How Jolie

Inspired by a humorous chat amongst the ladies about our girl crushes at last night's rather fun sailor themed birthday gathering/bar hop/VIP club visit, this post is catered to the girl crush firmly at the top of my "list". Mila Kunis is a close second and that's as far as the list goes. It seems I like dark haired actresses, although Lara Stone and Charlize Theron are both an exception to this rule. How about you? Who is your ultimate girl crush?

I am fully aware of the opinions some people have of Angelina Jolie (I admit she is rather strange but isn't that what makes her so interesting and appealing?) what with the Aniston/Pitt fiasco branded as the "Split of the Century" and the controversy surrounding how it came to be, but quite frankly, (and don't think I am condoning cheating of any kind because I most certainly am not) it takes two, Brad was clearly not happy and so he found solace (or whatever you want to call it) in the stunning Angelina. 

I don't think she is a style icon or even pretty in fact but she is gorgeous and an exceptional actress, proved from having recently watched Changeling, Girl, Interrupted (again) and Salt, which I thought was visually and conceptually amazing. OK, I clearly have a slight obsession with the woman but she is one of my favourites as you may well know, very, very attractive and beautiful nonetheless. Surely that's a good enough reason to share with you these incredible images.

What do you think of Angelina? Marriage breaker or stunning talent? Either way, if you tell me you don't enjoy these images, I won't believe you. 

Jolie is to play the lead in a remake of Cleopatra (once made so famous in 1963 by the legandary Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton) set to be released in 2013. 

Ironically, her character in film Changeling abruptly describes it as "overrated" when it is the announced on the radio at the Oscars in 1935 for Best Picture nomination.. she has her money on winner "It Happened One Night."

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The Tragic Love Affair

Titanic is without a doubt one of my favourite films, certainly taking pride of place in my top 10 list amongst Baz Luhrmann directed Romeo + Juliet. And you don't have to think too hard about what those both have in common (Clue: it's a very good looking man)!

Whilst on the subject, Shakespeare was (and remains to be) an absolute literary genius; the passion, tragedy, gripping plot, imagery, symbolism, character development, quotation, as well as astonishingly original, balanced and interesting way of writing is what makes his certainly irreplaceable talent as one of the best playwrights of all time. The reason for so many variations and versions.

Namely, the Baz Luhrmann's film version. The tragic, lovelorn story is a personal favourite of mine with Macbeth a close second. Although one to usually completely disallow myself to become distracted by modern counterparts or versions of aged pieces (I often prefer many original versions of songs that have been copied by others and never as greatly), the soundtrack to the Romeo + Juliet 1996 film brings it to life on screen, making it stronger visually, drawing you in and creating an emotive viewing experience. And it was with the help of my eternally youthful A-Level English teacher (who partied in Ibiza during the summer, wore Juicy Couture and was admired by many a fellow male peers) and her creativity, passion and intelligence in directing and scripting a sixth form stage production of Romeo & Juliet that powered and flourished my absolute love of the play. She even starred in her modernised version- modernized in the sense that the opposing families were each representing different social groups within modern day society ("chav" versus "goth", etc.) and of course, using the overwhelmingly emotive soundtrack completed the performance. I can honestly say it was the best school stage productions I have ever seen and unlike anything seen at a school. It was just so professional whilst at the same time incredibly exciting and touching- a truly amazing show. 

Most people's favourite scene (I think it goes without saying) from the 1996 film version starring the stunning Clare Danes and beautiful Leonardo DiCaprio features the pair's initial glances through the glowing blue aquariam tank prior to the exciting frolics in and out of the lifts away from the judgment of her parents and later the intimacy they share underwater. Along with the transposition of often complete angst, romance and the feeling of longing for your one true love.


Oh, it is just stunning; wonderfully pieced together, it is Luhrmann's archetypal flamboyancy and poignancy that makes the screen electric. I vow you to watch it if you never have.

It will no doubt instantly become, thanks to the genius that is Shakespeare, not just one of your favourite films, but favourite plays of all time.

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Anja Rubik for Giuseppe Zanotti

Flicking through VOGUE last night, I spotted the latest uber polished A/W '11 editorial campaign for Giuseppe Zanotti Design (How nice are the snakeskin wedged boots?) with the absolutely stunning Anja Rubik, who by the way, has the best legs I have ever seen and is fantastic in the newest television ad for H&M. Amazing. Well anyway, whilst admiring her curly hair and slender frame, I couldn't help but notice how much she reminds me of Glenn Close circa 1987, when she played crazed marriage wrecker in Fatal Attraction, one of my favourites. 

Can you see the resemblance? Even if you can't, these pictures are far too amazing not to share.

