Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility has a very special place in my heart because it was the first Jane Austen novel I read. While I was reading it, I happened to come across the 1995 movie version (see photo above) starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. I was immediately drawn to Kate's Marianne, but as I've gotten older I have come to appreciate Emma's Elinor more. The movie, like the book, always fits the mood I am in because I can identify with one sister or the other depending on what is happening in my life. The characters are very well cast and the minor characters add so much to the film. I have many favorite scenes from the movie, but I'll just mention one: Marianne standing in the rain whispering Shakespeare's Sonnet 116 while staring at Willoughby's estate.

In 2008, Masterpiece Classic brought to life Sense and Sensibility as part of their Jane Austen extravaganza. This mini-series is much closer to the book than the 1995 version. Costumes and cinematography are excellent but felt very similar to the 2005 Pride and Prejudice. This film, also, features very fine performances, but I missed the humor the 1995 movie injected into the portrayals of characters such as Mrs. Jennings and Charlotte Palmer.

For more Jane Austen, visit the Everything Austen Challenge.

Temperley London

The circus is the theme of Temperley London's Spring Summer 2010 Collection. Top hats and lace-up shoes, studded bags and feather accents, this whimsical collection playfully marches the three-ring circus into your closet and demands your attention. One of my favorite looks is a red, one-shoulder dress with a black belt featuring gold horses on it; the dress hits just the right notes without looking out of place in the real world.

Temperley London has partnered with Milk Studio's LEGS to create a traveling interactive installation, The Circus Zoetrope. See the very clever short film below.

Visit Temperley London's website for the making of video.

Get the Look of Marc by Marc Jacobs

Get The Look of Marc by Marc Jacobs by Icedivastar featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs accessories

Items in this set:

dELiAs > Devin Military Peacoat > outerwear > wool, $90

Plaid Zipper Front Dress, $23

MUKLUKS - SHORT SUEDE BOOTS, 275 EUR

Dapperly Dietrich Satchel, $65

Ships Wheel Tooled Belt, $110

For Fall 2009, Marc by Marc Jacobs is all about layers of tights, jackets, and scarfs to create a casual chick look. Red and black are predominate throughout the collection with accents of navy, gray, and brown. Key accessories are chunky boots, a leather satchel, and a fedora. To recreate this look on the cheap, try incorporating red flannel, such as a scarf or jacket, into an outfit you already own and layer as much as possible. Layering socks over tights is one of my favorite parts about this look and is perfect for the cold weather!

Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

Breath Mint Anyone?

Edited by Jordana
There's something about the fall season that brings both calming and chaotic feelings. As we kiss our wild summer nights goodbye, we say hello to late night study sessions and longer days in the office. As New York Fashion Week closes and we're trying to catch up on the latest collections, London Fashion Week kicks off. This week's round up of Links à la Mode from Independent Fashion Bloggers embodies a little bit of everything in an effort to give you a breather in between the deceiving calm that comes with fall. We've got runway reviewes ranging from Fashion Pulse's take on Tory Burch to Fasshonaburu's humorous experience at the Snuggie fashion show, and Style Amour rated the top five most disappointing Spring 2010 collections. There are also a few new DIY's worth checking out, especially the Maison Michael bunny ears post from Monoxious. Last but not least, make sure you check out Ashe Mischief's scando-style post on Sarah Von of Yes and Yes on Dramatis Personae.

By the way, if you haven't checked out the IFB Dress Up Soiree & Evolving Influence Panel recap, click here.

Links à la Mode : September 24th

• A Typical Atypical: Make me a... 20's flapper girl - vintage outfits for the modern girl


• Aysha's Rabbit Hole: Watch the accessory madness


• Bobbins And Bombshells: Musings on the history and significance of red lipstick


• Broke & Beautiful: Bored with the same old nude pumps? Elle shares some architectural ones to covet, instead


• Clutch 22: DVF ss10 Cleopatra in the 21st Century


• Decline Designs: Looking Forward to Fall at Decline Designs


• Dramatis Personae: Sarah Von of Yes and Yes shares the secrets of Scandinavian Style


• Fashion Hippo: To Trend or Not to Trend? Fall 2009 trends contemplated


• Fashion Pulse: Up close and personal at the Tory Burch Spring 2010 presentation.


