The Glitter Child

little tiny update

2010-04-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

There really is no reason not to live life like you're in a movie 24/7.

Spring inspires me to do all sorts of things. Even in Southern California, though, it's mildly chilly. For instance, just after taking that picture I erupted in a field of goosebumps that even a duffel coat couldn't smooth.

But at the same time, there's always a longing in spring that I don't know how to fulfill. I can't quite tell what it is--a need for freedom, for expression, for love, for glory, for color, for life, and also for complete and utter chaos. But if you're supposed to not wear dark colors in spring, then how do you get the courage to be constantly happy?

In the meantime, new art has been made:

A catwoman costume has been worn:

And life goes on and on!

See ya when I have something better to write :)

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, she became a butterfly

2010-03-09T17:17:00.000-08:00

So this seems to be a bit of a dry spell for The Glitter Child, doesn't it? Turns out I've been dealing with a lot of personal drama as of late, as well as the natural 'keeping busy' that comes with the territory. And while usually when people find themselves faced with heartbreak and similar depressives, they would like nothing more than to curl up with a pint (of ice cream or beer, your choice) in their jimjams and watch something to take them away. So if you're like me and need a touch of "help me!", then here's my prescription.

I loooove the Chocolove bars. They are always really smooth and creamy and don't taste at all sulphery like Hershey's does (to me anyways) and---they have a itty bitty love poem in the wrapper. I know, cheesy, right? But it's strangely comforting!

Oh, Lush. You know exactly how to appeal to this stardust girl!! Their Sunny Side Bubble Bar is not only loaded with beautiful gold glitter to make you feel like Cleopatra, but also has that bright citrusy scent that makes you snap out of that "What went wrooooong?" phase of the grieving process (uh, wow, dramatic much?)

WEAR YELLOW!!

I know that seems like a simple thing to say, but I swear to god it helps immensely. It's like wearing pure seratonin. And I know you might be thinking to yourself, "I don't look good in yellow", but you do. Everyone does--it's just finding the right shade. Are you a lemon? A butter? Maybe you're a highlighter! No matter what, you're fabulous :)

Listen to new music, get a new haircut/color, watch a film you've been dying to see (or a whole tv series like I have with Dexter), take a walk somewhere you've never been, make spontaneous trips around the cities near you in your favorite outfit, pain your nails crazy colors (I did a rainbow last week!), buy a bottle of wine just for yourself, text an old friend that you do or don't miss and just see what's new, make new friends, clean up your house/apt/room/car/bicycle, bake something that looks cute--it'll almost always taste good, and remember that no matter where you come from, what you look like, how much money you have, what you wear, what music you like, how many snaggleteeth you have (I have plenty), how many times you've been in love, how many times you've had your heart broken, how many times you've felt betrayed or abandoned, whether you sleep alone or in the arms of someone who loves you, whether you feel pretty or not---

You are beautiful and perfect.

Life can be wonderful if you're not afraid of it.

Love and surprises around every corner,

The Glitter Child

Lottery!

2010-02-25T11:27:00.000-08:00

So I'm still working on a new entry for this blog, because I want it to be something fascinating and wonderful but I have been too busy to actually put forth the necessary effort so in the meantime, this is a little something to help me win...

THIS BAG!!!

Look at it, in all its majestic glory. From http://cruel-kid.blogspot.com

Why I should win it: I've never really been a collector of purses or bags, and have really only had a couple of bags throughout my life, only ever replacing them when the handles broke or the seams split. But I've fallen increasingly in love with all purses and bags, both hobo and clutch alike. From this red satchel to Marc Jacobs' turqouise boston bags, to everything in between. Only all I have still is a hand-me-down bag from my friend, and it's well near fallen apart by now! I'm in love with this bag, though. The bright red color is just gorgeous and the gold is so lovely. I could use something bigger like this so I can carry my art supplies/etc, and overall---I just adore it!

Thanks for listening to me gush, Blogoramas!

Also, if you're so inclined to help a fellow starving artist, I'd love for you to visit my etsy!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
CharlieBuckett.etsy.com

Just for now...

2010-02-18T18:28:00.000-08:00

http://www.formspring.me/AziaRose

Yeah I did like everyone else and got myself a formspring! But I'd love for all of you to ask me anything!

In the meantime I am going to post something more worthwhile here very soon, I promise. I have recieved full usage permission of a fab new camera and so hopefully some nice shots will be coming your way. In the meantime...

Stay pretty and happy!
The Glitter Child

Happy Valentines to no one!

2010-02-14T19:58:00.000-08:00

So all day I was thinking about what to post for my V-day entry.

I considered talking about one of my favorite films, Drop Dead Fred. I know it's not a "great" film by most people's standards, but that film has meant loads to me over the course of my life and has been a stand by I can return to and feel empowered by. But then I thought that on Valentine's day, many of you won't be looking at blogs. Some of you will be with your loved ones, some of you will be with your significant others, and some of you--like me--will be spending tonight alone.

The beauty of the story in Drop Dead Fred, though, is that Elizabeth, the main character, does not need a man in her life to be happy. And that's what I want to focus on right now.

Love is special, I'll give you that. It's important and so incredible to have, it should really be cherished. But there's more than one kind of love in the world--there's maybe a million!

The love of a friend, the love of a parent, the love of a pet, the love of a stranger who you admire, the love of a partner, the love of a hobbie, the love of an ideal, the love of yourself!!

So everyone, remember exactly how special you are and how perfect and infinitely unique you are and love yourself for that. That's the best gift to get on Valentine's Day.

In the meantime, I have a date with a bottle of wine and a lot of fashion sites.

Do it like the pigeons,
The Glitter Child

I have a heart condition. If you hit me, it's murder.

