I just watched the movie 20th Century Women. So good. It’s deeply moving and well acted. I especially appreciate the care that went into the design of the movie. I love the color combinations and how scenes are composed.
Certain scenes feel inspired by the photographer Stephen Shore.
I noticed all the wall colors, lamps, and fabric choices.
I love the wardrobe choices for the character played by Greta Gerwig. The character tells us that she decided to color her hair red after seeing the movie The Man Who Fell To Earth. (BTW — we have that DVD at the library)
A few times throughout the movie they use this 3D coloring effect. It makes it feel so real to the time period. I was 11 years old in 1979. I clearly remember wearing paper 3D glasses as a child and looking at photos that looked like this.
The movie is set in a time before the internet. People got together and talked face to face. Let’s all resolve to have more dinner parties — but without the cigarette smoking.
It’s around this time of year that I write my Spring Style Inspiration blog post. Usually, the long winter has me day dreaming about gauzy linens and modern pale pastels. This year is different. This year, all I can think about are pantsuits.
A few days prior to election day I went secondhand shopping for a pantsuit. I wanted to wear one on election day in solidarity with other progressive women. Unfortunately, everything I found was just. not. me. Following election day there were more important things to worry about than a lack of pantsuit options.
For weeks after the election, I was in a fog. It’s still hard to believe what happened. Fortunately, the fog has started to lift. I want to get on with living, loving, working, and laughing. This next stage calls for a new modern pantsuit. I want to feel comfortable, strong, and stylish. I want my feet firmly planted on the ground. I don’t want anything binding or pinching me.
I live by the mantra “secondhand first” so the first thing I did was return to the thrift stores in search of a vintage suit. I got lucky and found a decent basic black suit from the ’90s with the tags still attached. The suit is at the cleaners now. I am having the pants hemmed short.
I’ll wear my black suit with oxfords or loafers. I’m eyeing these Bass loafers with crepe soles. I like wearing a loafer with no socks. One less thing to think about.
In addition to my basic black suit, I’d also like a statement suit. Something that is almost too loud for me. Something that forces me to be present. I like seeing creative women strut their stuff in a statement suit.
It’s not like me to buy something new but drastic times call for drastic measures. I bought this gingham suit [below] from Banana Republic. I hope it fits! Instead of wearing orange-red high heels like the blogger [below], I’ll wear orange-red lipstick for a pop of color.
UPDATE: I got the Banana Republic gingham suit in the mail. It is awesome. If you like the look you should check it out. The fit was off for me and so I did return it. If I was in a store I would have tried the next size down (in the jacket). The pants fit me but are mid-rise which just makes me feel like I want to pull up my pants all the time. I have a longish torso so when I wear pants like this my blouse always is coming free and I have to keep tucking it back in. I’d rather just get higher waisted pants. I tweeted Everlane a while back. I bought a pair of pants from them that I really like. I’d love a suit jacket to go with them. In the meantime, I’ll wear my secondhand suit and cross my fingers that Everlane comes out with a blazer for women.
RECOVERGIRL 