Video: The Great Gatsby Trailer

It's here! Finally! The trailer for the new "The Great Gatsby film" was just released. I had to tell myself to "breathe" over and and over again while watching it. And I will be watching it non-stop until it premieres in December 2012.

Baz Lurmann is a creative genius. No - a Cinematic Einstein if you will. The music selection? Ridiculously amazing. Jack White & Jay-Z for a movie set in 1922...? Brilliant. The clothes, the glitz, the glamour, the darkness. Fabulous. All of it. It's like I've stepped back in time into AP English and my love affair with the book has started all over again (not to mention my heart still beats for that blonde haired DiCaprio). Christmas cannot come soon enough. You're welcome! xoxo

image via The Guardian UK

Go See This Movie: The Artist

I've been itching to go see The Artist ever since I read all the rave reviews from this past summer's Cannes Film Festival. A silent film, plus instrumental music of course, this black and white picture is a total throwback to Old Hollywood and reminiscent of the way movies used to be made. Complete with dancing, pantomime and title cards, I was instantly drawn to this mixed modern and vintage idea. Plus when I found out it was a French film, set in the 20's and had a Jack Russell, I was sold. But my husband on the other hand decided he didn't want to see it - "just rent it on Netflix" he said. That was until the Golden Globes came around and The Artist started winning everything. Then he was all "Babe - have you heard about this new movie - the silent black and white one? I think we should go see it"..... Anyways....

We saw it on Saturday and it was pure magic. The premise of the film revolves around a very famous and successful silent film actor, George Valentin. Although he is beloved by his fans, George must learn to cope with change as his job and industry start to evolve in a new direction. When producers begin to make more "talkies" or films with dialogue, he struggles to find his inner happiness instead of being defined by what he does [and says]. George's heart also becomes captured by a gorgeous dancer who dreams of becoming a star and seizes her opportunity to steal the spotlight with this modern setup. And while she is stunning, that dog is so stinking cute he might just steal the show...

It's a classic tale filled with a few twists, turns and some great laughs along the way. At one point, I realized you could practically hear the whole theater "thinking" - which was an incredibly odd and slightly eerie feeling. Most times your ears are normally ringing for several hours after a film. However I could clearly hear the rustle of popcorn, ice shifting in glasses, and each movie goer's laugh and gasp. I thought to myself "this must have been what is was like in the 20's" minus the full orchestra playing in front of you. I loved both the ambiance and the picture itself. And I personally think if you're interested in going to see this, don't wait until it comes out on DVD. Go to the theater and get the experience. I'm telling you - you'll love it! Here's the trailer - don't miss out! Happy Tuesday!

image via IndieWire

In ♥ With This: Ryan G & George C

Ryan Gosling & George Clooney

Ok, so I know I've been a terrible blogger lately! But I promise I have good excuses :) And even though I've been a little swamped I couldn't resist sharing this little photo with you all. If you didn't already know I have quite the obsession with Ryan Gosling (you can check out my Pinterest board dedicated just to him here....) and when paired with George Clooney... I mean come on! Hope you enjoy the Tuesday eye candy!

image via Zimbio

Currently Inspired By: Kate Hudson in Nine

Whenever we head to Palm Springs we usually spend the weekend lounging by the pool, biking around town, eating delicious food and laughing constantly with Steve & Dana (our gracious hosts). It's so fabulous. And the music... Oh the music! It's constantly flowing all day (and night) long. I seriously love it. One of the songs that kept popping up was the Kate Hudson version of "Cinema Italiano" from the theatrical movie Nine. We actually just recently watched the movie and while it was a little hit or miss my absolute favorite part was actually Kate Hudson's sex kitten character Stephanie.

The chain smoking, blond haired, fashion journalist (of course!) with kohl rimmed eyes Stephanie, embodied everything that I love from this era. Her description of why American women love Italy still stands true (maybe I'm partial - but I doubt it...) And it was pretty amazing how much Goldie she was channeling for this role. Ah-mazing. But what really had me was her musical number. It was definitely, by far, the best one from the movie. The men in the suits, the black & white, the dancing. It's seriously phenomenal. For the past week I haven't been able to stop thinking about fringe, cat eye sunglasses and thigh high boots. I love being inspired by different periods of time or movies or even old magazine photographs. Anything from the past can really be worked into your everyday wardrobe - you just have to find a way to tweak it to work for you. For instance to modernize this look I would

Go See This Movie: Crazy Stupid Love

{Crazy. Stupid. Love. Probably my favorite movie so far this year}

I had been wanting to see this movie ever since I saw the previews for it back in March. I'm certifiably obsessed with Ryan Gosling and have girl crushes on both Emma Stone and Julianne Moore. So I was thrilled when Billy called me at work last week to go on a little movie date! And it was just as good as I had hoped! I can't reveal or review it because then it would just ruin it for you. But I will tell you that it was such heartfelt storyline mixed with great acting and hilarious humor.. It's been a while since I really had laughed out loud at a movie and it's safe to say this is my favorite pick of the year. Now I'll leave you with a little top ten list of why you must go see this movie:

1. Ryan Gosling (duh!)
2. Steve Carell plays a hilarious and relatable character
3. Finally a woman {Julianne Moore} gets to have the "Mid-Life"crisis
4. Ryan Gosling takes his shirt off. Several times. As in more than once. So you'll need the big screen effect
5. The 13 year old son is the cutest kid in the entire world - his views on love will make you feel optimistic about it again
6. Emma Stone has the best freak out moment and gets to do what every girls dreams of since they were like 10
7. Ryan Gosling in his 3 piece suits. Yes. Please.
8. That cute girl from America's Next Top Model is in it
9. The scene from the above poster
10. Ryan. Freaking. Gosling.