2010-02-13T01:20:00.000-08:00

So I've been lax about updating this, which is a bummer, but I figured that I need to change it up a bit. After all, nearly all the movies I've posted have been pretty romantic in one way or another, and I've been touting my "Rise Up Single Ladies!" mentality without actually backing it up. So tonight I bring you perhaps my favorite movie of all time, and to me certainly one of the best movies in the world to watch if you just want something funny and ultra-super-super-unromantic.

Today's Feature is...

Now I won't pretend that this film is loaded with beautiful clothes or sets, but the fact is that it's a great quality movie. The dialogue is top notch (and hilarious) and the characters are so outrageous that they're exactly normal in every way. You might be an I yourself, or (god forbid) a Withnail like me, or maybe you know a Danny. I'm sure many of us have had to endure an Uncle Monty or two, and now and again we find ourselves face-to-face with a Poacher. The comedy in Withnail and I does not come from zaniness or outlandish behavior, but from the sort of controlled hysteria of the everyday and the need to calm it by whatever means necessary.

"50,000 Londoners have to wake up to this. Murder and All-Bran and Rape."

Bruce Robinson has said of this film that it "starts with a nervous breakdown and just gets worse." Paul McGann's character, the titular 'I' (also named Marwood) is the poor recipient of said breakdown. It's not surprising in the slightest that Marwood is going crazy. Not only does he feel he could be overdosing, but he lives with Withnail, the drunk, out-of-work actor with an enormous superiority complex.

"Look at my tongue. It's wearing a yellow sock."

Withnail (Richard E. Grant) comes from a rich family, and as such he feels pretty much entitled to everything in the world, including a blossoming acting career. Sadly, he doesn't exactly have that. Nor do he and Marwood have much in the way of money, despite Withnail's familial connections. Nor do they have good heating in the apartment.

MARWOOD: You know what we should do?...I say, you know what we should do?

WITHNAIL: How could I possibly know what we should do? WHAT should we do?

MARWOOD: Get out of it. Go to the country for a while.

WITHNAIL: Ha. What good's the country? I'm in a park and I'm practically dead.

"I'm a trained actor reduced to the status of a bum!"

Yes, Ladies and Gentlebugs, that's lighter fluid. And that is also a damned good scene.

The film is full of quotable lines and anecdotes, including a trip to a neighborhood pub where Marwood is shouted at for looking and smelling like a "POOFTER!!!"

"I have a heart condition. I have a heart condition--if you hit me, it's murder!"

"I'LL MURDER THE PAIR O'YEHS."

After running back home to escape the enormous Irish man who wants them dead, they turn off for a couple of days and their drug dealer friend comes over for a talk.

"I don't advise a haircut, man. All hairdressers are in the employment of the government. Hair are your aerials. They pick up messages from the cosmos and transmit them directly into your brain. This is the reason bald-headed men are so uptight!"

"What absolute twaddle."

Withnail ends up following Marwood's suggestion of a countryside holiday and phones up the only relative who will still talk to him, his rich eccentric Uncle Monty.

Oh yeah. Uncle Vernon is Uncle Monty. Amazing.

They gain access to something "Free to those who can afford it, very expensive to those that can't": Monty's Crow Cragg cottage in the countryside. But, as they immediately find out, it's even colder, much wetter, and completely without comfort.

"You're covered in shit."

"We've gone on holiday by mistake!"

"How do we make it die?"

They manage to survive for a while, digging for potatoes out back and getting what they can by going into town and from the kindness of a farmer. One night they decide to go to the pub, owned by a ex-military man and frequented by Jake, who most just call "The Poacher". They pursue him in hopes of buying some food off him, but instead he manages to threaten them with an eel.

"If I hear more words outta you, and I'll put one of these black pods on you."

They go home fearful of a Poacher-attack, Withnail climbing into Marwood's bed with a rifle to protect them. They hear someone trying to get in through the door, then through the window, and then a crash downstairs! "It's him! He's trying to get in!... He's sharpening a fucking knife!" But just as the door opens, who does it reveal?

"Oh my boys, my boys!"

Something more terrifying than an eel, that's for damned sure.

I know I have already mentioned two very good monologues throughout this blog, but the one at the end of this film blows them all out of the water. When you see it, you'll know.

And even though they're men (very handsome, attractive, talented men) there's a lot to be said for Marwood, Danny, and Withnail's individual styles!

Marwood

"Even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day"

He is perhaps the most understated man in the film, owing to the fact that, in essence, he is the "straight man". His style involves a sweater he seams to have in every color--a simple woolly crew-neck, and tight jeans. Well, tight by 1969 standards. Marwood, like Withnail, only have one pair of shoes, his cowboy boots, and one coat--his black leather slicker trench. The belt adds a touch of shape and almost femininity to the coat, which he tops off with his ever-present skinny black scarf. And don't forget those John Lennon glasses.

Danny

"Have either of you got shoes?"

Danny is at once childish and sweetly stupid and yet slightly menacing and oddly clever. He is the quintessential hippie, always found in the same clothing and constantly using terms and phrases that belong in astrology books and on posters covered in daisy decals. Just keep a laid-back approach, with comfy bell-bottoms and a black top, but layer on the jewelry and make sure your hair is down. They're your aerials, after all.

Withnail

"I feel like a pig shat in my head..."

Withnail has the appearance of a handsome man who was been living a very un-handsome life. All of his clothing, even if it was "cut by Hawkes of Saville Row" has become loose from weight loss, but still has touches of a fit. Oversized tailored clothing gives the same appearance, only much less depressingly so! He is elegant in an unkempt way, like a rockstar, and wears scarves as ties for his long shirts that he can never be bothered to tuck in. Remember the coat, too! It finishes the outfit and keeps you warm when it feels "like fucking Greenland in here!"

I shall miss you too,

The Glitter Child

Just put that down on your...on your pirate pad there...

