Did anyone else watch the BBC miniseries adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma that aired over the last month? I was glued to my screen. For four consequent weeks, I found myself actually looking forward to Sunday night for my Jane Austen fix!i I actually haven’t read Emma yet (I plan to very soon though since I looooved the miniseries, and it’s also one of my goals to read every Austen novel) so it’s difficult for me to pass any sort of thoughtful judgement on the adaptation. From what I’ve heard from others however, most seemed quite pleased with the translation from book to television series which is always good to hear. So if it counts for anything, I really liked it. Or “looooved” to be exact. Of the Austen stories that I’ve either read or seen a movie adaptation of, I think Emma has the most intriguing plotline for me. And I know we’re not meant to like Emma Woodhouse (the central character), but I found her quite lovely; she made the whole thing for me. I really liked her as a character a lot. She’s a little rough around the edges, but that adds to her charm. Romola Garai, the actress who portrayed her, was fantastic. (And on the topic of characters we’re supposed to dislike… I kind of love Frank Churchill. ♥ Aside from a few moments of being a bit of a jerk, he’s totally adorable.)
To go in a completely different direction – characters, story and acting aside – there was a fair amount of gushing on my part over the costumes. I love me a good costume drama. Even if the story itself is dull as a doorknob (I’m looking at you Keira Knightely flicks!), at least you can ogle the stunning clothing. This adaptation was plum full of lovely peasant dresses, bonnets, jumpers, Peter Pan collars, florals, pastels, ribbons, ruffles, cardigans, puff sleeves … a real treat for the eyes. And so, a tribute to Miss Woodhouse (and a few of her acquaintances) and their dashing attire.
Note: If you haven’t seen the miniseries/read the book… there are spoilers a-plenty to follow. If you don’t want to know what happens, avert your eyes! I can supply the blind fold if necessary.
I don’t think it’s possible for me to be any more excited about Tim Burton’s upcoming film Alice in Wonderland (set for release in 2010). News has been circulating around the project for ages and even the slightest mention of it fills me with anticipation. One, because I’m a huge fan of the Alice stories, and two, because Tim Burton can do no wrong. He brings a very whimsical, eerie, experimental, and visionary quality to every film he touches and I always look forward to seeing where he will go next. In this case, his “next” being Alice in Wonderland. At long last, we have the first official glimpse into the film: a collection of six images including three promo shots of the Mad Hatter, Red Queen and White Queen, and three conceptual images of the sets. I think my heart just skipped a beat!
I’ll admit, IMDB creepingi is a favourite pass-time of mine. When I’m bored, I stalk my favourite actor’s/actress’ pages and make a list of any upcoming projects they’re doing that I’m interested in. (I also really like lists. In case you hadn’t noticed.)
I also love that it’s the season for the Spring 2009 collections to be revealed. Yay! I’ve been glued to NYMag.com‘s fashion section drooling over all the gorgeous run way shows at every chance I can get. Drooling and wishing I had a money tree. Wishful thinking, yes.
So I propose this… a chance to drool simultaneously over an upcoming movie and fashion. It’ll be epic, I promise.
Cue Chanel: a gigantic name in the fashion industry, one of the greatest fashion designers everii, and the subject of the upcoming film Coco Avant Chanel. The film stars Audrey Tautou (Le Fabuleux Destin D’Amélie Poulain, Dirty Pretty Things, The DaVinci Code) as fashion designer Coco Chanel before she became famous. What more could you ask for? Audrey (who I personally think is brilliantly talented ♥), fashion, Chanel costumes, a biopic (I have a strange fascination for them)… It’s a recipe for success! I couldn’t find any fixed date of release for the film for America (it comes out in mid-April in France), but I’m definitely waiting anxiously to hear. :D
Trailer! In French. I tried to no avail to find one with English subtitles, so unfortunately if you don’t understand French, it probably won’t mean much to you. But you can still oogle at the awesome!
Of course, that’s just my opinion. I don’t think you could actually prove that fact… though, I propose someone try; I’d be interested in the results. :P (»)
I’m still mourning the loss of Pushing Daisies; it was such a unique and whimsical show. *shakes fist at ABC* (I may or may not hold a grudge.) Bitterness aside though, one of my favourite things about the show was Chuck. Aside from being a generally adorable character, her wardrobe is to die for. Pastels contrast against bright pops of colour, cute hair clips and headbands, knitted cardigans, bows, and dresses… all signature Chuck pieces. If any character were to be my style icon, Chuck would be it. Here’s a quick look at some of my favourite Chuck outfits from over the course of the series:
I'm a 22-yr old Interior Architecture and Design student from Canada. I love party dresses, excessive amounts of snow, eating watermelon and singing at the top of my lunges.
I also love a crap load of other really random things which I will oh-so-conveniently list for you starting… now: ♥ architecture, braids, bunnies, Chanel, classical music, clouds, collages, the colour white, crossword puzzles, doodling, electronica, fairy tales, fashion, ferris wheels, generally cute things, Goldfrapp, illustration, interior design, impressionist art, Kirsten Dunst, LivingEtc magazine, music music and more music, organization, playing piano, pink lemonade, polka dots, reading, shoes, sparkly things, tea cups, watching movies, writing lists, Zooey Deschanel, etc., etc.
In a nut shell, Shimmer Like Gold serves as my inspiration blog. It’s a place where I can share the things that I love and that inspire me on a daily basis with others. I hope that is found here will spark a thought, an idea, a story, a drawing, etc. and help guide others along their own creative process in some way or another.
Click &'s to expand/collapse archives and categories.
The majority of the images I use for this blog are not mine. I always do my best to credit the source when I know it. Many of the used images come from Tumblr or We Heart It, and often times, the origin of the image is unknown. Click on the images to view the original. No copyright infringement is intended. If one of the images I've used belongs to you and you would like it removed, please send me an e-mail and I will happily take it down.