        







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Tilda Swinton for W

I recently watched the visually beautiful and thought provoking film The Beach (directed by the incredible Danny Boyle and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert Carlyle) and love the incredibly funny film Burn after Reading, both starring the capturing beauty that is Tilda Swinton. She has the most interestingly unique look and I simply adore her perfect English accent and striking facial features. That certainly doesn't go unnoticed in her latest editorial for W magazine. It has been compared to David Bowie's look but I disagree completely- it is much more refined, fresh looking and very much inspired by utilitariunism and formed into 8 different looks, is compiled of earthy tones, crisp whiteness and broken up with deep plum and bright red shades. I particularly like the initial image and I especially love the beige leather thigh-high boots and oversized white blazer. She almost looks unreal- robot-like and very androgynous but then again masculinity is very much part of Tilda's everyday look. She has even in the past confessed that she often gets mistaken for a man. But after all, she is an actress? Why not get dressed up and create something completely surreal?

 

What do you make of the editorial?

To read more and view the rest of the editorial, see here.

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Where has the sun gone?

Last week in England was absolute glorious sunshine- a rarity even during the summer months and a a result everyone was in a good mood, having garden gatherings and visiting the pub. Drinking outside in the warm summer air at ten at night without the usual necessity of a second layer is a perk all on it's own. Making the most of the beautiful weather (which was at times, almost unbearably hot) I had been lying flat on the grass in the back garden for the most part of three days. I usually save this for the annual summer holiday but the late June, early July uncharacteristically warm weather meant that I should be making the most of it and thus caught the sun incredibly easily and the result- a natural, glowing, dark tan. This made me somewhat happy and it was then, the moment my skin went from pale to a deep brown shade, that the short summer dresses, high-wasted shorts and colourful strapless tops were retrieved from the crevices of the wardrobe for good.

But then it got to Monday of this week and the sun began to hide away and then the rain started to fall - cue the storms, windy conditions and the retrieving back indoors to watch films. One of the first on the list was The Beach, which I hadn't seen before but thought was amazing- vibrant, great casting, tapping into insightful ideologies and interesting characters. It really caused me to begin thinking about life on a beach; living, co-existing with strangers, along with it's pros- there would be no need to work, no need for possessions, no need even for money.

Another on the list was the child friendly, rather cliched Aquamarine starring a young Emma Roberts. On looking at her profile on IMDb (like Twitter which I find myself constantly checking for the latest fashion news and laughs from Britain's comediennes, I have the iPhone app), I found myself instantly becoming completely captured by her beauty- long flowing locks of golden hair, petite frame, wide eyed and complementing her great choices of evening wear with that amazingly large smile. So, sharing with you now, are my favourite red carpet looks of hers. I'd never noticed before- I have become more of a fan of British beauty Emma Watson in recent years- but she is as beautiful, a talented actress and a new favourite of mine, style wise. 

My only hope is that the sun makes it's appearance again tomorrow in the same way it was this time last week, but you never know. 

There is always a film to whack on and obsess over if not. 

In the meantime, enjoy the pictures. Who is your latest girl crush? What has the weather been like where you live?

 MICHAEL KORS

At the 2011 Met Gala where I was at the time, viewing the famous faces as they arrived.

AMANDA UPRICHARD
At the Beverley Hills screening of The Art of Getting By

ELIE SAAB

At the launch party of Nylon Magazine's Young Hollywood issue in May

BURBERRY 
At the L.A. premiere of Scream 4

KOVA & T

 At the London premiere of Valentine's Day

 JENNY PACKMAN

At Elton John’s AIDS Foundation’s Oscar Viewing Party in L.A.

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This Amazing Woman

Julia Roberts is an insanely talented actress whose career, spanning over a long 24 years, means she has had the opportunity and rightly so, to showcase her talents, applying that to a very wide range of roles from strong-minded, determined women to those chasing after love.

I must have first seen her in one of my favourite films of all time, Pretty Woman. Audiences found themselves falling in love with her just as much as her famous counterpart, in a story that was a mixture of touching, funny and romantic- a comedy classic. 

Sleeping with the Enemy is perhaps the most serious of roles I have seen her play and which stretched her to become a sweet but very afraid young woman who eventually leaves her violently controlling husband, plucking up the courage to flee and begin a new life elsewhere until the old one catches up with her. I shall leave it at that in case you haven’t had the chance to watch it yet, in which case I recommend you do. A friend of my parent’s had a fair few years ago now and was instantly a favourite of mine, like many of Robert’s films. 

My Best Friends Wedding plays havoc with her emotions and hotel mini-bars (who remembers falling off the bed, face masks, far too many cigarettes and chasing?!) and the flawless Notting Hill. Rhys Ifans is sheer comedy brilliance ("I have a joke that will make your balls shrink to the size of raisins!"- amazing) and is such a brilliant addition to the film. Roberts plays a successful actress like herself alongside Hugh Grant, the unlucky in love and hopeless romantic who has trouble climbing a fence, let alone maintaining a successful, long-term relationship. 