2010-02-10T00:02:00.000-08:00

Yet another...

Today's feature is...

I think Penelope is definitely a movie that is more widely available and more readily seen by people who aren't crazy film fanatics like me, but that does not make it common. In fact, it's entirely the opposite of common, it's exquisite!!

Penelope starts with the backstory of a rich blue-blood family that has been cursed by an old town witch whose daughter was rejected by one of the sons. The curse was that the first girl to be born in the family would have the face of a pig and only if she were accepted by one of her own kind, a blue-blood, would she be able to look normal again. Penelope (Christina Ricci) is that firstborn daughter, born to two of the best comedic actors around.

Catherine O'Hara and Richard E. Grant don't look too happy...

Well, in the film they're more like just rich people who have become hermits to hide their daughter from an uncaring world and the harshness of the media. But in hopes of breaking the curse someday, her mother Jessica begins teaching her daughter how to become a perfect fiance/wife-to-be. As soon as Penelope reaches the age of 18, Jessica and Wanda (an assistant of sorts) begin to scour through all available young blue-blood men to find the perfect one to marry her...that is, if they can look past her face.

Why so glum, chum?

Penelope has reached the age of 25 and, after 7 years behind a one-way mirror chatting up boys, still hasn't found a man who will be a little bit less superficial about things. Yeah, sure, she has a piggy snout, but really, is that such a big problem?

After all, they seem to be getting along quite well. Why don't you show him your face, Penelope?

Aw, that's no way to react, Edward.

"We could move to Paris! I could practice my French."

"You could practice your French!"

Penelope is just about ready to give up, and her father is, too. "Why don't we just buy her a puppy?" he asks his wife. But Jessica refuses to give up the chance of a 'normal life'. Meanwhile the last one to run away from her, Edward has ran to the police to try and report a killer pig. They all laugh him off except for one man...

Peter Dinklage, is it so wrong to love you?

A long time ago, Lemon used to have two eyes. But he tried to follow a story on the pig-faced baby Penelope and was attacked by Jessica, losing his eye in the process. Nobody believed what he saw, and now he is intent on helping Edward prove to the world that they're not crazy. And the only way to do that is to get a down-and-out rich boy to bribe.

And wouldn't you know it, it's James "Strangely Sexy" McAvoy

Max Campion, found gambling away the last of his money, comes to try his hand with Penelope for the price of $5000 from Edward and Lemon. He is marched into the waiting room with the two-way mirror with dozens of other guys. While Max is preoccupied on the floor behind a sofa, trying to work out the spy camera built into his jacket, Penelope shows herself to the room of men and they all run--all except Max, who was coincidentally on the floor, unable to see her. At first he's skeptical of this curious and forthright girl and merely in it just for the cash but at time goes on, even with Penelope hiding behind that two-way mirror in her Anthropologie bedroom, Max is finding himself smitten.

Take care, young lovers. There's glass between you.

Penelope is waiting, there must be something wrong. All the other men ran when they saw her, but not Max. It could be that she just wants to prove to her mother that, in the end, they all run, but it could also be that she is falling for him too.

That's a checkmate there, Glitter Child.

Things are going smoothly, everyone's having a good time, until Penelope reveals herself for what she thinks is the second time. Max, not originally witnessing her face, backs away in shock, but not disgust. Slowly he begins to reach out to touch her face, the one he only imagined from her voice, but just as he reaches high enough, the spy camera in his jacket goes off. Thinking she now knows he was sent as a spy, he recoils. Penelope doesn't understand, merely taking it as a hint that he thinks she's a "monster", and runs away. Max follows and tries to explain, and when she asks him to marry her, he simply says "I can't."

Max goes back to gambling, Jessica goes back to matchmaking, and Penelope...runs away.

What follows is Penelope's tale of self discovery and acceptance within the given parameters of a perfect modern day fairytale.

The wardrobe and set design in this film are delightfully detailed and whimsical, with a beautiful color palate and dresses befitting a beautiful princess.

Penelope

I'm afraid that's all I have energy for tonight, as I have to wake up very early tomorrow. But I can guarantee that just watching the film is pure inspiration, whether you want to be a colorful princess or a spunky vespa courier, or even a small pirate!

Stay true to yourself,

The Glitter Child

He had his fingers crossed

2010-02-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

Okay, so after much delay, I bring to you my so-far-favourite edition of...

Today's Feature is...

I literally cannot get over how much I have fallen in love with this film. I have seen it in my shop for a long time now and have always lovingly gazed at it, desperately wondering what's inside of its superb Dali-esque packaging. Nobody I had known had seen it and I didn't want to spoil myself by checking it out online, so I finally took a risk and got it, not knowing anything about it beyond the fact that the outside was beautiful.

That's right, ladies and gentlemen. I judged a 'book' by its cover.

And I couldn't be happier that I did!!

For the past couple of days, though, I knew I had to write about it. I knew I had to put the word out just how brilliant and beautiful and touching this film is. But could I accurately describe in words just how important it was to me without being gushy? Not really. Therefore I am abandoning my time-old method of detailing the characters and plot up until the parts that would ultimately spoil the movie--this one REALLY needs to be seen in a manner of innocence.

Instead, I'd like to present you with images, all the beautiful moments that Tarsem has captured on immortal film that I hope will stick with you as long as they stuck with me.

And because I can never stop myself from making my favorite films into my new favorite outfits...

The Bandit

Charles Darwin

The Indian

Luigi

Otta Benga

Evelyn

All the costumes, all the locations, every line spoken, every facial expression is just perfect and makes this movie an experience that everyone should have. I hope this post has intrigued you and I hope, if you do see it, that you love it!!