• Fasshonaburu: Alyssa goes to and reviews the hilarious Snuggie Fashion Show during NY Fashion Week!


• Friend in Fashion: More milage from your fashion dollar. Tube skirt, 6 different looks


• Glamoursplash: They don't make 'em like this anymore; the beautiful mermaids of Busby Berkleys Footlight Parade


• Idiosyncratic Style: If fall's hottest shoes belonged to a clique


• Independent Fashion Bloggers: The IFB Dress Up Soiree recap... photos and more!


• Monoxious: How to make your own Maison Michel Lace bunny ears!


• Prom Mafia: DC Fashion Week embraces white after Labor Day and shows beauty comes in all colors, shapes, sizes


• Retro Chick: Win a Lulu Guinness Cameo City Tote


• Style Amour: Spring's 2010 biggest Misses - the top 5 most disappointing NYFW shows


• Sweet Fuzz: Win the gorgeous Gemma necklace (worth $155 dollars!) from Twisted and Beautiful, featured on Bravo's NYC Prep


• The Coveted: Buckled and Booted... essential boots for Autumn


• The Fashion Planner: How to make a T-shirt Lei Necklace; plus enter to win one!


• The Sideshow Scrapbook: Review about the "Ones to Watch" catwalk show at LFW

PLEASE READ IF YOU'D LIKE TO PARTICIPATE:

If you would like to submit your link for next week's Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE

Things i LOVE Thursday

Blondies

BBC's Bleak House

Mawi Emerald Heart Necklace

Beowulf on the Beach

by

Jack Murnighan

Free People's Military Ruffle Jacket

Red Velvet Art 2010 Planner Kit

Jane Austen's Lady Susan

(Special thanks to Austenprose for sending me a copy)

Must Buy Tights

Style.com

Hosiery is taking over the runway, so now is the time to stock up on some must-buy tights. Solid tights have been around for the past few seasons, and DKNY makes a great opaque pair. I have a pair in black and in eggplant and love how they feel. This fall, designers such as Doo.Ri, Cynthia Rowley, and Zac Posen are raising the bar by featuring embellished tights in their collections. Cocorosa has a brilliant tutorial on her blog about how to embellish tights, and Starmoss takes it a step further by beading patterned tights. Other trends seen on the runway are lace, striped, floral, and bi-color tights. Free People and ModCloth offer fun versions of these new tights.

The Splash Award

Thank you to Heather at Gofita's Pages for the Splash Award!

The Splash Award is given to alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring blogs. When you receive this award, you must:

- Put the logo on your blog/post.

- Nominate & link up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress or inspire you.

- Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.

- Remember to link to the person from whom you received your Splash Award.

1. Class and Fab
2. Sparkle and Glitter
3. Tulip Society
4. Piewacket
5. Stephanie's Written Word

Check out these great blogs!

DIY: How to Make a T-Shirt Lei Necklace (and Giveaway!)

Looking for a way to use up a pile of t-shirts, I decided to add my own touch to the t-shirt necklace trend. The T-shirt Lei is super easy to make with no sewing required .

To make the T-shirt Lei Necklace you will need:

Scissors

2 t-shirts

Step 1. Cut t-shirts into 1" strips

Cut about 12 strips and leave sides attached so that the strips form loops

Step 2. Stretch the loops so that they fold in on each other

Step 3. Gather the loops together and tie a bow on each side covering the seams

Want to win your own T-shirt Lei? Leave a comment below with your email and favorite DIY project or project you want to learn. You have until October 3rd to enter. Contest is open to everyone!

Talk Like A Pirate Day

Ahoy, Maties! For no particular reason, September 19th is the annual Talk Like A Pirate Day. To celebrate, Urban Threads is offer a free pirate ship embroidery pattern until September 27th. For more ways to celebrate, head on over to Gofita's Pages. Bottle 'o rum not included.

Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

Beyond Fashion Week

Edited by Ashe Mischief
There’s a certain amount of irony in the fact I edited this week’s Links a la Mode, as it’s New York Fashion Week– because it’s something I’ve never actually covered before. Style moves on– whether it’s fashion week or the holidays, or the worst day of your life, and for that, we’ve got a bit of coverage from NYFW, some great posts to challenge your mind and body, and a bit of eye candy to tide us over through the weekend.