Another (possibly all time) favourite amongst Robert's films, is the brilliantly directed and hugely critically acclaimed, Erin Brockovich, which based on a true story, tells the gripping (and sometimes amusing) tale of a woman who will stop at nothing whilst investigating the operation of a town's water board. Failing to obtain healthy standards and neglecting it's maintenance is causing the serious illnesses of young children and ripping apart the lives of many families living nearby. Although she has personal problems of her own and people preventing from doing her job, she lets nothing get in her way and fights for her beliefs and the small town until eventually, justice is done and those affected get the compensation they deserve. Seriously amazing viewing. No other actress could have played it as well as Roberts.

Like many of Robert's films, for me, Closer (interestingly swiveling around just the four main characters played by Natalie Portman, Jude Law and the handsome Clive Owen) and Mona Lisa Smile stand out. They both deal with controversial issues, confronting them truthfully and powerfully, in the same way the language brings this to life on screen.

Roberts is beautiful, hard-working and an inspiration, certainly to young actresses who want to become successful in film, aspiring to one day become as great an actress as she. Her expression and emotion shown on screen are the attributes which I feel prove her such talent as an actress and every character she plays, she does so with such vigour, making for a good film. She has always been my favourite and I imagine, always will be.

Sleeping with the Enemy (1991)

Self-Defense is not murder.

Closer (2004)

If you believe in love at first sight, you never stop looking.

Notting Hill (1999)

Can the most famous film star in the world fall for just an ordinary guy? 

 

Erin Brockovich (2000) 

She brought a small town to its feet and a huge corporation to its knees. 

Mona Lisa Smile (2003) 

In a world that told them how to think, she showed them how to live.

My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

It's about finding the love of your life. And deciding what to do about it.

Pretty Woman (1990)

Who knew it was so much fun to be a hooker?

Roberts is starring as the Evil Queen in new film The Brother's Grimm: Snow White, alongside Lily Collins as Snow White. 

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Fun Fact of the Day!

I was named after

Jessica Rabbit

My mother pregnant. 

Irnoning.

Watching the cartoon classic

Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

 with my Dad.

 What about the name Jessica?

I like it.

And that was that.

They did right.

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You got groped!

My, there was a lot of touchy feely behaviour going on in La-La Land last night...

On looking at all the outfits from last night's MTV awards in Los Angeles, I was rather struck by the effortless simplicity of Mila Kunis' outfit and her sleek dark brown hair and it goes without saying that Emma Watson looked great- stylish, modern and for me, completely outshing Selena Gomez (can somebody tell me what she actually does besides dating Bieber?). Emma's ensemble was more elegant and refined, even though her hairstyle has grown out.

I was looking to see more of Kunis, who was nominated for best kiss alongside Black Swan co-star Natalie Portman and when I did it was her both groping and being groped by the unkempt looking Justin Timberlake.

The absolute blase nature of their facial expressions and the full on cupping of, er, bits is what I found completely hilarious. And then it was the stunning Cameron Diaz and very funny Jason Segal with arms around each other smiling away and clearly enjoying the attention of the paparazzi. Both star in new film Bad Teacher that was emblazoned on our television screens at the weekend. It does look rather funny and I must admit, I do want to see it but will not be rushing to the cinema when it is released in the UK on 24th June. 



What do you make of the girls' outfit choices? Do you find the 'grope stunt' funny?

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Rosie Huntington Whiteley is GQ's July Cover Girl

Oh my, she is looking mighty fine and is clearly reaping the rewards of her stunning beauty and status as a supermodel of today. Rosie has a very enviable list indeed:

Victoria's Secret Angel

Girlfriend of the rugged hunk that is Jason Statham 

July GQ and ELLE cover girl

Role in Transformers (SO much better than Megan Fox)

Voted FHM's No. 1 World's Sexiest Woman
and named Maxim's Hottest Woman on Earth

Living in L.A.

and has proved those mean old bullies very, very wrong! 

Read the full story with The Daily Mail here.

Transformers 3 Dark of the Moon is released on 29th June 

GQ is available to buy from Thursday

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Kiss Me Quick

“Kissing-and I mean like, yummy, smacking kissing - is the most delicious, most beautiful and passionate thing that two people can do, bar none. Better than sex, hands down.”

-Drew Barrymore

Let's see shall we?

Atonment (2007)

 Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

Casablanca (1942)

Dirty Dancing (1987)

 Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

 Ghost (1990)

R.I.P. Patrick Swayze

 The Little Mermaid (1989)

Love Actually (2003)

 Meet Joe Black (1998)

 My Girl (1991)

 The Notebook (2004)

 Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

 Pretty Woman (1990)

 Romeo + Juliet (1996)

 Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Titanic (1997)

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