Googly googly googly,

The Glitter Child

I'm a lazy sonofabitch

2010-02-05T14:18:00.000-08:00

I know I said I'd be updating more frequently but I just saw a film last night that I simply MUST feature on here. Only thing is, I want to do it proper justice, and this will take me a couple days (yesterday's entry alone took me 5 hours. I'm so distractable!)

So in the meantime here are a bunch of happy pictures I've collected over the internet (only one is of me, all the rest belong to their proper owners...who I don't know.

it's just a picture my friend Shannon took of me, but I really love it.

Okay, I lied. These are my knees as well. I just love drawing on myself

I have a good feeling this is what my skull really looks like :)

A starry skull,

The Glitter Child

PS: if you want me to credit any of these pictures I would be more than happy to!!

Serious, serious, serious.

2010-02-04T17:05:00.000-08:00

I sit here completely lazy as all get-out, drinking an Irish Coffee and it dawned on me exactly what to write about! And so today, after a brief haitus, I bring you a fabulous edition of

Today's Feature is...

Breakfast on Pluto is one of those special films that manages tough subject matter without even a hint of preachiness and rolls through the entire story with pure emotions and a love of color and fun. Set near the border of Northern Ireland in the fiction town of Tyrellin during the 60's and 70's, a baby Patrick Braden (Cillian Murphy) is delivered to the doorstep of a reverend, Father Liam (Liam Neeson) as robins fly around, chirping narration and jokes. Father Liam gives the child to a very conservative foster family with a woman Patrick refers to as "Hairy Arse". Patrick grows up with a few understanding friends, Charlie (Ruth Negga) the sweet and spunky girl amongst the troupe, Irwin (Laurence Kinlan) the most politically aware of them all, and Lawrence (Seamus Reilley) their stout mentally challenged buddy. But Patrick also has an affinity for all things pretty, frequently kitting out in dresses he finds around the house and lipstick and mascara, despite the derision and hatred he receives from his foster family.

Who can blame him with a face like that?

At school he is ultimately a freak to his fellow Irish-Catholic classmates and indeed to the teachers. Upon finding out that his absent mother, Eily Bergin (who was famed to bear resemblance to Mitzi Gaynor) worked for Father Liam and that indeed Father Liam is his biological father, Patrick tries to confront Father Liam about his discovery during confession, only to be walked out on. So Patrick creates a story in his mind that Father Liam has raped his mother and turns it in as his homework essay. Naturally this receives a very negative reaction from his professor.

Ruh-roh!

Patrick creates a new name for himself, after St. Kitcheen, who he says some have been known to call "Kitten" (in the book, "Pussy"). As the new Patricia "Kitten" Braden, s/he quits P.E. and instead takes Home Economics, making his uniform ever more glam and pretty by day and sewing up beautiful new colorful clothes by night.

Do these ruffles make me look fat?

When home life and school becomes too much for her, she leaves town with only a suitcase and an umbrella. Kitten hitches a ride with a bunch of glittery rock stars, namely Billy Hatchet and the Mohawks (with Gavin Friday as Billy Hatchet).

Are those costumes not PERFECT?!

What a loverly couple

Billy soon falls for Kitten's innocent beauty and naive optimism, making her the new member of the band. Only the other members are finding it incredibly awkward to have them around, so after Kitten's only show, Billy realizes his mistake and instead gives her a trailer of her own somewhere in the Irish countryside. He leaves for long stretches of time, but Kitten loves being a housewife of sorts to a traveling band. That is, of course, until Kitten cleans up a little bit and discovers a secret stash of weapons underneath the floor.

oh shit...

Kitten visits her old friends in her loneliness and finds that her good friend Irwin has joined the IRA. She simply dismisses all his politics as so "serious serious serious".

Oh serious, serious!

But things do become serious when a car bomb is found and suspicion falls on the IRA. Police blockades are formed around the site and people gather round to see the outcome when Lawrence comes playfully out, shouting "Exterminate!" as if he were playing Daleks and Doctors. Kitten and Irwin try to shot and stop Lawrence, but the police detonate the bomb (which was actually put there by Loyalists) and kill Lawrence, an innocent bystander.

A heartbreaking scene, trust me.

When Kitten goes home, racked with guilt and grief, and throws all of Billy's secret guns out and over a cliff, Billy leaves her and tells her that she has to lie about him, where he's gone, and what she knows because it's a "serious" situation. Kitten hates all this "serious" mumbo jumbo and sets out to try and find her long-lost mother, Eily Bergin, whom "London swallyed up". When she goes around London with only public records of an "E. Bergin" and the hope of reunion, she finds not a mother, but strangers. Left alone and penniless, Kitten finds a home in the park, sleeping in Wombles hut. But the following morning she is awoken by a REAL Womble! Or rather Brendan Gleeson, offering her a position as a fellow Womble.

Overground, Underground, Womblin' free...

Unfortunately Kitten's job is soon over when her coworker punches their boss in the face. Left without any other prospects, Kitten tries her hand at prostitution. Her first John, nicknamed "Silky" in the book, is played by Roxy Music's very own Bryan Ferry (AAAAH!!!!).

Holy shit, it's BRYAN FERRY.

At first he seems kind, showering Kitten with compliments and sweetly speaking of love. He hands her a silky tie and tells her to put it on. When she does, he pulls her over and starts to strangle her!! Is this the end of Kitten Braden? No, because Kitten is a quick thinker, and pulls out her handy Chanel No. 5 and sprays it directly in Silky's eyes, temporarily blinding him and giving Kitten just enough time to run to safety, but her innocent optimism is strongly compromised. Kitten takes refuge in a diner, constantly writing in a little journal and looking sicker and thinner and more afraid by the minute until a friendly gentleman, Bertie (Stephen Rea) comes to her table.