Links à la Mode : September 17th

• 39th and Broadway – Designing Divisions


• Anywhere but here – Inspired by: Elton John


• awakened aesthetic – I Got Tatted!


• Denim Debutante – Denim Store Review: ECBC (and Giveaway!)


• Denimaniac – Interview | Philip Goss for Ijin Material


• dramatis personae – South African Street Style


• Fashion Pulse Daily – Blogging Live from Vivienne Tam S/S 2010


• FashionHippo – Best Fall 2009 Top Trends: Draped, Ruffled, One Shoulder and More


• girl friday – DIYLeather Necklace I’ve been thinking about…


• HiFashion – Successful Online Shopping


• Individual Chic – 7 simple steps when shopping for swimwear


• Oranges and Apples – Diversity in fashion and style for all ages


• Rags to Reverie – Give Me A Hint!


• Retro Chick – Make Do and Mend


• Style Symmetry – Symmetry Seven ~ Doe Deere


• sweetarchivia – The Lighter Side of Olive Skin Tones


• THE COVETED – Backstage and on the runways at Matthew Ames SS10


• The Demoiselles – Body Type? What Body Type?


• The Greyest Ghost – The Day I Met Gwen Stefani…Twice


• The Sideshow Scrapbook – have to have……….Knuckle duster clutch


• Think Thru Fashion – One Scarf, Tied 5 Different Ways

Things i LOVE Thursday

The final dance sequence in An American in Paris

What A Girl Wants

Nail Bling

Diane von Fustenberg's Spring Collection

Graham & Spencer Leopard Coat

Shades of Gray

Shades of Gray by Icedivastar featuring Preen

Gray is one of those colors that I try to avoid because it makes me feel blah, which is never a good thing. However, the color is growing on me as more designers are incorporating this color into their collections. Luelle, Rodarte, and 3.1 Phillip Lim all included pieces of gray in their fall collections; my favorite being Rodarte's thigh-high boots. Earlier this year, I jumped on the gray nail polish bandwagon and adore Sephora by OPI's Run With It! Who knows? Maybe this is my color after all.

Make A Hat Day

Unless you are in grade school, you might not know that September 15th is Make A Hat Day. If you're feeling crafty, look up Saturday Night Hat by Eugenia Kim for some quick and easy projects. If you want something special to wear for Talk Like a Pirate Day on Saturday or just want a head start on Halloween, Threadbanger has an awesome tutorial for making a pirate hat and girl's pirate costume. Want a pirate hat but don't feel like making it? Captain Jack's Pirate Hats has an amazing selection sure to put the wind in your sails.

Intuition Grab Bags

I am a curious person and find it hard to resist grab bags because I love the surprise. Last week I ordered one from Intuition, which promised one apparel item and two accessories valued from $80-$120, for only $29.99. Sounds like a good deal to me! Last night, my Intuition Grab Bag arrived, and I was so excited to see what was inside.

1. Eco Pullover Hoodie

2. Racer Back Tank

3. Dessert Cups

4. Pocket Peepers

I was expecting the accessories to be jewelry or a scarf, but the dessert cups are cute, so I'm not disappointed.

When it comes to grab bags, do you buy or do you pass?

Busy Nothings

Life seems but a quick succession of busy nothings.

–Jane Austen

Jane and the Barque of Frailty

For the Readers Imbibing Peril challenge, I chose to read Jane and the Barque of Frailty, part of the Being A Jane Austen Mystery series by Stephanie Barron. My first thought upon picking up this novel was, "What on Earth is a 'barque of frailty'?" About half way through the book, I discovered that a "barque of frailty" is used to describe a mistress or a very loose woman, and in the novel, Jane must confront many of these "bits of muslin" in order to solve the murder of a Russian princess.

The plot is far fetched, but then again, so is Jane being a detective. Jane and her sister-in-law, Eliza, are accused of murdering the Princess Tscholikova and stealing her jewels, so Jane must solve the case within a week or be charged with murder. I found the book rather slow moving, lacking the action of Jane and the Ghosts of Netley, and the ending was too abrupt, but if you like historical fiction, this is a good pick.

Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

Shifting Gears

Edited by Jennine

It’s here. Summer’s (basically) over, back to school, back to work… even in fashion today is the official first day of Fashion Week madness, and New York is only the beginning. I’ve always thought once Labor Day rolled around, we shifted gears realizing that the year is almost out it’s time to start packing it all in! This week, we’ve got an amazing round of links…seriously, it was so hard to pick only 20. Style Amor wonders if we really need fashion week at all… Heavy Heels sense the Winds of Change, as models start chopping their locks, The Demoiselles start a getting healthy project for a bunch of ladies, kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS gets an remarkable interview with Patricia Ayers.

Links à la Mode : September 10th

• Art of Accessories – Translating the Trends: Ruffles


• BRICK MY LANE – The ruffled neckpiece – part 2


• dramatis personae – “Plus-Sized” Bras for Busty Gals


• Fashion Hippo – Giveaway: Tory Burch Logo Clutch


• Fashion Pulse Daily – FelixRey.com: Fashion Pulse Daily Readers Get an Exclusive 20% Off!


• fete a fete – Giorgio Armani Beauty Fall 2009 Manta Ray & Eyes To Kill


• Heavy Heels – Wind of Change


• Idiosyncratic Style – IdStyle File – Kaitlyn Regehr


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – How Important is Trust? A Review of Trust Agents


• Intrinsically Florrie – Luella Loveage


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – Interview with Patricia Ayres


• Little Miss Makeup – Is applying liquid eyeliner your biggest beauty frustration?


• Meilily – Ruffled Makeup Bag by Christian Siriano for VS Makeup


• Retro Chick – Planning an Autumn Winter 2009-10 Wardrobe


• Style Amor – Do We Need Fashion Week?


• Style it You – Breaking Barriers


• Style Symmetry – The Last Hurrah Giveaway


• Stylish Thought – Stylish Thoughts on Coco, Karl & Feminism


• Super Kawaii Mama – Worn Wild – MSFW’s Dark Side


• THE COVETED – Mahtab Azimi’s Cozy Little Black Dress


• The Demoiselles – We’re Getting Healthy

Things i LOVE Thursday

Catching up on Lost

Making Ginger Cookies

Harriet the Spy

Learning about different design needs

in my Human Needs class

bird by bird by Anne Lamott

Jordin Sparks and mark Cosmetics

Jordin Sparks is debuting her new music video S.O.S. (Let The Music Play) on the mark website. See the video of her new dance song as well as a behind the scenes look at Jordin shooting the video. Like her look? Visit my mark store to get the goods!

Rompers

I never expected rompers to last more than a couple of seasons, but they seem to be sticking around. Maybe it is the ease of a complete outfit ready to be thrown on or the allure of clothes worn in youth, but rompers seem to be increasing in popularity as every mass marketer rushes to produce several styles. I have not tried out this trend yet due to my fear of looking 12 years old or being mistaken for a streetwalker or worse, both. However, Urban Outfitters offers a bunch of rompers in varying styles and colors that make me want to try this trend out. I'm envisioning a sweater, opaque tights and ballet flats for a comfy back to school look. What do you think?

Urban Renewal Silky Print Jumper

Silence & Noise Ruffle Front Jumper

Rapscallion by Samantha Pleet Jumper

Kimchi Blue Polka Dot Ruffle Jumper

Kimchi Blue Strapless Tie Front Jumper

Posh Girl Vintage

I have always been interested in fashion history, but wearing vintage fashions is something new to me. Lately, I've been visiting local vintage stores perusing the racks of confections; however, I spend most of my time itching and sneezing and crying out against the moth balls and dust bunnies that usually accompany such stores. Then I found Posh Girl Vintage, a fantastic online boutique that stocks gorgeous clothes from the 1920's through the 1980's. No tissues required.

1950's Blue Velvet Beaded Dress

1950's Red & White Party Dress

1950's Lavender Pink Lace & Tulle Formal Dress

Just for fun

Gofita's Pages is hosting a challenge and giveaway in celebration of Talk Like a Pirate Day ( Sept. 19th). Make your way to her page for more details. Me thinks I hear Jack Sparrow callin' me...

Guide to Ann Arbor

Bob Seger grew up here. Madonna went to school here. Welcome to Ann Arbor. Since this is back to school week, I decided to highlight a college town that has a lot to offer residents and visitors alike.

