Power suits, stylin’ pumps: Working girls’ wardrobes on display

June 12, 2014 by

I have a retro kitchen magnet that declares: “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you do your hair.” And how you wear your clothes.

The Best of Everything posterFor proof, just look at “The Best of Everything” (1959, Jean Negulesco), which screens at 3 p.m. Saturday at Hollywood’s Egyptian Theatre. In this slick and sexy melodrama, based on a Rona Jaffe novel, Joan Crawford holds court in a New York City publishing house. She’s dressed to the nines in every scene, natch. Her perfectly appointed co-stars are Hope Lange, Diane Baker and Suzy Parker (and look out for a young Robert Evans).

At 2 p.m., there will be an illustrated talk called “Working Women’s Fashion,” which organizers describe as follows:  From Rosie the Riveter to Mary Tyler Moore, explore how working women have influenced fashion from the 1940s to the 1970s. Using period images from myvintagevogue.com and a runway show of vintage examples from clevervintageclothing.com, clothing historian Dave Temple will discuss how working women changed the fashion landscape forever.

A fashion show will follow the talk. Additionally, there will be a clothing sale in the Egyptian’s courtyard from noon to 6 p.m.

Now put it in your planner and don’t be late!

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‘Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s’ is a fascinating hot mess

September 7, 2013 by

Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s/2013/eOne Films/93 min.

There’s usually something fascinating, even fun, about a hot mess and that’s the case with writer/director Matthew Miele’s documentary “Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s,” now available on DVD.

Miele’s film is a gushy tribute to luxury retailer Bergdorf Goodman, the famed New York emporium and Art Deco palace that occupies an entire city block (Fifth Avenue at 58th Street) near Central Park.

There is much frothy conversation. We meet Bergdorf Goodman insiders, celebrities (Candice Bergen, Nicole Richie and Joan Rivers, to name a few) and a slew of designers (such as Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs and Karl Lagerfeld) as well as fashion observers, writers, the New Yorker cartoonist from whom the film’s title is borrowed and real-estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, among others. William Fichtner narrates; no idea why.

Unfortunately, the interviews (many of which make the same points again and again) are never pulled together. The throughline – creating the gorgeous, glittering store windows for Christmas 2011 – becomes less interesting as it progresses and fails to unify the film.

Miele clumsily tries to mask the underlying condescension – even if you’re not one of the lucky few who can afford to shop here, you can peer in from the street through dazzling windows full of very expensive stuff – with a couple of offhand references to the economic downturn and by opening the film with a morning-has-broken sequence of a working-class guy who turns out to be a Bergdorf’s doorman. Cringe.

All that said, though, some of the talking heads are extremely entertaining. “What would you be doing if you didn’t work here?” Miele asks Betty Halbreich, a longtime personal shopper, known for her candid opinions and discerning eye. “Drinking,” Betty replies.

“Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s” also has a chic, polished look and offers a nice dollop of New York City history. For fashionistas and shopaholics as well as forbearing general-interest viewers, this is pretty good fun.

“Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s” is available on DVD, $25 list price with discounts via Amazon. Click here for more info.

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On the radar: ‘Lee Miller in Fashion,’ front-row seats at MBFW, Toronto film fest in full swing, 3-D film noir in Hollywood

September 5, 2013 by

Model, muse and photographer Lee Miller

I’m looking forward to reading Becky E. Conekin’s new book, “Lee Miller in Fashion.” The NYT’s Cathy Horyn says the book is very engaging and nicely researched.

Want front-row seats at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York? You can watch the shows here. MBFW started Thursday, Sept. 5, and runs through Sept. 12.

Jim Jarmusch’s new movie, a vampire romance called “Only Lovers Left Alive,” screened Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Toronto International Film Fest. The fest runs Sept. 5-15.

The World 3-D Film Fest starts Friday, Sept. 6, at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. “Dial M for Murder” shows Sunday and there is a special film-noir night on Sept. 12! The fest runs through Sept. 15.

Meanwhile, the Hitch fest continues on TCM. “Vertigo” ran Thursday, as noted on the FNB facebook/twitter feeds, and the Sunday schedule is packed with great titles.

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‘Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s’ hits theaters today

May 3, 2013 by

“The energy in ‘Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s’ – what a great title! – is genuine, infectious and superabundant.

— Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal

You can read the full WSJ review here and view the film trailer here. Looking forward to seeing this. : )

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Friday fashion inspiration from Dita Von Teese

March 8, 2013 by

Dita Von Teese wears a 3D printed dress based on the Fibonacci sequence. Read more here.

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Film Noir Blonde is born

December 1, 2010 by

Finally! Your go-to resource for all things noir – film reviews, must-haves for your makeup bag, fabulous fashion finds, advice, horoscopes, spots for swanky dining, red-carpet rumors, movie news and interviews. Oh, and anything else I feel like writing about.

All of this stylish sin is brought to you by the high priestess of decadence and lady in charge, Film Noir Blonde. 

Film Noir Blonde

I’ve long been in love with film noir – those sumptuous, cynical tales of the darker side of life, an American cinematic phenomenon that started in the 1940s and was greatly influenced by German Expressionism and French Poetic Realism. In these movies, strong women often call the shots, or have fun trying, and they’re always dressed to thrill. Some say film noir is a b&w genre that ended in 1958; others call it a style that transcends time. For others, like me, noir is a way of life. 😉

 The idea for the film reviews came to me after reading lots of film criticism about classic and neo noir. Mostly written by men, it often failed to give an interesting female perspective. So why not write about these terrific movies and offer fatale-centric reviews that are critically sound, but aren’t above gushing over a stunning gown, sassy ankle straps or a diamond brooch? (Admittedly, it took me about four years from thinking of the site to launching it, but then industriousness isn’t high on a vamp’s priority list, especially when shopping and champagne cocktails beckon.)

 My aim is to provide insightful, entertaining film commentary and expert advice to look and feel like a million bucks. FilmNoirBlonde is also a place to connect with tough guys and wily women – such a challenge because we ladies of ill repute can be hard to actually locate, what with traveling incognito, making quick getaways in 5-inch heels, vanishing like puffs of smoke, puffing smokes and seducing hapless chaps in dimly lit bars. I know, I know. Chances are, you don’t really sleep till noon, plan heists and pad your bank account with other people’s cash; you might even be a straight arrow with a 9-5 job. But a girl’s gotta dream, right?

 So, take a look at this site, see what you think and let me know if there is a film, book, band, stiletto, trench coat, purse, lipstick, perfume, restaurant, club, hotel or handsome stranger that warrants a review. And stop by often because  I’ll be hosting contests and giving stuff away. Go on, embrace your inner temptress. Because as Mae West once said, “When I’m good, I’m very good. But when I’m bad, I’m better.”

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