The Charming Magician

Bertie performs a trick to cheer Kitten up and instantly charms her, soon making her his new assistant. Bertie can see how delicate and needy Kitten really is, but instead of taking advantage of her, wants to help her as much as he can while also showing her genuine love.

"I always thought I'd fall in love with a girl like you."

"I have to tell you something, Bertie dear..I'm not a girl."

"Oh, I know that. I said a girl like you."

But Charlie comes to take Kitten away, saying that in fact the stage show is exploitative of Kitten's life story and naivety. Kitten stays with Charlie and Irwin and learns that Charlie is pregnant with Irwin's child. She attempts to get an abortion and brings Kitten with her, but upon realizing that the baby could be someone as sweet and loving as Kitten, decides not to abort the baby. Kitten bids her farewell for a spell and goes to a bar where she meets a soldier who dances with her.

No, not that one. That one turns out to be jerk.

Surprisingly that very night, while Kitten is there, an IRA bombing occurs and now Kitten is suspected of being the one behind it. The film goes on to have her interrogated and kept in jail, amongst other adventures that both Kitten thinks up and that really happen. The film is full of beauty and a dreamy quality that puts us directly in Kitten's mind as we follow her emotional story. I'm not ashamed to say I cried several times throughout this film, it's truly touching and filmed so gorgeously that it's hard not to feel for these characters.

And it's impossible to talk about this movie without paying close attention to the clothes, which are spectacular. I'm a very big Glam Rock fan to begin with, and Kitten's androgynous garb is so inspiring that whenever I have a huge fashion funk, I find myself turning to her. But it's also important to see that Kitten has two forms-- Brunette, which follows a very Glam trend that could be seen still as menswear, and Blonde, where Kitten experiments with more pastel dresses and lacey frocks.

Brunette Kitten

Blonde Kitten

I hope you get to see this movie, it's a visual, auditory, and emotional treat that I'm sure you'll treasure just as much as I do!

Don't be too serious :)

The Glitter Child

2010-02-02T14:06:00.000-08:00

Hello all! I'm so very sorry I haven't updated with a new medicinal movie for pangs of the heart but I am super-duper busy.

Tomorrow, expect an incredible film!!

A sequined hug,
The Glitter Child

I wanted it to be pretty. Everything should be pretty.

2010-01-31T21:12:00.000-08:00

Hello Hello!!

A little bit late today, but here's the latest...

Today's Feature

Sympathy for Lady Vengeance

The third installment and easily my favorite of Park Chan-Wook's Vengeance Trilogy, Lady Vengeance is a vision of what Kill Bill could have been had it not been so kung-fu heavy (and trust me, I love Kill Bill, but come on.)

It begins with Lee Geum-Ja getting out of prison after being convicted of murdering Won-mo, a young boy. A Christian procession is waiting for her and the preacher who she befriended through her stint in prison presents her with a slab of tofu as a traditional "first meal" to cleanse her soul. She knocks the tofu to the ground and murmurs "Why don't you go fuck yourself?"

Geum-Jassi, you dog.

Geum-Ja simply isn't interested in redemption. After 13 and a half years of admitting to a horrible murder, her only thought now is to seek vengeance on the real murderer, Mr. Baek, who took her daughter ransom and forced her to take the heat. Because what has two thumbs and likes to kill children?

THIS GUY!

You may be wondering how Lee Geum-Ja managed to only get 13.5 years at prison? Well, it began with the media attention, saying she had the 'face of an angel', and as Geum-Jassi tells us, the same dress she wore when she re-enacted the killing of Won-mo is now sold out in every store. Then at prison she earned brownie points by acting as a maternal/madonna figure to all her inmates and as a disciple of The Preacher and a pastry chef who visits the prison to help provide outside skills to the inmates.

DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD!

Geum-Ja now seeks to distance herself as much as possible from her "Kind-Hearted" by lining her eyes in red shadow and striking crimson lipstick across her mouth.

Badassssss

She brings her plans to fellow released inmates who owe her favors, from a woman who she gave her kidney to making her a perfectly feminine custom gun to an ex-lover/hairdresser giving her a new apartment. She dreams every night of revenge on Baek, but bides her time, getting a job at the pastry shop where her former teacher now works.

"Oh, Lee Geum-Ja is pretty hot. Bow Bow, Chicka Chicka."

Geum-Jassi finally finds her daughter being taken care of in Australia by kind foster parents who welcome her into their home. She finally meets the daughter she only remembers as a baby, and despite repeatedly telling her that 'Mommy can't bring Jenny back to Seoul', she winds up taking her daughter back to Korea with her, back to finish her plot of revenge.

ON THIS GUUUUUUY!

Lee Geum-Ja finds that Baek has married a former inmate of her's and abuses her frequently. Geum-Ja uses this to her advantage, helping her old friend to free herself of this horrible marriage in return for information. But once Geum-Ja gets her hands on Baek, will she succumb to her need to destroy him the way he destroyed her? Or does the need of many outweigh the needs of the few?

And seriously, just look at this piece of art that Park has committed to celluloid...

This movie is just incredible. I barely have words to describe the utter gorgeousness of how it was filmed and the astounding story that Park tells...

And now the clothes....

Kind Hearted Lee Geum-Ja

Lady Vengeance

(can I also add that Park basically had a "Fade to Black+White" version? Because in the original there is essentially the color scheme of bright colors and popart patterns in the beginning and throughout the film it slowly fades to more light pastels and black and white, which is even more accentuated in the special edition version. The awesomeness overwhelms me)

"Live White",
The Glitter Child

PS: has anyone ever tried Lime Crime cosmetics? I'm dying to buy some next paycheck!

The smells of food are the same as the smells of sex and fear

2010-01-30T17:29:00.000-08:00

I hope you weren't assuming that I was going to make all these movies JUST Romances.

That's a bit silly!!

