My Top 5 Fashion Films of 2009

As its major form of social entertainment and as its product of manufacture, movies are to Los Angeles what theater is to London or New York. Movies here dictate the currency of our pop culture and of the world right outside of our doors. I view a lot of films, it is no question. Going to see the latest film is very de rigueur here, and really is the most prominent topic of conversation all over town. There has been so many films released this past year that one can easily forget about many of them (so many are unforgettable anyway), or miss them entirely. A movie about fashion or a movie that has fashion at its center point, I am sure to make the effort to see, and hope that it will be memorable. Here are my choice picks of the top five fashion films of 2009, in no particular order:

The September Issue

To be privileged to get not just a sneak but a full tilt boogie peek into the hallowed halls of Vogue Magazine and to see Anna Wintour at work, was such a treat. The undeniable star of this film was and will always be Grace Coddington. Her keen and sharp eye and attention is unsurpassed, and I am so glad to have been able to witness it and to cheer her on!

Valentino: The Last Emperor

Valentino is truly the last of the famous international designers. What a great treat to see how this genius rules (and creates) his kingdom. The best part of it all: the endearing love and partnership between Valentino and Giancarlo Giametti. It is the most touching part of the whole film.

Nine

Another hit musical for our time, this time about Italian style, Italian life, Italian fashion! There’s even a costume designer (Dame Judy Dench) who easily whips up costume confections right in front of us (sequins, feathers, and mesh oh my!) a Vogue journalist (Kate Hudson, in mirrored glass mini skirt!) and all the rest of the gorgeous female stars in their distinct looks/costumes. We get to be treated to the fabulous Colleen Atwood’s fine costume work here and it does not disappoint!!

A Single Man

In Tom Ford’s world, everyone is gorgeous and everyone has style in everything on and around them. This film just dripped with true classic style, everywhere. From George’s fantastically dreamy Santa Monica home, to his sleek Mercedes Benz, to his sharp, tailored clothing he leads the pack when it came to men’s style in the movies (or out in the real world).  Everything was visually lush and it drew you in with wishes that the world was simple and stylish and classic like it was back in 1963.

(500) Days of Summer

Aside from all of the charm that this non-traditional romantic comedy gives us, it reflected back to us how we really dressed in our everyday lives. Zoë Deschanel’s “Summer” couldn’t have been styled more real: I see women dressing with the same indie flair every day in my favorite LA neighborhoods of Los Feliz and Silverlake, and young professional hipster guys wearing classic and modern clothing like Joseph Gordon-Leavitt’s “Tom”. The style was simple and realistic, and it reflected that face back to the audience who, in their indie-hipster garb, could easily see themselves in the characters. And as each of the characters grew, so did their clothing, also reflected in a real-time and concise way. And when “Tom” puts on his grown up suit, I swear the four times I saw this film I spotted guys in the audience mentally check how neat, presentable, and fashionable he looked, and took notice.

It is a New Year, and a new slate of films are yet to come out. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes up on the silver screen and hope to see some great fashion notes reflected back at me.

So far, “Sherlock Holmes” doesn’t miss a beat with its presentation on Victorian England style with a very subtle modern flair (Adler in pants and waistcoat!) and of course, “SATC 2” in the Spring, a bona fide fashion film if there is to be at least one for the year!

-feelgoodguru

Motorcycle Diary: Commuter Guy (2)

Hot bike. Hot guy. Hot way 2 commute! He's got the whole look down.
-fgg

Commuter Chic (3)

This young stylish girl in Beverly Hills caught my fashion eye because I love her fitted plaid blazer ( a new item obsession of mine as of late) and her retro clear tote bag. I also just adore her cropped black pants paired with simple ballet flats.

-fgg

Mall Rats

These three girls stopped and posed for my picture taker while cruising around Glendale Galleria on assignment. Love the Burberry cape on the left, and the vintage gold button jacket on the right (her Mom's no doubt). And yes, the chain straps on the purses are from Chanel bags (again, Mom's no doubt). Only in Glendale! Thanks ladies-stay the fierce youthquake fashionistas that you are!!
-fgg

Happy Holidays

Many wishes of good tidings and joy, warmth, cherished moments with friends and family, and Happy Holidays!

