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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Friday Favorites #85

It's Friiiiiday, it's Friiiiiday!  These are a few of my favorite things from this past week...

These photographic print dresses from Yumi are giving me spring fever!

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These book-shaped vases are so darling:

These printed dresses are awesome (the second one reminds me of Kaylah from The Dainty Squid!):

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An apple juice purse!

I adore these pretty blue dresses:

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I saw this dress at the Tatyana store when I was in New York last weekend, and it is so beautiful in person (the photo doesn't do it justice)!  I totally forgot to try it on, but I might have to order it at some point.

I'm SO over winter, but even I must admit that these coats are lovely:

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This daisy flower crown is so sweet:

This scalloped cake stand is perfect.

I want these ice cream earbuds!

What could be more scrumptious than a candy print dress?

And these hand-painted lollipops from A Secret Forest Patisserie look amazing:

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Sugar and Vice just launched their Afternoon Tea Collection, and their pieces are so cute!

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This oven mitt pocket skirt from Book of Deer is so... well, dear!

Why have a boring bottle opener when you can have one of these parasol ones?

As a Friends fanatic... I think I need this t-shirt:

Is this not the cutest hand cream you've ever seen?!

OMG, panda shoes!

I've been thinking a lot about body image lately.  I've been struggling with my eating habits and self-confidence, and I'm determined to implement healthy eating and exercise back into my routine.  On the other hand, I also don't want to place my self-worth on how much I weigh.  So I think this book is a really nice idea, since it has lots of ideas on how to love and appreciate your body without focusing so much on appearance.

In the same vein, this article really resonated with me.  It's been pretty impossible for me to forget all of the mean comments people said about my appearance when I was younger, and it's certainly affected my self-esteem as an adult.  I admire the responses of these women!

Finally, I saw this commercial the other day, and though Dove has gotten a bit of flack in the past for their ads, I thought this one was pretty great:

Have a great Friday!

xox Sammi

This post contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission, which helps to run my blog.  I link only to items I absolutely love, from companies I wholeheartedly support.  Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

Enchantment Under the Sea

I'm so glad to be surrounded by balloons (40,000 of them, in fact!) instead of snow for today's post!  Every year, the Rochester-based balloon folding artists known as Airigami put together an amazing exhibition called Balloon Manor, and this year, it's all ocean-themed!  They're even holding an event on Friday that's based off of the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance from Back to the Future.  Since I can't attend the dance (which is a shame, since there's even going to be a vintage costume contest!), I was able to convince my friend Henry to take some prom-inspired photos with me during the day, when Balloon Manor is open to the public. 

The artistry of Airgami's work is truly astounding.  They make everything from epic scale sculptures to wearable balloon dresses!  I don't have a balloon print dress (shocking, I know), so I opted to wear my Nishe seashell dress and add some vintage accessories.  Henry is a vintage fiend, so I knew he would be the perfect partner for these shots (and he kindly did my hair for the occasion, too!).  

 Outfit Details

Dress: ModCloth (old)

Hat: vintage (Etsy)

Pearls: similar

Clutch: old

Shoes: ModCloth

 Have a wonderful Wednesday!

xox Sammi

Chamomile

Guys.  I finally figured out how to do victory rolls!  They're definitely not the best, but this was the first time I was able to create something that looked passable (every other time I've tried, I can get the first one and fail miserably at the second).  I was bummed when I realized it was raining outside, and I thought my chances of documenting this feat were ruined... but then the sun miraculously came out for the last bit of daylight!  I suppose it just goes to show that things have a way of working out in the end.

I don't wear this gorgeous dress from Tatyana very much (it's such a special piece), but one of the only good things about winter is that I can pull this out of my closet again.  The neckline is probably my favorite part.  I wore this dress last year on the blog, but my favorite styling of this dress has to be Ashley's recent post of the wiggle version!

Outfit Details

Dress: Tatyana (no longer available)

Petticoat: eBay (similar)

Tights: ModCloth (similar)

Brooch: ModCloth (similar)

Shoes: ModCloth

I spent this past weekend in New York City with my mom, and we're coming back home today.  I was glad to get out of town, even for just a few days, and we did lots of fun things!  We saw A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder with my college roommate on Friday, went shopping and saw John Cameron Mitchell in Hedwig and the Angry Inch (the whole reason for the trip) on Saturday, and we're meeting up with some family to have tea at Alice's Tea Cup today before we leave for the airport.  I'll have a post devoted to the trip soon, but suffice it to say that I've had a very nice last few days.  :)

Hope your weekend was wonderful, too!

xox Sammi