Display at Christian Dior in Beverly Hills
At the Christian Dior store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, I learned that today is an important fashion anniversary. Dior’s first couture show debuted “The New Look” on Feb. 12, 1947.
Archives for February 2011
Un petit pamplemousse pour vous …
February 9, 2011 by
WS Pink Grapefruit Hand Balm
As a tart, I appreciate the sharp, crisp qualities of a grapefruit. So I was quickly drawn to Williams-Sonoma’s deep-moisturizing Pink Grapefruit Hand Balm with essential oils. It’s a water-resistant blend of natural cocoa butter, sunflower seed oil and glycerin.
According to the company’s web site, the balm’s active ingredients are derived from natural sources and contain no parabens, ammonia, chlorine or lauramide DEA. It’s biodegradable and not tested on animals.
I’m often prone to forgo hand lotion if there is any trace of stickiness or slickness after applying. That’s not the case with this balm, which absorbs quickly and feels great. But it’s the clean, tangy fragrance, layered with essences of orange, that hooked me.
The balm is $14.95 for 4 ounces. WS also makes a sugar scrub exfoliator with sweet almond oil, shea butter and vitamin E, $24.95 for 8 ounces.
Product Source: From my own collection; I did not receive products or compensation from Williams-Sonoma.
Who loves you, baby? FNB does, that’s who!
February 7, 2011 by
Robert Mitchum in "The Night of the Hunter"
LOVE NIGHT: If you’re looking for a stylish, old-school place to celebrate Valentine’s Day, consider the Sunset Tower Hotel, 8358 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood, 323-654-7100. Formerly the Argyle Hotel, this Art Deco gem was designed by Leland A. Bryant; it opened in 1931. The Argyle was a residence for Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, Howard Hughes, Frank Sinatra, Paulette Goddard, Preston Sturges, George Stevens, Michael Caine and Quincy Jones. When dining, be sure to save room for the baked Alaska – it’s making my mouth water, just thinking about it. Mmmmm.
#
See how much FNB loves you? 😉
#
United Artists image of Robert Mitchum
What’s new at the Aero and the Egyptian in February
February 4, 2011 by
There’s much classic and neo noir to choose from this month at the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles. Highlights at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood and the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica include:
#
Director Christopher Nolan appears at the Egyptian’s “Memento” screening to mark the film’s Blu-ray launch; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4.
#
As part of the Gypsy Rose Lee Centennial, “Gypsy” shows at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the Aero. Come back to the Aero for Valentine’s weekend to see “Casablanca” and “Double Indemnity” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13.
Anjelica Huston
“Reservoir Dogs” comes to the Aero at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23.
#
The Egyptian Theatre is at 6712 Hollywood Blvd. The Aero Theatre is at 1328 Montana Ave. General admission is $11; members pay $7. Several programs at the Aero were unconfirmed; be sure to check the schedule for final times.
‘The Night of the Hunter’ a wondrous poem of terror, family, false gods and redemption
February 3, 2011 by
Michael Wilmington
The Night of the Hunter/1955/United Artists/93 min.
By Michael Wilmington
Some movies take a while to reach their audiences. Take, for example, Charles Laughton’s great Faulknerian film noir “The Night of the Hunter,” based on Davis Grubb’s Southern Gothic novel.
Beautifully scripted by James Agee, spellbindingly directed by Charles Laughton, evocatively shot by cinematographer Stanley Cortez, and memorably acted by Robert Mitchum (in his best performance), it’s a haunting tale of murder, terror and wild, lyrical flight.
Also unforgettable: the performances by Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, James Gleason, Evelyn Darden, Don Beddoe, Peter Graves, and two little-known child actors Billy Chapin and Sally Jane Bruce.
In this mesmerizing movie, we see two orphaned West Virginia kids, John and Pearl Harper, desperately fleeing the honey-tongued but murderous preacher Harry Powell (Mitchum), a black-clad, brim-hatted charlatan who has “LOVE” and “HATE” tattooed on his knuckles as props to his sermons. Harry is the Hunter. The children are his prey because they can lead him to the money their father (Graves) stole and managed to hide before he was arrested and executed.
Harry cajoles them, bullies them, then kills their poor, sad, seducible mom Willa (Winters). The heroine of the film is the children’s savior Miss Cooper (Gish). Then close to 60, Gish is eternally enduring, a rustic angel with a hymn on her lips and a rifle in her lap.
John and Pearl escape down the river in an open boat. And for them, the world of the rural South in the Depression becomes a magical twilight of Halloween horrors, a nocturnal landscape of rushing water, moonlit skies, ghostly trees, croaking frogs, watchful owls, pensive rabbits and evil spiders spinning their webs.
