There's an App for That

Let's face it, many of the films we often go to are for the fashions, the location, a favorite actor or to escape reality for 120 plus minutes (and make that 145 minutes if you catch the previews). I have always enjoyed Greg Kinnear's work, would watch Pierce Brosnan eat a bowl of cereal, and can't wait to see what Sarah Jessica Parker will wear next so of course I caught I Don't Know How She Does It (Weinstein Company) over the weekend. 

Based on Allison Pearson's best selling book, Sarah Jessica Parker plays Kate Reddy, a high powered Boston investment manager who balances work and career with her architect husband (Greg Kinnear) and two children. She pitches a proposal to the head honcho of the New York office (Pierce Brosnan) and of course drama ensues until Reddy figures out the formula for working motherhood.

Dressing Kate as a career woman and mommy (and an actress who audiences recognize as the fashion obsessed Carrie Bradshaw) fell to costume designer Renee Erhrlich Kalfus. "Sarah Jessica knows that the right costumes will inform the character," she notes. "Kate's a mom and a very distracted dresser. Clothes aren't her first priority, so she has things that she kind of grabs and will throw together. At the same time, she gravitates towards feminine pieces that will work in a corporate environment." The character's wardrobe also needed to appear 100 percent off the rack.

Recognizing audiences will no doubt want to copy SJP's looks in the film, the studio created an Iphone/Ipad app where you can get some of the "inspired by" looks via the online shopping site Hautelook. I also curated a few luxury and moderately priced items from a few of my favorite looks and trust me, you will want to go coat shopping after this movie....

And is it me or do we all need another phone just for the apps? I am waiting for one to scramble my morning eggs, clean the litter box and solve the world's problems....it's just a matter of time. Until then, happy shopping and see you in the popcorn line at the local cineplex.

Lurex Striped Drape Sweater at The Loft 69.50

    

Pierce Brosnan and Sarah Jessica Parker and a great handbag

Mulberry Alexa bag in patent 1200.00

or you might choose the Chelsea Flagship Leather Satchel by Coach 798.00

SJP with Mad Men's Christina Hendricks

Michael Kors Hamilton Large Black Tote 348.00

Kingwater Camel Belted Cashmere Coat by Burberry on Shopstyle 1605.

Diane Von Furstenberg Acanthi Blouse on Bluefly 147.00

And any of the bow tie blouses at Tory Burch would be perfect for the office.
Shown here is the Waverly Blouse at Tory Burch 425.

Burberry Brit Long Sleeve Jacket 895.00

Calvin Klein Double Breasted Trench at Nordstrom 168.00

Olivia Munn stars as Kate Reddy's ever so serious assistant

Louis Vuitton Alma Bag Epi 

Burberry London Double Breasted Skirted Coat at Saks 1395.00

Irina Platform pump by Pour La Victoire at Jildor 250.00

I do not recall seeing this dress in the film but love the emerald color --
Brunettes need not apply as unfortunately it's only a color
 for blondes and redheads but looks great on Kate below!

Diane Von Furstenberg Maja dress in Lawn color 398.

This was also a favorite of Kate Middleton as she wore it on the royal couple's recent trip to Los Angeles

Would love to locate this blouse!

Buy the book on Amazon

Photo Credits: Craig Blankenhorn/Weinstein Company

Director's Cut: Sofia Style

One of my favorite directors and style inspirations is Sofia Coppola. Her films are smart, insightful, quirky and envelope you in the moment and they range from period to contemporary. And as the daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, no doubt her talents are in the genes.

First,  a quick look at her film career. After surviving a disastrous (review wise) role as the ill-fated daughter of Michael Corleone in Godfather Three, she eventually turned to directing with the film The Virgin Suicides (1999) that placed her squarely on the map.  Lost in Translation won her the Oscar for screenplay and three Golden Globes including Best Picture. For those of us who have experienced jet lag and language barriers in a foreign country, this film literally nails it and Bill Murray has never been better.

Murray with Scarlett Johannsen

Marie Antoinette (2006) was a complete departure and her interpretation of the lady who let them eat cake (based on Antonia Fraser's biography) was shot with a highly stylistic bent, eye candy colors and a contemporary soundtrack.

Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette

Next up is her film Somewhere (Focus Features, December 22) which recently won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. West Hollywood's famed, elusive and eerie Chateau Marmont is the centerpiece of the film where bad boy Johnny Marco (played by Stephen Dorff) lives life to the fullest only to be influenced to change his ways when he meets an eleven year old girl (Elle Fanning). Look for the film to make some major statements on the Hollywood lifestyle.

Dorff and Fanning

Coppola's  fashion interests are as wide ranging as her films. In l998 she created a Japanese clothing brand with Kim Gordon  called Milkfed. Friend and designer Marc Jacobs tapped her as the signature face of his fragrance in 2002 and she directed a commercial for Christian Dior. Perhaps her dream job -- well it would certainly be mine -- was her collection for Louis Vuitton. Apparently it began with the search for the perfect bag (a conversation I have had with numerous friends -- and like the perfect anything, we decided it does not exist) and her SC bag comes very very close.

Ad for Louis V - this might be the best back I have seen to a Little Black Dress

The collection includes both handbags and shoes

Ad for Louis V

The Dior Shoot

Photo Credits: Louis Vuitton, Focus Features, Christian Dior