-feelgoodguru

Glendale GaGa in a Lush Life

It is always a real treat to go into one of my favorite beauty brand stores and check out the latest goodies to be had. It is even better when you get to have a real laugh while you are getting your "shop" on.
This afternoon I stopped in to Lush ( http://www.lushusa.com ) to pick up a few holiday bath bombs for myself. I didn't expect to get the laugh of the week as well. Check it:
Salesperson: O-M-G! You're in a very Gaga outfit! She'd wear something like it!"
Me: "oh, um, thanks. I had to leave my poker face at home"
Salesperson : "you have to sometimes.."
Me: (smile)
I wasn't wearing anything I'd remotely describe as "Lady Gaga".
I was in black denim Current Elliot leggings, red Theory long sleeve tee shirt worn under a TwentyTwelve Sienna Miller Union Jack print tunic, a camel J Crew cashmere shrunken blazer, and black leather Prada boots (see pic).
Everything was simple and fun. Nothing theatrical, high drama, presentational. I was wearing pants (ok leggings). I had on no headgear. There was no burning piano anywhere in sight (see other pic by Mario Sorrenti from the book "Another Fashion Book", which is decidedly "Gaga" and something she would definitely wear).
The only thing Gaga about it was my bold style, exuberance, and undeniable fey-ness. I was in fact in LA urban suburbia better known as Glendale. At the "normal" mall, The Galleria. Buying bath products from an equally fey urban compatriot. It was an acknowledgement of our fierce individuality and stance against non-conformity.
It is the laugh of the week.

Its nice to know that no matter where you go, as long as you be yourself, and feel good and look good in style, you spread laughter and joy.
Now THAT'S good!

-feelgoodguru

Commuter Chic (2)

Another stylish young woman, this time spotted in my neighborhood commuting to Silverlake. I adore the entire look: fitted black leather jacket, full short ivory skirt, black tights, and vintage strappy wedge sandals. Her small handbag (not shown) complimented the color of her shoes but was just as unique and vintage inspired. She also worn vintage style eyeglasses that complimented her great hairstyle. Totes loves that her jacket collar is popped as well!

-fgg

"Sex and the City 2" Official Trailer

I can't help it, I'm excited for the next installment of the movie series of "Sex and the City"! Here is the trailer, just in time for the holidays, just in time 2 get u excited 4 next Spring. Get "Carried" away!

Fawning over Fanning

I came across this photo and article on Dakota Fanning in Teen Vogue and was very much struck by it. Written in conjunction with the "Twilight" movie craze "New Moon", in which she is starring in, I found the fashion editorial very lovely and the accompanying article nice. I love that she is set to portray Cherie Currie, of the Runaways! Oh my, "Cherry Bomb"!!! I know she will bring that *something* to it, as she has done so far in the various projects of her early career. I was talking with one of my screenwriter clients and she and I both agree that Dakota is this generation's Jodie Foster, meaning: she is smart, focused, wiser than her young years, and is making choices for her career that ensure longevity as opposed to instant status. And I know from personal account, that she lives and loves with an honest and caring spirit, taking part in many volunteer and charitable activities. Now, thats good!
Please check it out and get started fawning over Fanning:
http://www.teenvogue.com/industry/coverlook/2009/11/teen-vogue-cover-girl-dakota-fanning

The dress she is wearing in the pic is Rodarte for Target, one of the most highly anticipated Target designer collaborations/launches to date. It is truly going to be exciting (and very coveted) to land my hands on any of the items that Rodarte has created for their Target launch. Who doesn't want to score a piece of fashion joy in the shape of deconstructed wool cardigans, sheer body concious dresses, or fun takes on American sportswear, like the cheetah print dress on Dakota? I know I do, just for history's sake!
-fgg
[photo: Teen Vogue.com]

Commuter Guy

UPDATE: 12/23/2009

I had a nice meet and greet and a pleasant chat with my second entry and first guy in the "Commuter" series on a recent trip into Beverly Hills. I had the pleasure to meet Jeremy and snap this new pic. He is wearing a more business/professional look. I like how he is in dark charcoal but opted to inject color by choosing a burgundy shirt and topping it off with a great neutral ivory coat. Again, proving his keen style and sense and personality. Take a peek.
It was my pleasure to meet you, and here is to seeing you again very soon!
-fgg

The second entry in my "Commuter" series is this very stylish guy I have seen a few times. He is always in something distinctly his own but is always classic. He tends to favor more "prep" looks but I have seen him don a full suit as well. Today he is definitely more casually dressed. I love his sneakers today: vintage Adidas! He is very smartly appointed as well, donning some of the best sunglasses I have seen around! He always catches my fashion eye beause he is keen on dressing in a way that expresses who he is, adds just a enough of a whim of trendiness and hipster cred, and always wears clothing that fits his frame and build and that is comfortable. He wears it well! I will try and snap another pic of him in another look very soon, so keep your eye out for it. Enjoy!
-fgg