After all, to my mind, love should be celebrated every day. The same goes for good movies.

So I bring you Day 2 of...

Today's feature is...

This is a movie that nobody I know has seen, and it's really a tragedy!! The story is essentially centered on 4 people who are trying to find their "Moby Dick" in life.

Fifi Coco

There's Fiona Coco, nicknamed Fifi, who is a young woman with an incredible culinary gift. Everything she makes tastes exquisite and she could be truly great if only she could stop being afraid of her own talent and eventually becoming stagnant. Instead of working in a fabulous five-star restaurant, she works at a short order dive called Ishmael's. She has her friends and her good days, but all in all it's a thankless job that requires her to use just enough brains to remain conscious.

Catherine

Catherine works as the delivery girl for Ishmael's, and is a friendly acquaintance of Fifi. She works the night shift, bringing a pack of cigarettes for Fifi now and again, and they chat sometimes, but beyond that she is detached from the world. She can muse on about how there's a picture of her all over the world, in the background of someone else's photo, but when it comes to actually taking on the dare from Fifi to kiss her and have a human connection, she just brushes it off as "would that make life better for you?"

Paulo

Paulo is the owner and head chef and basically server and barman of the Mediterranean restaurant adjacent to Fifi's Ishmael's. He cares for Fifi like an uncle for his niece, with sweet comments about how talented she is, but also firm complaints that she is absolutely insane. Paulo also has his own quirks, though, and begins his entrance to the movie by mentioning to Fifi that the greatest meal would be to eat Paulo himself. "I feel ripe," he laughs,"like a fucking melon!". Paulo doesn't have sympathy for dine-and-dashers, and for every one of the "little bastards" he catches, he cuts off a finger. In turn that finger is put into his underground-famous Osso Bucco, which many foodies come especially to request. Paulo is searching for the one man who has become notorious for never paying a bill for his meal, the "Culinary Terrorist".

Harry

Harry is one of those foodies who has heard about "The Dish" and asks for it. He is a man who hates to stay in one place, because if you do, he says, you get "caught". There's something odd about him to Paulo, even though he's the only customer in the abandoned restaurant, and Paulo suspects he is the Culinary Terrorist. Is Harry out to pull one over on the one man who might be able to catch him, or does he just really love good food?

Paulo and The Butcher aim to find out!!

The movie is filled with allegories to Moby Dick, but also full of life, vigor, and hints of spice. Everyone has a story to tell, and frequently they relate sex to food. Indeed, the connection is a strong one: from a New York street vendor saying that women love to eat hot dogs for certain vengeful reasons, to a Pizzeria owner establishing with a hunk of dough exactly how he pleases the ladies, to a prostitute falling in love with a chef because "I knew whatever we ate that night would taste of her".

Don't look so frightened, Fifi! The Prossie ain't a cannibal!

It all interconnects on this tiny street corner in a European town where locals are just "extras in my movie" and anyone can be the one person to save each of them, if only they knew how to reach out and ask.

"That's what it is, Felix. You just want to fuck me."

Did I mention also that there is an EXQUISITE monologue delivered by the one and only Vanessa Redgrave and that I may have watched it 100 times?

I love you, Ma'am.

Also several sweet and delightful song/dance numbers by the beautiful Emma de Caunes, who expertly moves through the movie with a kind of glee and grace that belongs neither to a woman nor a child, but is completely all her own. Actresses, pay attention--this is how you make sure you're a strong female character!

I may have neglected to mention that there is a LITTLE bit of romance in the movie, beyond the Fifi and Catherine characters, in the story of a man who wanders in to Ishmael's from his lavish party in some fancy hotel. I won't spoil it for you, but it is one of my favorite scenes of all time due to its magical simplicity and realistic finality.

Overall, it's a rare gem of a film that needs to be seen by more people!! Not only are all the characters likable in their own special flawed way, it is also the perfect film to watch if you're single. Don't have a date? Good food certainly does suffice!!

And now the outfits...

Fifi Coco's wonderful colors and florals stand out amongst the rainy set

Catherine's laid-back approach to life echoes in her choice of jeans and 'nice flip flops'!

And where would we be without Felix and Paulo?

Bon Appetit, Mes Amis!

The Glitter Child

Cap ou pas cap?

2010-01-29T18:08:00.000-08:00

I know for a fact that I am not the only single girl on the planet.

I also know for a fact that every year when February begins, all of us single girls usually find ourselves in a conundrum:

Do we seek out a potential mate in time for the big day, do we stay in our rooms and watch movies and tv shows and eat some pizza to feel better, or do we proclaim that love is a fickle bitch and merely seethe?

I've done all the above, having never dated someone for more than two weeks in my entire life, and I can tell you that right now I'm in my own state of Benjamin Linus: I have cast love away from me in favor of more intellectual pursuits. But that isn't to say I despise the big V-day. On the contrary, I think any celebration of love is a fantastic thing and should not be decried as "Just another fucking Hallmark Holiday".

I may be a little bit early in my sentiments (blimey, it's only January 29th) but I figure that...

Today's Feature is...

Perhaps one of my favorite "Romances", this is to me the antithesis of all Hollywood romances. How many movies about love begins by telling you to never, and I mean never ever, bury yourself in a block of cement?

NE JAMAIS JAMAIS!!!

Julien is the son of a very ill mother and a father who has become detached and abusive with grief. His one treasure is a small tin of candy that resembles a carousel. He is a boy who doesn't even know he's lonely, but finds a companion in the poor Polish Sophie.

It's okay, Sophie. The girl in the orange dress behind you will take you to THE FUTURE!

To cheer Sophie up he gives her the Carousel Tin, but she won't give it back unless he does something for her. So begins a ~~love story~~...err a ~~tale of friendship~~ ...well, a game of dares that they can't seem to stop, even when Julien's mother dies. Sophie only seems to be causing Julien trouble, getting them in detention, getting Julien hit even more often by his now-recluse father, and yet they're having more fun than ever.