Shopping

• The Bead Gallery - Jewelry makers heaven with beads galore
• Aunt Agatha's New & Used Mysteries, Detection & True Crime Books
• Middle Earth - Magical world of gifts, gags, and more
• The Dawn Treader Book Shop - Used and rare books
• The Get Up - Vintage clothing
• Star Vintage - Vintage clothing and collectibles

Eats

• Oasis Grill - Love the falafel and hommous
• Gourmet Garden - Order the Triple Delight with a spring role and fried rice with a side of the Crab Rangoon and you wont leave hungry
• B.D.'s Mongolian Barbeque - Put together a bowl of raw ingredients and watch it cook on a huge frying table
• Washtenaw Dairy - Ice Cream!
• Ashley's - Bar and grill

Entertainment

• Michigan Theatre - Independent and classic films play here
• The State Theatre - If it's not showing at the Michigan Theatre, it's showing here
• Fairy Doors of Urban Fairies in Ann Arbor - Miniature doors are hidden around town
• Gallup Park - Offers walking trails and canoeing
• University of Michigan Museum of Art - One of my favorite pieces in Esther before Ahasuerus
• William L. Clement's Library - American history and culture

Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

Style Within Means

Edited by Debutante Clothing

As the summer winds down and I start planning my Fall wardrobe, I’m overwhelmed by thoughts of how to create a wardrobe on a budget. This week, we have a ton of posts on how to find great style within a budget. Fashion Pulse Daily gives us the top denim looks under $50 and The Recessionista is reporting Anna Wintour is heading to Macy’s for Fashion Night Out. Enjoy!

Links à la Mode : Sepetember 3rd

• 39th and Broadway – - The horrific treatment of young girls working behind the scenes in the fashion industry!


• A typical Atypical - – a summary of vintage eras and style history


• Bonne Vie - – Bamboo: Eco-friendly, or Green Disaster?


• Confessions of a Fashion Editor - – Interview with alternative model, Khrist!


• Debutante Clothing – Q&A with Fashion Scholar and Historian Heather Vaughan


• Decline Designs - – Can you go a week without wearing any black?


• Fabulous Finds and Co. – - Lily Cole is ready for her close-up


• Fade to c5c5c5 – - fashion, art and interpretation


• Fashion For Writers - – feel good fashion from the Clothes Closet


• Fashion Pulse Daily - – Need jeans for fall? Check out Fashion Pulse Daily’s top picks, all under


• Fasshonaburu – - ponders exactly why September is the most important month in fashion


• fête à fête - – Givenchy’s romantic Les Poetiques Fall Le Makeup Collection


• Friend in fashion – A Sydney Story: a bridge climb, shopping and a proposal!


• Grechen's Closet – Why I support independent designers


• Idiosyncratic Style - – A Fit of Inspiration: John Bender – Stealing style from the Breakfast Club’s resident bad ass


• Jewelrywhore – - Reviews Anna Sheffield for Target


• Retro Chick - – DIY Jersey Spaghetti Scarf Necklace


• Style Margarine - – 9 Reasons why we need to over dress


• Stylist Diva - – Unique, Modern Plus Size line with an Edge – Carmakoma.


• The Coveted: – - Review & Makeup Lesson Video of Guerlain Fall Collection


• The Recessionista – - Anna Wintour a Recessionista? She’s Heading to Macy’s Queens for Fashion’s Night out Sept. 10

Things i LOVE Thursday

This post from Go Fug Yourself

MopShots: Love the cut, Love the color

Smashbox Modern Cat Eye Tutorial

Watching movies I've never seen before:

New York Minute and Drop Dead Gorgeous

Fashion Meets Film: Gattica

The craziness of five people living in the house

Going back to school

Community

School started this week, and it has been crazy. I've been adding and dropping classes all the while saying to myself, "Why am I doing this? I already have a degree!" However, my degree is of the non-paying nature, and while I would love to get my masters, what I want to study doesn't pay either. So, now, I'm going to a community college, and am picking random classes that sound interesting. A few weeks ago, I saw a trailer for NBC's new show, Community, and it reminded me of my life. The preview looks funny, although the school is much nicer and cleaner than any community college I've ever seen. If only reality looked like TV Land.