Oh and p.s. the music in the movie and the soundtrack are the best!
Now grab a date, some candy (we prefer Sour Patch Kids) and get to the nearest theater! Happy Wednesday!

image via Warner Brothers

Video: Behind The Scenes from Black Swan by Swarovski

If you haven't seen this movie yet - I highly suggest you do. It's beyond. I've kind of been obsessed with it since I saw it - partly due to the fact that the costumes are fab-u-lous. (If I could ever get my hands on that white gown Nina wears in the film...) Check out this video put together by Swarovski about the costumes for Black Swan that were designed by the sister duo and great friend to Natalie Portman, Rodarte.

50 Best: This Kiss This Kiss

I've never really been a huge fan of Valentine's Day. It's not that I hate the holiday or am Anti-Valentine's Day but I think I just liked it better in elementary school. You know, when you made Valentine's mailboxes in class, gave cards with pictures from your favorite movie or TV show and there was always lots and lots of candy. Those were the days... :)

But despite my feelings for v-day I will always be a sucker for Hollywood romances. And by that I mean onscreen kisses. I got this month's LA Times Magazine with the Sunday paper and I was pleasantly surprised to see their 50 best this month was 50 Classic Movie Kisses. With the first kiss being from 1896 and number 50 from 2009 it was pretty interesting to see how things have changed over the last 100 plus years with movies in general.

Even though I had seen almost all the movies listed (I'm a huge film fanatic thanks to my father!) I still enjoyed remembering each scene. A few of my favorites were #19 (I think we established I am a Disney freak!), #23, #31 (Ali McGraw is sooo beautiful in this movie!) and of course.... #46! Curious to know what those are? Head over here to list. You can also click on each picture to view a clip of the kiss! Let me know what your favorites are! :) Happy Wednesday! xoxo

image via MSNBC

Ah Ah Ah... Ah Ah Ah... Ah Ah Ahhhhhhhh....

Disney was 100% a staple in my childhood. I owned every single Disney movie and watched each 1000 times. My parents bought me princess everything (bedspread, clothing, toys, sleeping bags, dolls). I had homemade Belle and Ariel costumes. I could go on and on and on.... I was Disney obsessed. I dreamed of talking to animals, singing songs, wearing glittering gowns and just being a beautiful princess. The truth is I still love Disney to this day. So imagine my excitement when Enchanted came out a few years ago. I was practically bursting with all those childhood memories and I forced my husband's family to go see it for their traditional Thanksgiving movie. They now call me Princess NiNi and you know I really don't mind the nickname all that much :) But I loved the movie! It was so funny, had fantastic music, and of course it wouldn't have been complete without a talking chipmunk. I especially enjoyed all the elements of past Disney stories incorporated into one. Well if you loved it as much as I did, be prepared to watch "True Love's Kiss" happen again!

Disney announced on Wednesday that they have plans to film an Enchanted sequel. While it hasn't been confirmed that all the originals actors will return I can't imagine them not wanting to. Getting paid to dance, sing and make little girls (ok and some big girls too) around the world happy?? I think that's a no brainer.

For a little Friday enjoyment click here for the song inspired by several songs from The Little Mermaid. Nothing like a little calypso/island beat to put you in a good mood. :) Happy Weekend!!! xoxo

image via Movie Studio

Costume "Mad"ness

Nominations were announced today for the 12th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards. The CDG is an amazing organization dedicated to recognizing the hard work and achievements that costume designers provide for movies and television. Actors and Directors may be more widely praised for the work they do in these arenas but we can't forget how visual movies and TV shows are - after all we watch them. Costume Designers provide color, elegance and detail to what would otherwise be people talking to each other. I personally enjoy watching certain shows and movies just to look at the clothing the actors wear.

A few of the nominees I am excited about:

In the "Excellence in Period Film" category The Young Victoria designer Sandy Powell knows a thing or two about period design - she's designed for Interview with the Vampire, Gangs of New York, The Other Boleyn Girl and she won Academy Awards for her work on Shakespeare in Love and The Aviator. Set in the early 1830's the costumes that Emily Blunt (who plays Victoria of the United Kingdom) wears are absolutely fantastic. Big full skirts, lace, ribbon, lots of headwear and gorgeous jewelry are all just part of her wardrobe. Not to mention all the other men and women in the film including Rupert Friend as Prince Albert. I'm a huge fan of period pieces (Marie Antoinette anyone??) and Powell does an amazing job creating the looks for this movie. She's up against some tough comptetion - including French costume designer Catherine Leterrier for Coco Before Chanel - but she's my pick for this category.

Blunt will also be the recipient of the Swarovski Award (previously the President's Award) at the CDG ceremony.

Oh Mad Men... Where do I begin? Janie Bryant, nominated for "Outstanding Period/Fantasy Television Series", is an absolute wardrobe genius. The shift dresses, floral patterns, sweater sets, even Betty's equestrian wear are pure fashion gorgeousness. Plus can the men on that show look any hotter in those suits?? Bryant has said the inspirations for her 60's designs are Grace Kelly, Cary Grant and Jayne Mansfield; which is pretty obvious with the elegant Betty and sultry siren Joan. Bryant is also coming out with a style book which I personally can't wait to get my hands on. Perhaps some of the 60's colors that are featured in the show have provided inspiration for actual red carpet gowns (ahem - mustard anyone?) Even I purchased a Mad Men-esque dress complete with a floral pattern of purples, blues, greens and mustards. There's no denying that Bryant's designs have certainly sparked a 60's revival and isn't that what fashion is all about?

You can view the full list of nominations here. The CDG Awards will be held on February 17th at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.

images via Costume Designers Guild, NY Post, AMC TV