IT'S A TRAP!!!

Fast forward and Julien and Sophie are now at university, still joined at the hip, but their dares have become progressively more adult despite their childish joy. Sophie dares Julien to sleep with a floozy so she can have her earrings, Julien dares Sophie to slap a huge rock of a man she has slept with, the list of games goes on...

"What if Sophie were to wear her bra...."

Until Sophie realizes that everything has become a joke to them, and she's not really laughing any more. She dares Julien to kiss her, and he is more than willing to oblige, but when she asks if he loves her, all he can ask is "Is that a dare?". Even when Sophie gives him one more chance to prove that he's not playing with her, he pretty much blows it. Despite how visibly Sophie is affected, she tells Julien that he "can't hurt her".

I know I'd dare him to love me...

They decide to spend a some time apart. A lot can happen in a year, you know? And a lot does, in a little montage of different relationships and breakups that happen outside the little cafe where Sophie gets a job. The day that the year is up, Julien returns, asking Sophie out to dinner. After much arguing she agrees, getting all dressed up and going to quite a fancy restaurant indeed. She spots a girl at another table wearing the same dress she wore the day she and Julien began their 'break'. She comments that the girl looks rather dowdy in it. Julien tells her that she doesn't even know this girl, and she's being quite rude. He then begins a sort of romantic interlude and we're wondering "Will he?". He does! He wants to marry Sophie! Sophie accepts! And wait--who's that standing up? The girl in Sophie's dress? "I'd like you to meet my fiance.You will be my witness," he tells Sophie, handing her the Carousel Tin. It was all designed to remind Sophie that he "can hurt" her.

I gotta admit, I'd be pretty pissed too.

And Julien does marry this girl, even inviting Sophie to the wedding. But did he really think he could get away with that kind of tomfoolery?

"You said you'd marry me!" announces Sophie in the middle of the wedding. "Cap ou pas cap, Julien?"

Oh, now that's a bit harsh, Julien.

What happens next is a 10-year sabbatical from one another and the finale to one of the greatest love stories ever told...

One of the first things I fell in love with when I saw this movie years ago was the use of color and the childish costumes. Sophie almost always looks either like a princess, even in jeans, and Marion Cotillard's charm is impossible to not fall for. Not to mention the inexplicably disarming Guillaume Canet as Julien, who has a sweetness and tenderness underneath his strong desire to finally get ahold on his own life, whatever the cost. Jeux D'Enfants asks the question, "What is better? Excitement and fireworks and knowing that they'll burn out or the calm status quo that will bring you safety, even if it's just lukewarm?"

For me? I always choose fireworks.

And the costuming in Jeux D'enfants seems to correspond perfectly with the whole Valentine's Day palette so widely available this time of year, not to mention the upcoming warmer months of spring!!

Young Sophie

Teen Sophie

Adult, chic Sophie

This movie is truly beautiful to me and I hope you will enjoy it thoroughly!!

Love and Lace,

The Glitter Child

The Anna Karina Show

2010-01-28T02:13:00.000-08:00

So as I sat outside Barnes & Noble (where I currently work for small change) perched on a wall with a copy of Vinyl Princess (not actually a recommended book, but I have to read it) and a coffee in hand, watching a pack of history class punks pass me and bum smokes from strangers, I began to miss the freedom of my pre-work clothing.

You know, the days before "Business Casual" took me in its grasp. You see, they have a very specific 'general' dress code at my little bookstore.

brown, black, or khaki slacks or trousers (no fitted pants)
knee-length or at least lower-third-thigh length skirt
nice dress
clean blouse that shows no cleavage
closed toed shoes

Notice how she's totally NOT smiling? That's not just an "I'm a model"-face. That's "I'm bored".

And it really doesn't help that when I'm at home or going out, I'm more of a...

Than a...

However lovely Katharine Hepburn is, there is one thing she isn't---my style inspiration. So instead, I tried to turn my attention away from Glam/Punk/New Wave/Electro/Rock and to a very different inspiration...

The ever-beautiful and playfully charming Anna Karina.

Now it's very difficult to retire sequin leggings and pseudo-androgyny in favor of pencil skirts and smooth hair, but with the guide of Nouvelle Vague film star Anna, it becomes simple! The focus?

COLOR

And LOTS of it!!!

Now, I will admit that I am constantly flouting the dress code at work, but so far I get no complaints! Instead I've gotten a lot of great compliment(even on my rather hilarious Anna glasses!)

Nearly everyone who saw them could only smile and say "Nice glasses! They make me happy"

But even if you don't work somewhere that has banned your leather pants or your ripped up Sex Pistols t-shirt, even if you just kinda feel like switching it up a bit, or if you're like me and just absolutely in love with Karina, here's some ideas for how to move your wardrobe from "The Girl in the Band" to "The Euro-Sweetie"

Let's try using the same tops that you might already have and using different bottoms/tights...

Easy as pie! Just a few more pops of color and adding a skirt instantly makes it more "feminine and friendly". But everyone knows that. Hmm, something harder...

What if you actually DO own a pair of slacks or at least a pair of wide-leg trousers? How exactly do you make THOSE cute?

Granted, it's a bit more Menswear Chic than Girly Gorgeous, but I still think the element of playfulness remains!

What if you already have a rather good simple skirt but can't find a way to make it look Nouvelle Vague?

While the outfits on the left are certainly not ugly in any way, they're all pretty casual, right?
The outfits on the right are just a few ideas of how to take what you already own and wear it perhaps as you never have, or at least to remember that accessories and color always add a hint of glee and fun to every outfit.

