A few years ago I watched a fabulous movie on MYSTERY!, called Dead Gorgeous. Set in 1946 England, the story tells of two women who worked together during the war, lost touch with each other, and then meet by chance on the street one day. Both women are now married, and both are wishing they weren’t, though for very different reasons. The two characters are complete opposites—there’s Rose Bell, a quiet, reserved woman resigned to marriage to an oafish man who has a drinking and womanizing problem, and Antonia, a spoiled, scheming woman who married for money and now has decided she wants to trade her husband in for a younger Italian model (but she’d like to keep her hubby’s riches, naturally.) Essentially, the story is an updated version of Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train. Anyway, as I was saying, I watched this movie several years ago, found the storyline to be an entertaining one, and was taken by the fabulous wardrobe (socialite Antonia’s outfits were to-die-for.) Some time later, I came across the book this movie was based on, Peter Lovesey’s On the Edge, but for some reason never got around to reading it. I decided to pick it up this week, and boy am I glad I did—the book is even better than the movie, though the latter does stay fairly true to the former. There are some differences, mostly minor ones (like the color of Antonia’s hair; in the movie she’s a striking brunette, and in the book she’s a green-eyed blonde), but the movie mirrors the book quite well on the whole. As you can see, the costuming for the show was delicious—Antonia wears a host of extravagant suits, decadent hats, and smashing evening wear. And the book descriptions of her outfits were a treat too—doesn’t this outfit sound divine?“As promised, Antonia was by the bandstand at half past two, conspicuous in a lilac-colored coat with bishop sleeves and a matching Breton sailor hat tilted back rakishly. She was getting some long looks from the nannies walking their prams.”
So, if you’re looking for a good read or movie, be sure to check this one out!
xoxo,
Amanda Lee
Oh, WOW! I'm going to have to find a copy of the movie and book. It's been a long time since I've read a really good book! Thanks for the recommendations and gorgeous pics. :)
ReplyDeleteThis film looks so intriguing from a fashion standpoint! I think I shall have to check my library to see if they have it. ;) Plus Strangers on a Train is on of my favorites, so even more reason to see it!
ReplyDelete♥ Casey | blog
Oh I loved that film when I saw it, probably the same time you did, I want to see it again! I just fell in love with the way Antonia wore her beautiful fur coat with wide legged pants, a look I never would have imagined would look as fantastic as it did! I didn't know there was a book, will have to get that too!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Solanah
Brittany--The book is an excellent read; I flew through it!
ReplyDeleteCasey--you have to check out the book too; the descriptions of Antonia's outfits are incredibly inspiring, as much so as the fashions in the movie.
Solanah--I'm thinking of buying a copy on Amazon now, as seeing the stills reminded me of how much I loved the clothing! The fur coat and pants combo did look amazing; even when she was trying to blend into the crowd she was still amazingly stylish.
Thanks for the recommendation. I'm going to have to watch it for the hat in the bottom picture alone!
ReplyDeleteohh yes~ i am going to most def watch that!! Lo
ReplyDeleteOh my! Those ladies look fab :) I HAVE to find this movie (and book). Do you have any other movie suggestions as I sure love to hear what period movies other gals have seen that I have missed!
ReplyDeleteYou'll love this one, I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteLet's see SexySirens, have you watched the Poirot series? I loved those! Mrs. Henderson Presents is also fantastic; The Edge of Love had some great fashions, though I didn't much care for the story; Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken is a good one, I saw it when I was 14 and I have to say that's what got me interested in vintage clothing. I'll add some more suggestions as I think of them :-)
Oooh, I could do with a new book, I'll have to look that up at the library.
ReplyDeleteCame across your blog, I love it :) x
ReplyDeleteRetro Chick--you'll have to let me know what you think of it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Miss Kristiansen! I've fallen behind on updating it again, and I need to remedy that :-)
This is kind of a random question but you've mentioned a couple of times that you wear Lip Ink in Red. I was wondering if you use their lip liner underneath the lipstain? I'd really like to try a lipstain so any pointers would be much appreciated. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you're having a wonderful holiday season, darling. :)
Yes, I swear by Lip Ink--Energy Red is my favorite shade and the one I wear most these days (it's a deeper, very Hedy Lamarr shade of red--the Red shade is more of a bright, pink-based red, which is also a great vintage shade.) I've also recently discovered the brand Lipsense--they make a similar product to Lip Ink and I've been very pleased with it as well (Blue-Red is the shade I'm wearing right now).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, to answer your question, I don't wear a lip liner with either of these lipsticks, as I don't find one to be necessary (though they sell a liner product, it's the same as the lip color; only the brush is different and I hear it's quite tricky to use.) They apply neatly and smoothly and are budgeproof once they set (no bleeding, smearing, or transferring to your glass). As a side note, you don't need the remover they sell (plain rubbing alcohol takes it right off), though the lip shine is really nice--I love the Lemon Mint flavor :-)
I highly recommend them and very rarely wear "regular" lipstick anymore :-)
Thanks so much for the tips. Much appreciated! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the recommendations! I just ordered the dvd off of Ebay and cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of the book. Their outfits in those pictures look divine! Off to take a look at the rest of your blog. =)
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