out of africa

This past weekend, Neil and I watched Out of Africa, a movie chronicling the life and times of Danish author Karen von Blixen. The film is filled with breathtaking cinematography (my mom told me stories of seeing it in the theatre and being overwhelmed by the lush scenery) - that coupled with costumes from the early 1900s and performances by Meryl Streep and a young-ish Robert Redford made this film hard to resist. Safari style menswear, white Edwardian day dresses, striped bow ties with cream colored suits, and the best hat collection in movie history - with plenty of wide brimmed straw hats and felted wool.

More than a love story with pretty landscapes, the film turns poetic when it explores the concept of ownership during African colonial life - the economic hardships of working the land, relationships with local tribes that preceded the British by hundreds of years, the new colonists' vision of Africa as a prehistoric Utopia filled with expanses of land for the taking. The film is not so much about love as it is about loss, the biggest loss in the end being Africa itself and the way of life its inhabitants once had.

More photos here.

Out of Africa is definitely a film to be seen. Right now, I'm watching Sahara on instant queue because I've got a girl crush on Brooke Shields and I love John Rhys-Davies because he narrated one of my favorite computer games (and he's in Indiana Jones).. apparently those aren't good enough reasons to see a movie, because this one is horrible.

Blooming Leopold Vintage Spring Lookbook.. coming soon!

swingy capes and wide brimmed hats

Photos by Neil!

Navy Military Cape - Pre to Post Modern

Vintage Felted Wool Hat, Blue Ribbon, Plaid Shorts - Thrifted

Peter Pan Collar Blouse - American Apparel

Studded Suede Clogs - Urban Outfitters

I'm getting out all of my winter-y impulses before I dive head first into spring style.. which, after all, can't be too far away.. I went all day today without a coat and felt completely comfortable.

(I'm full of it. It's only January. But it's really hard to stay focused on cold weather when all you want to do is sew cotton crop tops and chiffon skirts.)

But in the spirit of giving winter its due, I recently purchased a great wool cape from Pre to Post Modern in Nashville. The offer was way too good to pass up. Ever since I saw my friend wear a military navy cape with gold buttons earlier in the fall, I've been on a pseudo-subconscious hunt for one of my own.. and I found it!

The felted wool hat is a thrifted find (that I shared with you last week) from the 1950s. I removed a gaudy flower with studded rhinestones and it became a simple wide-brimmed hat with black grosgrain ribbon.. a dream for me, especially considering how close I was to spending 50 dollars on a new one from ASOS.

Really loving on this Spring 2011 trends film that Topshop just posted.

fall festival wear. long chiffon skirts and studded clogs

Silky White Blouse, Macrame Belt - Vintage, Thrifted

Black Chiffon Skirt - American Apparel

Reddish Brown Studded Clogs, Leather Bag - Vintage

Felted Wool Hat - H&M

My parents, Neil, and I made a visit to Live On The Green tonight, so I thought I'd put together an outfit that fits an autumn festival - something bohemian and super comfortable. The studded clogs I'm wearing are a pair that I stole from my sister Ashley years and years ago, probably to play dress up in. And the little leather satchel I'm carrying is a gift from Quincy!

And now for the Blooming Leopold giveaway winner.. but first of all, thanks to all who participated!

The winner is Bee! Congrats, Bee.. shoot me a message via Etsy to claim your shop credit!

I've been super busy preparing for a vintage sale going on this weekend in East Nashville, painting and steaming and crafting and tagging.. more info coming tomorrow.

Happy October! One of the best months of the year. I can't wait for Halloween.