Dreamland – Everybody has a dream. Right?

Dreamland marks the directorial debut of Robert Schwartzman, the indie film which he also wrote and scored. The film centers on Monty, a struggling musician who teaches piano lessons and dreams of opening his own piano bar. Beautifully shot in Los Angeles, the film has a dream like quality at times that plays on the balance between fantasy and reality. As the film goes on, it explores Monty’s relationships with his girlfriend Lizzie, and Olivia a glamours older women with whom he starts an affair.

Johnny Simmons stars as Monty, and plays him with sincerity and vulnerability, as his character reaches a cross roads in his life. Toward the end of the film, Monty receives a piece of advice that seems to relate to where he is in his life. The line struck a chord, “It’s all about choices dude, what notes you play, how you play, when you play them…”. The cast also stars Amy Landecker as Olivia, and is rounded out by Robert’s brother Jason, and his mother Talia Shire.

Dreamland originally premiered at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival in New York, and received many positive critical reviews. I was lucky enough to score a ticket to one of those screenings last April. The brilliant Eighties inspired soundtrack  will  stay with you long after the credits roll, and it certainly has stayed with me all these months.

Make sure to get lost in Dreamland, which opens in select theaters, on demand, and iTunes today November 11th 2016. The dreamy soundtrack can be downloaded now too!

Director Robert Schwartzman discusses his new film at AOL Build 11/7/2016 in NYC.

 

Fashion Rocks – The Convergence of Music and Fashion

Display above the cash wrap at John Varvatos Bowery Street

There has always been a relationship between music and fashion. As with many creative endeavors, fashion and personal style certainly are very influenced by music. Over the years, many music icons have become fashion icons simultaneously. Many of those same music icons have even created their own fashion lines.

Limited edition hand painted Guns N’ Roses jacket by Timothy LeNoir

Blondie Concert Poster

Certain designers have even turned their passion for music into the core inspiration of their fashion lines. One such example is John Varvatos, whose menswear line draws inspiration from rock music and infuses a modern aesthetic. The location of the Bowery Street store is non other than that of legendary underground music club CBGB. The store retains much of the original graffiti and concert posters on the walls, a sort of tribute to the club’s heyday. It definitely gives new meaning to the saying “If walls could talk”. Even if you’ve never been to a show at the CBGB, you can feel a certain energy when you walk into the John Varvatos Bowery Street location. Inspiration from rock music’s past leading the way for future generations.

Hey! Ho! Let’s Go: Ramones and The Birth of Punk. Exhibit at Queens Museum Summer 2016

 

 

A Color For All Seasons

Few hues have the power and impact of the color red. Red is also one of few colors with a shade to universally flatter just about anyone and works perfectly in any season. A dress in this lovely color was just the thing for an evening out on a recent trip to the Opatija Riviera. This summer’s travels had me revisiting the picturesque destination, which happens to be the starting point of tourism in Croatia. Many of the elegant villas and parks date all the way back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Dress: The Limited, Wrap: Express, Sunglasses: Prada, Shoes and Bag: Aldo

Mixing Neutrals

On an early summer day while getting ready for brunch, I opted for a neutral color palette. The look started with a light little black dress, which   I paired with chestnut brown heels. The morning was unseasonably cool so I added a printed blazer. To finish off the ensemble I accessorized with a metallic embellished clutch and dark sunglasses.

Blazer: BCBG Max Azria, Dress: Express, Clutch: Aldo, Shoes: Aldo, Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Spring’s Best Hits

                          As the temperatures begin to climb, and the seasons transition, I started to think about which pieces were the most valuable during this spring season. The conclusion I came to was simple and timeless. They were items that could easily be mixed and matched, and effortlessly took me through just about any occasion. Not to mention, also very easy to pack wherever your travels may take you. So just which pieces where they? Easy, a classic trench with a ruffle detail, cropped jeans, a bright printed scarf, and pair of pumps. The main items featured in the photos below happen to be from Express. Whenever I visit that store I always seem to find something to buy.

Trench Coat, Jeans, and Scarf: Express, Bag: Michael Kors, Shoes: Aldo

Nails Inc.

Nail polish is a must have beauty accessory. It is also one of the fastest ways to change a look simply by changing the color. On a recent trip to Sephora, a new brand called Nails Inc. caught my eye. The brand which offers gel polish, creates a high shine glossy salon quality look at home. After buying a few colors and  trying it  myself, I can say that the results were vibrant and look lasting. Nails Inc. was started in London and names its colors after popular destinations in the famous city. A few of the color names include: Mayfair Lane, St. James, and Kensington High Street.

The Oscars: Chic Couples

Hollywood’s major award season may have come and gone, but the dazzling looks of this past season are still being buzzed about. Several couples showed us their chic coordinating ensembles at The Oscars earlier this month. This time around we review three smartly dressed pairs with plenty of star power.

1. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie always know how to make an entrance and attract a lot of attention, and The Oscars red carpet was no different. Brad wore a smart classic Tom Ford look and Angelina shimmered in a glittering full length Elie Saab Haute Couture gown. The international super couple dazzled the crowd as always.

Photo Credit: Jason Merritt – Getty Images via EOnline.com

2. Christian Bale and Sibi Blazic arrived on The Oscar red carpet looking very chic and sophisticated in head to toe black Dolce & Gabbana looks. The Academy Award winning actor, who was also nominated for this year’s American Hustle, and his stunning wife looked perfectly coordinated and complemented each other nicely.

Photo Credit: Rick Rowell – ABC via ABC.com

3. Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell shined brightly on The Oscars red carpet this year. The delightful pair wore John Varvatos, on him, and Roberto Cavalli, for her. The Veronica Mars actress and her comedic actor husband looked lovely in their polished well tailored ensembles.

Photo Credit: Jason Merritt – Getty Images via EOnline.com

The Oscars: Red Carpet Best Dressed

               Sunday March 2nd was Hollywood’s biggest night, also known as The Oscars. Considered one of the film industry’s most prestigious ceremony’s, The Academy Awards are also one of the most anticipated red carpet events of the season. The stars certainly brought the glamour factor on the last big award show of the season. While top honors were awarded to some of the film industry’s best, there were also some clear-cut winning looks as well. Below are my top five fashion picks from this starry night:

1. Sandra Bullock: Sandra arrived on Sunday’s red carpet looking absolutely stunning in a midnight blue Alexander McQueen gown. The perfect draping of the gown accented the Gravity star’s luminous features.

Photo Credit: Jordan Strauss – Invision AP via EOnline.com

2. Kate Hudson: Kate shined on Oscar night in a white-hot Atelier Versace creation. She looked sensational in this standout look of the night with a deep v and cape, and even outshined some of the nominees themselves.

Photo Credit: Jordan Strauss – Invision AP via EOnline.com

3. Lupita Nyong’o: One of the big winners of the night was also on virtually every best dressed list as well! The Oscar-winning actress looked ever so lovely in a sky blue Prada gown.

Photo Credit: Jordan Strauss – Invision AP via EOnline.com

4. Jennifer Garner: Jen sparkled and shimmered in this fabulous Oscar de la Renta number. The flapper inspired dress looked like it would have fit perfectly in Baz Luhrmann’s film adaptation of The Great Gatsby. The beautiful movement of this dress must make it look amazing on the dance floor too!

Photo Credit: Jordan Strauss – Invision AP via EOnline.com

5. Jenna Dewan-Tatum: The beautifully crafted neutral toned Reem Acra cream confection really brought out the actress’s dramatic features. The exquisite design and meticulous details are certainly a nod to Old Hollywood Era glamor.

Photo Credit: Jason Merritt – Getty Images via EOnline.com

Spring Forward

                Spring is a time for looking forward and into the future. The warmer months often bring about a sense of optimism and the feeling of endless possibilities. Sheading those winter layers has a way of making us feel lighter and rejuvenated. While we may still be in the midst of winter, there is no denying that the changing of the seasons is right around the corner. So with that, I’ve already started thinking about what I will be keeping next season and what I may change. One look I plan to continue wearing is the maxi skirt. The maxi skirt offers the body an effortlessly fluid silhouette with just a bit of drama and a hint of mystery. Which looks will you be staying with next season, and which will need a change?

Last Fall, checking out the sites along the Adriatic Coast.

Jacket: Banana Republic, Peplum Top: Express, Maxi Skirt: J. Crew, Shoes: Aldo

An Italian Road Trip

        All of the seemingly never-ending cold gloomy weather in New York lately, has me dreaming of planning another vacation. So the next best thing has been reminiscing about my travels last fall and pouring through all my travel photos. For a long time I had dreamt of visiting Venice, and that dream came true last November. Through an interesting turn of events, and a last-minute car rental, my cousins and I planned a weekend road trip through northern Italy. Along the way, we found a designer outlet mall, dinned in a quaint trattoria, sampled authentic gelato, and became immersed in centuries of history and culture. Perhaps my favorite part of the weekend was walking through Venice’s narrow side streets, shopping the charming shops, and stumbling upon a hidden gem of a jazz bar, before eventually making our way to the Piazza San Marco. Once in the sprawling piazza by the water’s edge, surrounded by the captivating Venetian Gothic architecture you may even feel like you’re in one of Turner’s dreamy paintings.

Taking in the Venetian Scenery

Sunglasses: Prada, Scarf: Zara, Necklace: Lia Sophia

Leather Jacket: Banana Republic, Tee: Gap, Scarf: Zara, Jeans: Levi’s, Boots: Steve Madden