My friend, Annie, has recently been converted to somewhat of a stylista after reading The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia — yes, the Nina Garcia from Project Runway. So I ordered my copy on Amazon and started flipping through it last night.
Besides the adorable fashion illustrations and sound advice on building your wardrobe around the basics, I have quite enjoyed the section covering style in films. As you may know from my Double Take series, set design often inspires me but that does not mean that the fashion goes unnoticed. Here are a few of Nina Garcia’s What to Watch and What to Watch For recommendations…
My seen list includes Sabrina and Doctor Zhivago but I would not mind taking another look for the style. First on my new movie list will most likely be Belle de Jour because Nina says, “Everything Catherine Deneuve wears could work today: the coats, the shift dresses etc.” Apparently Roger Vivier designed the Pilgrim-style buckled pump for this film and immediately sold 120,000 pairs after the movie debuted on the silver screen. Below are some of Nina Garcia’s more recent picks:
Michelle Pfeiffer looks spectacular in her slinky, silky dresses and Nina admires the way Uma Thurman pulls off the crisp white shirt in Pulp Fiction. Apparently everything in the film In The Mood For Love is styled to perfection — from the “color of the dresses, the 1950s heels, {and} the quiet sexiness of the fit.” Added to the list.
Do you have any other recommendations for styles or fashion that you like in films (old and new)? Instead of sitting here completely overwhelmed by all of the football watching we will be doing over the holidays (thanks, Jon), it would be fun to pop in a movie every now and then. Blockbuster may see a lot of me 
Image credits: iMDb, The New York Times, Amazon
22 responses so far ↓
1 Melissa Lewis - Off The Wall : Nov 21, 2008 at 12:08 am
Well, anything with Audrey Hepburn has to be on the list! She is amazing!!!
2 Beverly : Nov 21, 2008 at 12:48 am
Not classics, but these modern movies were still fashion inspiring nonetheless:
The Holiday
What Happens in Vegas
You, Me and Dupree
Saving Silverman
3 Mintlurver : Nov 21, 2008 at 1:39 am
This post was a good take on the book. Indeed, the book had very sound advise on building a wardrobe by investing on the what she called the “skeleton” pieces, which is what I appreciated the most. It lived up to the title.
Hhhmmm…Coco might be shown next year, right? Other movies that are “fashionably” noticeable are:
1) The Wedding Date - The exact pieces to get back at your ex!
2) The Royal Tenenbaums - MOD got even cooler in this film
3) Atonement - The green dress was iconic
4) Australia - Based on your post I’m looking forward to the costumes
5) Memoirs of a Geisha - There kimonos were nothing less than inspiring
6) Moulin Rouge - Fascinating gowns and details, like the red gown with the fabulous tail (Was it Oscar Del La Renta?)
I’d love to come up with more movies, and have a marathon of them!
4 bandelle : Nov 21, 2008 at 8:29 am
Beverly — Ooooh, I haven’t seen (or heard) of Saving Silverman so that’s going on the list. Thank you!
Mintlurver — Glad you liked the little black book too. Nina always looks so pulled together but not in a fussy/perfect way. That’s why I like the idea of following her advice. Your list of movies is fantastic — I LOVED Memoirs of a Geisha (lots of crying). Thank you!
5 Krissy : Nov 21, 2008 at 11:19 am
Great list!! Thomas Crowne affair is one of my favorite movies of all time
6 Chelsea : Nov 22, 2008 at 10:14 am
I am so in the mood for some old glamorous movies… but alas, I must write papers instead. dreadful college finals…
7 Leigh Bullard : Nov 22, 2008 at 2:44 pm
In 2006 I had a winter and promised myself to watch all the great movies that I missed from each decade, all the way back to the silent movie, Un Chien andalou. and with all of those I discovered great inspiration for fashion, art, music. And I cannot wait to grab some more this winter.
I also agree with the basic timeless pieces, once you have those, it is so easy to update with accessories each season. Simply fashionably great
8 Melissa : Nov 22, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Kylie, can you bring the book to Australia when you come to visit…if you have enough room in your luggage?
9 bandelle : Nov 23, 2008 at 9:49 am
Melissa — I was planning on bringing it for you to read. She gives a list of the “essential items” in your wardrobe like Tim Gunn. xxx
10 ~Tina : Nov 23, 2008 at 10:41 am
Love the book & going get this. Ok besides the classic movies I would say fashionable movies…
Bewitched~ The House & Nicole Kidman are decked in a cute mix of vintage with a modern flair.
Simply Irresistible~Funky mix & match look thanks to Todd Oldham.
Out of Africa ~ I always was a sucker for that mix of riding pants and a straight khaki skirt with a frilly blouse.
Because I said So ~ Oh Diane in those Polka Dots giving us that 50’s Lucy feel. Even the cake had Polka Dots.
Marie Antoinette~ Colors so yummy that you want to take a bite.
Ok there are a few off the top of my head
11 Jessie Cacciola : Nov 23, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Bonnie and Clyde!
12 mrs. french : Nov 23, 2008 at 11:08 pm
this post makes me feel glamorous…james bond movies are saturated with glamor. xo
13 Fifi Flowers : Nov 24, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Those are classic looks in those film! Good round up! ENJOY your day! Fifi
14 Sydney Girl : Nov 24, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Penelope!! Christina Ricci looks so absoltely gorgeous in her cute as a button wardrobe and her amazing bedroom would make a perfect Double Take!
PS- love your blog! Discovered it when I Googled Holly’s goegeous painted dresser in PS I love you and am now a devotee!
15 bandelle : Nov 24, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Oh my, Jon is going to HAVE to hand over the remote to me every once in a while so I can watch all of these movies. Sydney Girl — thank you, I’m flattered
16 Jamie : Dec 2, 2008 at 8:30 am
Oooh…Nina Garcia has a book? Where have I been? I love the idea of that section of film fashion! I wish there was a book on design/decor items from films. Set decorations are sometimes soooo beautiful! Great blog! Glad I found it!
17 Sarah Danielle : Dec 3, 2008 at 12:44 am
Love this list! But how could they not include Bonnie & Clyde?
18 Creole Nicole : Jan 9, 2009 at 9:01 pm
My fave fashionable films:
Thomas Crown Affair (both versions for Faye and Renee’s wardrobe)
Marie Antoinette (the colors)
L’Avventura (Monica Vitti was unforgettable)
Henry and June (I preferred Uma’s silohuettes)
Bonnie and Clyde
Moulin Rouge!
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie
19 bandelle : Jan 9, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Wow, thanks for this list. There are three that I haven’t seen yet so I’m excited about the suggestions. Have a great weekend!
20 Creole Nicole : Jan 18, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Have you read Nina Garcia’s new book? The Hundred Pieces Every Stylish Woman Should Own? I really loved the illustrations. I think I got the books for the pictures than the words.
21 Fashionable Films: Revolutionary Road : Feb 20, 2009 at 12:26 am
[…] thanks to all of you for your fashionable films suggestions. I might turn this into a series here on the blog but first we will revisit a movie […]
22 alis : Feb 27, 2009 at 7:09 am
Down With Love! - amazingly styled.
I would also suggest Takeshi Kitano films, especiallly “Dolls” and “Hana-bi” - both visually breathtaking, every inch of the screen is styled to perfection.
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