Fictional Fashion Plates: Romy and Michele

I was recently struck with inspiration for a new series here on The Soubrette Brunette -- the first installment of which I'm launching today.  So much of my aesthetic is inspired by fantasy and costume, and I realized that there are so many characters in film, television and literature that have shaped the way I have cultivated my personal style.  I wanted to pay homage to these fabricated figures in a monthly series that I'm calling "Fictional Fashion Plates."  I'll be sharing some of my favorite style moments from whatever source material I can find, as well as some style boards and links for those who feel inspired to infuse some fiction into their wardrobe reality.  For my first post in this new series, I've chosen to honor Romy White and Michele Weinberger, from the late-'90s film Romy and Michele's High School Reunion.

Some of you might be surprised that I didn't choose characters that are a little more retro in aesthetic, but I've always been obsessed with the costumes in this film.  In fact, costumer Mona May is responsible not only for Romy and Michele, but for two of my other favorite 90's flicks: Clueless and Never Been Kissed.  Mona May's creations in these films are larger-than-life in the very best way, and my fascination with the wardrobe of the central characters hasn't waned since I first watched these films as a kid.  As we all know, fashion is cyclical, and the late-'90s are having a bit of a heyday right now -- so if you're looking to draw some inspiration from Romy and Michele, you don't have to look too far!

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Although Romy and Michele's sense of style has definite tones of tackiness, I think that can be a really fun element to work into your wardrobe every once and a while.  Bright solids and pastels, faux fur, feathers, and chunky heels are staples in their closets.  One of the first brands I thought of when looking for current inspiration was Glitters For Dinner, and ironically enough, I had no idea that they've actually named some of their pieces after Romy and Michele!  In general, co-ords are pretty popular right now, and it's a great way to create some longevity in your wardrobe (since pieces can be worn together or mixed with other items).  And if Romy and Michele were living in today's world, I bet they'd rock a pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes.  I had so much fun putting together these contemporary takes on some of my favorite ensembles from the film!

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Overall, though I wouldn't dress like Romy and Michele on a daily basis, I love the ever-present sense of fun they put into their outfits.  They dress like every day is a party, and that's definitely a message I can get behind!  What about you?  Would you wear any of these flick-inspired finds?

Have a Romy and Michele Day!  :)

xox Sammi

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Forever Autumn

Outfit Details:

Luck Be a Lady Dress in Autumn Plaid: ModCloth (similar here)

Brown velvet jacket: thrifted

Dessert Dash Flats in Cocoa: ModCloth

Diary handbag: Naputa's Secret Garden

Squirrel ring: Forever 21

I took these photos yesterday between rehearsals, and it was the first time in a while that I really felt like putting on something nice and stepping in front of the camera.  I came down with a bad cold right as my show was opening (luckily, we had enough days off in between shows that my voice was fine for performances), and between that and the whole breakup conundrum, I hadn't felt especially inspired or attractive.  But I wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather, and the fact that I've been doing pretty well over the past few days.  I'm still struggling to come to terms with it all, especially when my mind isn't occupied.  I'm going to have bouts of sadness for a while, and in my experience, it's always been very difficult for me to get over someone if I can't be mad at the person in question.  After receiving a cold -- and frankly, just shitty -- response to a heartfelt email (which probably read more like a plea) I sent out of desperation and naïveté, I finally have a tangible reason to be at least a little bit angry.  Although my goal is to focus on the positive, I'm sort of thinking that a little bit of well-deserved fury can't hurt, either.  It's better than wallowing, at least. 

It helps that I'm in rehearsal all day for a touring show (based on the story of Hansel and Gretel), and then all night for the Rapunzel show.  I actually play an evil witch in both shows, which I love -- especially because it's kind of far-removed from my actual personality.  It's a welcome escape, and it feels good to feel like a "real" actor again.  I really like working at the box office for my day job, but it sometimes leaves me with too much time to think about things, and the chance to be absorbed in my acting work again couldn't have come at a better time.

Autumn is my favorite season (it doesn't hurt that my birthday is at the end of October -- though thinking about spending my 25th birthday alone is sort of depressing), and I am determined to not let it be spoiled by recent events.  I'll be damned if I can't enjoy sweater weather and crunchy leaves and warm, lovely drinks and all the beautiful smells and sights that I associate with fall.  I may not have him to go apple picking with... and I may no longer have a "Halloweeniversary"... but I refuse to give up on finding happiness where I can.  There are going to be a lot of sentimental (and stinging) thoughts within the next couple of months, but I'll just have to make new, joyful memories to take their place.

These leaves were super crunchy and I enjoyed every second of walking through them.

I thought this song was rather apropos in every way...

Have a lovely Thursday.
xox Sammi

Trollied Dolly 50% off sale!

If you are a lover of retro- and vintage-inspired dresses and you haven't discovered the loveliness that exists at Trollied Dolly, you are missing out!  Trollied Dolly just announced today that their 50% off everything sale is now underway!  Just enter WOWSUMMER50 at checkout!  I own three different dresses from Trollied Dolly (you can see my posts featuring these dresses here and here), and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the quality and my experiences shopping there.  I love their quirky prints (the button-up bee print dress in the top right corner is one of my favorites), and their silhouettes are always super-flattering.  They even make adorable tops now, as well!  This sale is an AMAZING deal, so head over to Trollied Dolly now to take advantage!