As they flee, Preacher Harry follows them on horseback, far-off but omnipresent, a specter etched in silhouette against the evening sky, singing, in Mitchum’s rich, lazy baritone: “Leaning, leaning…Safe and secure from all alarms. Leaning, leaning…Leaning on the everlasting arms.” (You’ll recognize the soothing yet eerie tune; it’s the one threaded through the Coen Brothers’ remake of “True Grit” and sung under the credits.)
Are any classic noir images or sounds more scarily poetic than that flight, that drifting boat, those hands tattooed with “LOVE” and “HATE,“ that black-clad maniac preacher, that spider, that river, that song? [Read more…]
Noir City 9 memorial reel honors movie greats
February 3, 2011 by
At the recent Noir City 9 in San Francisco, besides the marvelous movies, audiences got to see a memorial reel for talent who died in 2010, created by Richard Hildreth, Noir City showrunner.
Peter Graves in "The Night of the Hunter"
Seeing Graves’ name and the clip from “The Night of the Hunter” (recently re-released by Criterion) reminded me to feature this movie on my site and I’m lucky to have a review to share from critic Michael Wilmington.
MW rightly praises Robert Mitchum’s performance. But for me it is the child actors, Billy Chapin and Sally Jane Bruce, who make the film so moving and resonant.
Peter Graves image from today.msnbc.msn.com
Vintage expo and Valentine’s celebrations
February 2, 2011 by
Looking for some retro additions to your wardrobe? The Vintage Expo, now in its 23rd year, comes to Santa Monica this weekend (Feb. 5 and 6).
The clothing covers a period of about 100 years and there’s a broad selection of jewelry, shoes, textiles and accessories. Show organizers say you can expect to find: tailored suits, tiered petticoat skirts, long dresses, one-piece swimsuits, short shorts, “Grandpa” sweaters, lace-up oxfords, thigh-high and short lace-up boots, skinny belts, aviator sunglasses, chandelier earrings (and all large statement jewelry), platform sandals and high-waisted pants.
The Vintage Expo has a broad range of clothes, jewelry, shoes and accessories.
Expo co-producer Lis Normoyle explains: “Fashion magazines are full of vintage-inspired fashions. At the show, you can see and try on and take home the real vintage clothing that these styles try to imitate, but without the craftsmanship or unique style of the originals.”
The expo is held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St. It runs Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10. On Saturday, for $20, you can get into the early-buying portion of the show that runs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Students are free on Sunday with student ID.
For more information and to download a coupon, visit www.vintageexpo.com.
Also on Saturday, Feb. 5, SusieCakes home-style bake shop is teaching sweetheart baking classes, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Newport Beach, Calabasas, Marin and Manhattan Beach; and from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Brentwood. The cost is $145 per couple and includes a champagne toast. You’ll take home cupcakes, cookies and chocolate-covered strawberries. For more info, visit www.susiecakesbakery.com.
On Wednesday, Feb. 9, from 2 to 6 p.m., Only Hearts in Santa Monica, 1407 Montana Ave., is hosting a Valentine’s celebration with lingerie modeling, boudoir photo sessions by Nico Moon, and tea and pastries from Valen Dolce. There will be a raffle, specials and goodie bags for the first 50 guests. For more info, visit www.onlyhearts.com and www.nicomoon.com.
Expo photo by Lis Normoyle
Honey, your February horoscope is here …
February 1, 2011 by
Kim Novak in "Vertigo"
Capricorn (December 23-January 20): There is a Chinese proverb that says, “It’s as difficult to be rich without bragging as it is to be poor without complaining.” While bragging and complaining are equally unattractive, money means possibility, choices and freedom so don’t feel guilty for wanting an ample supply. Guilt (for any reason) saps your energy like a crack in your Limoges tea cup drains your ginseng peppermint. Treat yourself to a classic red mani-pedi (Revlon’s Frankly Scarlet, for instance, or MAC’s Asiatique) so you’ll look glam in Cupid’s honor. Be extra generous on the 12th.
x
Aquarius (January 21-February 19): There is a project that calls for your expertise and you are well placed to provide direction. Lovely! But do not get roped into executing the nitty-gritty tactics, just because someone asks you nicely. On the social front, keep in mind the old saying: If you can’t be good, don’t get caught. And when was the last time you were good, 1997?. You may need Excel to track your suitors in the leadup to Valentine’s. If you’re in an exclusive relationship, a long romantic weekend may be in the cards. Pay special attention to details on the weekend of the 18th. [Read more…]
From FNB readers