine and web copy deadlines, and have had quite a few interruptions this week from magazines requiring style advice. I won't give away what the advice is nor my fashion pieces but after all my research for this coming season, little has changed since last Spring/Summer. I am of course very happy at the wealth of jumpsuits around and if you haven't converted then 2011 is the year. Try on anything and everything jumpsuit - you will find the style that suits you!

My shop for a client on Thursday was quite disappointing mainly due to stock levels. And the realisation nothing is that exciting out there. This is good for my purse but not so thrilling for those looking to get styled.

Talking of style and fashion the 1930s is going to sweep us all off our fashion feet. On Friday I saw The King's Speech. I've been looking forward to it not just because of the rave reviews but due to a tweet by Mrs Trefusis which reinforced the reviews and the chit chat on the street. Well, it was worth the money and some. The cinema was packed with people who probably hadn't set foot in the cinema for years. And at the end these delighted people clapped. Clapped I tell you. I was shocked but impressed. Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush were spell binding with their acting. The script was impeccable save for two lines which built up to getting the words 'the firm' in, in reference to the Royal Family. I felt this was implausible. The set design was wonderful and the costuming of the abdicating king, King Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson was spot on. The whole 1930s feel was captured so well given the nature and focus of the film. Derek Jacobi was hideous (good acting I hasten to add) as the Archbishop of Canterbury. Helen Bonham Carter delivered every line to perfection. And I felt sorry for Eve Best as she mush have had to starve herself to be Mrs Simpson.




I feel desperate for more of the same and although I will probably go to see WE directed by Madonna, it will only be for the costumes not the film, which I suspect will be dire. Of course the glamour is all in the clothes of the rich in the 1930s but it is the last era of such opulence.

The cut of the clothes and the simplicity of the styling is an antidote to years of fashion porn peddled by Ford, Roitfeld et al. I loved the early 70s almost Yves San Laurant vibe of Tom Ford's work and of course there is much to love about the glamorous 70s which lifted its look from the 1930s. It is far harder to pull off stylish, sophisticated and understated looks than bling plus designer attire.

Also it is possible to blend some of the aesthetics of the thirties with modern clothes but it requires an exacting eye. Cue, Chanel...



After all the visual splendour and brilliance of Colin Firth (I was stunned by his performance) the following day I felt a need for domestic bliss. I actually cleaned the house in the morning and then baked!

That is what happens when you pop out for the Guardian and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall proffers up biscuits. I'm a terror for biscuits so I got stuck in. Mind you before that I was pulling dreadful faces at the All Ages pages. The sloppy styling is driving me up the wall. No sense of proportions and it always looks dull. It annoys me. And for that I ate an extra biscuit and nearly licked the bowl! Which will put paid to any 1930s dressing for me....




16 comments:

  1. I was so distracted by your biscuits I forgot what your post was about and had to go read it again.
    I thought that 1930's dressing was quite forgiving in the stomachular area (or is that just me being hopeful). Its all about the long strands (strings?) of pearls for me, I just love that look.

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  2. I've saved High's biscuit making recipes for the Guardian, too. They had me salivating and I'm awe at your attempt.
    I really should go and see the King's Speech as I've heard nothing but praise although I must admit the storyline doesn't sound like my usual thing at all.
    xxx

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  3. I love the whole 70s take on the 30s- the fabrics are slightly more wearable for those of us who have slightly practical jobs, but the clean palette of creams, blacks, reds and ochres and draping is still there.

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  4. Hi my dear-yum yum those biscuits look fabulous, I would ask you to save me one but highly likely they're all gone by now, lol!! The film looks really good too, Christopher saw it Friday too and was very impressed!! Glad to hear its a jeans day Saturday too! xx

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  5. Dear Kate, I must see The King's Speech and I'm glad 30's is coming back.

    Your biscuits looks delicious. I'm starving!! xx

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  6. Oh wasn't it glorious? I went to see it with a satellite Q&A with Colin, Helena and the director afterwards and it was just wonderful. Also rather excited about Never Let Me Go - the costumes look just my cup of tea.

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  7. Looking forward to watching The King's Speech, it looks great.

    Nice biscuits too. We made traditional bagels and some brownies on Saturday - baking rocks :)

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  8. I haven't seen it yet, there are so many exciting films out at the moment. I must see Black Swan too, particularly since I love the music so much (probably my favourite waltz ever, it brings tears to my eyes).

    So glad to see the 30s coming back, retro style have been focussed on the 50s for much too long and it has started to become too ubiquitous and tacky.

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  9. Looks like you've had a productive weekend, I definitely want to see the Kings Speech, i believe a number of audiences have stood up and clapped at the end of the theme, perhaps that's what the British public need in such a worrying time. xx

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  10. Oh no! This post is making me hungry. I love baking, but must resist because then it will mean eating it all. Also, have you seen Black Swan? Is worth watching and the costumes are lovely.

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  11. I am amazed by the clapping, can't wait to see it! The writing sounds exciting - hope you will let us know once its published xx

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  12. Re: The King's Speech. I agree, a wonderful film. And the night my husband and I saw it, the audience clapped as they did when you saw it! I don't think I've every seen a movie where the audience has clapped at the end. Except for a couple of films screened in my city at the Toronto Film Festival, though they were probably already won-over fans of the director.—Hope

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  13. We loved The King's Speech too. What a fabulous performance!

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  14. When I went to see the King's Speech people clapped too. I loved the film and was happy to see I wasn't alone. To my mind the movie is about a therapist/client relationship. But I would.
    Are you watching Downton Abbey ? One of the characters, in an act of rebellion, was wearing a jumpsuit. I thought of you.

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  15. I love the 20s and 30s-- my two favorite periods. have been collecting vintage from that era for years and tears. I'm skinny and flat-chested with big eyes and a crooked nose. i've therefore always believed that if i had been around back then, i would have been considered a total babe. oh well!

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  16. I can't wait to see The King's Speech - anything with Helena and Geoffrey has got to be seen. I was fuming at the idea of the upcoming Brighton Rock remake, then consoled myself at the thought of the costumes...then discovered it has been relocated to the 60s. Intrigued, nonetheless, as the reviews have been excellent.

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Thank you for commenting, much appreciated. Sorry about no longer offering anonymous comments but spamming had become a very annoying issue. xxx