Also, hello all new readers! Thank you so much for your views and comments! I would like to reply to them all but for some reason my formatting won't let me. Either way, they're very very very much appreciated!

Also a question for everyone,

How do you manage to keep your own style at work?

New Feature

2010-01-26T14:55:00.000-08:00

Last night I revisited a favorite film of mine, The Brothers Bloom, starring Mark Ruffalo, Adrien Brody, Rachel Weisz, and Rinko Kikuchi. It was directed by Rian Johnson and the entire look of the film is superb and rich with warm history and childishly sketched images, not to mention a fantastic color palate.

When I first saw the film it was without knowing any of the story or setting beyond who the actors were. I think going into a film completely naive is the best gift to give yourself---especially if the film is good!! I was instantly sucked in to the story of two orphaned brothers who find themselves shuffled from home to home as per the Foster Family system. In one town the younger of the two brothers, Bloom (Adrien Brody), falls for a girl who he is too shy to speak to. His older brother Stephen (Mark Ruffalo) creates an elaborate ploy for Bloom to rise above his shyness and get the girl, plus a little bit of cash on the side. At the last minute of the final box in the con, Bloom chickens out from going after her, but they still get the money and the new found knowledge of what they're really good at. Fast-forward some years later and they are fully fledged con men with a con woman by their side named Bang Bang (Rinko Kikuchi). They are famous amongst those of their trade, but Bloom is repelled by who he has become and wants out. Stephen will let him go, but only after one last con involving the reclusive, rich, eccentric, and beautiful Penelope (Rachel Weisz).

Plus, it has one of the best filmed monologues to recent mind...

What more can you ask for in a film than a great story, exuberant film making, handsome men in charming suits, and beautiful women in great clothes?

"This isn't an adventure story, Penelope"

"Haha what are you talking about? It totally is!"

Penelope certainly caters to a more classic aesthetic in her Annie Hall meets Anna Karina garb, mixing a playful personality with bright pops of color and a 1940's beautiful love story simplicity.

Just some of her outfits....

Also, there are very few actresses with the same natural beauty as Rachel Weisz. Her face perfectly and casually illustrates the tiniest flicker of emotion with such a grace that is rare nowadays.

And then there's my personal favorite character, BANG BANG!

She doesn't say more than two words in the entire film and by golly she is just fabulous!!

Played by Rinko Kikuchi with such delight and mischief, it's no wonder that her outfits mirror her bright and carefree character perfectly!

It's people like Bang Bang that make me wish I knew more about Nitro Glyceride!

I really recommend this movie, if not just for the clothes then for the sensational story.

Love and Dynamite,

The Glitter Child

2010-01-25T16:43:00.001-08:00

Frequently I find that fashion is just a repetition of what we've already seen. It goes from a rehashing of Mod sensibilities to bringing back the 80's and all its DayGlo glory as if we weren't just remarking how insanely ugly is was just the other week.

I will admit that a lot of my style inspiration comes from various human sources: Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Adam Ant, Joan Jett, hell--even Charlie Chaplin. But more often than not I like to find inspiration in non-human forms: animals, flowers, the ocean, and even trees!!

Take, for instance, the Peacock.

Always an icon of beauty and poise, the feathers of the peacock have been used as inspiration for art, gowns, coats, headpieces, and accessories perhaps since man first laid eyes on them. Recently the peacock has had a renaissance worthy of another famous bird, the phoenix. Peacock motifs are popping up everywhere from the little corner store to the runway, including a very spacey version at Swarovski!

peacock set by CharlieBucket featuring Pedro Garcia shoes

But the Peacock is easy, innit? How about other animals?

Lions by CharlieBucket featuring Carvela shoes

Africa by CharlieBucket featuring Paul & Joe watches

Kinda makes you want to listen to Africa by Toto, eh? And just last week I spent my day with a couple of friends and a brand new feather capelet from F21. My dear friend Shannon Monasmith shot me and Jenn with the sun behind us--we kind of even look like birds, don't we?

But what about the ocean? The land gets so much love, it's time to spread some to the water!

ocean by CharlieBucket featuring Diba flats

Mmm, lovely and refreshing! But that's enough Fauna, I want some Flora!!

Flowers by CharlieBucket featuring Badgley Mischka shoes

tree by CharlieBucket featuring Moschino coats

And there you have it! You can find fashion inspiration 365 days of the year (or 366 days in a Leap Year!) by just looking out your window or in a National Geographic book!

As for me, I'm going to pretend I'm a Rainbow Fish today!

Toodle Pip!
The Glitter Child

Les Intros

2010-01-23T15:13:00.000-08:00

If you were to look at me right now, you would not want me to write a style blog.

I wouldn't blame you. A purple v-neck t-shirt with feather outlines from Pacsun and a pair of yellow Curious George capri pajama pants with the words "Got Bananas" on them simply doesn't scream "I'm sartorial!" to anyone without an extreme case of brain damage.

And what about the rest of it? My room isn't anything special, so it's not like I can really talk about interior design. My DVD collection is paltry and eclectic, but nothing worth mentioning. My iPod is scoffed at by Vinyl Aficionados who I'll never tell that I only own two LPs that I can't even play.

I'm not even skinny!

But I'm here. And you're here. And we must share something in common.

Therefore I will send out my first greeting to you, O' Reader Fair! From these Netherlands of the Internet my plan is to grow and flourish WITH my readers. None of that "I obviously know more than you" pandering, because I do not think I am a teacher. And also none of my day-to-day drama. Goodness knows it doesn't interest me, so why would it interest you?

What you can expect from me:

1. Pictures
2. Reviews
3. Contests
4. Art
5. Jolly fun

So, my fellow Glitter Children! I look forward to talking with you and I hope you have a glamourous day.

Hugs and Stardust,
Charlie Buckett

PS: I can and will do better than this <3