Pretty in Pink

Recently, I've been marathoning some of my favourite 80s films.
My absolute favourite being Pretty in Pink. Now, I know the clothing is frequently criticised as garish and dated but personally I love Molly Ringwald's textured, vintage and girly style in the film.
The films is such a classic, my favourite scene is where Duckie mouths the words of 'Try a Little Tenderness' around the record store. It somehow lifts my spirits and is so nostalgic for myself. The films score is generally phenomenal; from the opening where the title song 'Pretty in Pink' is played to the finale where 'if you leave', orchestral manoeuvres in the dark's hit alongside 'Enola Gay.'

I thought I'd top off my favourite outfits from the film as follows:

#7 Everyone seems to hate Ringwald's finale prom dress. However,  although personally I'm not a huge fan, I can appreciate the unique shape and classy, elegance it has. This dress had to be in the list as a classic 80s staple.

#6 This outfit I feel is underrated for its beautiful cut. The flattering over the knew box shaped dress looks so effortless, and of course coming from Pretty in Pink the pearls just add that touch of vintage flare. With Molly's red hair and slim physique she pulls off this outfit so well.

#5 I love this outfit. The hat with material trimming is so elegant paired with matching blazer, I think, it is so stylish. I love the 80s cut in clothing, personally, I find it so fashionable and classy. Not to sound like an old hag, but I cannot stand tight, trashy clothing some people wear today. There is something about the clothes in the movie which is so timeless.

#4  I am fully aware that this outfit is 'out there' and a little crazy but all the better I say. It looks as though the costume designer has simply thrown this stuff together but I love the combination. The contrast between the army green jacket and the oriental style, blush pink harron shorts is genius. The texture of the outfit is so beautiful with the layered earrings. Although I myself do not venture into 'edgy' fashion I think this mix-max combination is the perfect way to tackle it. 

#3 The first outfit of the movie and a classic. What I love most about it is the circular, daring glasses paired again with the layered earrings. This granny chic outfit is such a good representation of Andy's innocent, strong character- plus this style of glasses is back in!

#2 This outfit is so boho and chic. I love the turquoise coloured floral skirt paired with the pastel pink button down shirt. The more masculine boots with this feminine ensemble present And's strength and defiance against social cliques and classes in high school. 

#1 Finally my personal favourite outfit of the film seen in the record store tracks. What makes the outfit for me is the beautiful blue cardigan, I think it is so elegant I would love one for myself! This paired with the floral trousers and crochet, cream cardigan beneath is casual, textured and feminine. I think this outfit has never gone out of style and I would wear it today if I had the pieces!

I hope you enjoyed my commentary on Molly Ringwald's fashion in Pretty in Pink.
I may write a few more 80s inspired post perhaps centring around music? I mostly prefer new wave from the early 80s!

Remember to stay pretty in pink everyone!
Oh, and let me know if you're a Duckie or Blane shipper? (I probably won't even get any comments but hey)
I'm a Blane shipper, don't hate I just think Andrew McCarthy and Molly Ringwald have so much chemistry on screen. That and I feel Duckie's character is meant to be gay!

Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again...

I thought for my first post I'd share one of my thoughts on one of my favourite films and books, Rebecca.

This completely haunting, suspenseful romantic story is so elegantly crafted and written it is simply a must on anyones shelf. The film is equally glorious starring the beautiful Joan Fontaine as the unnamed narrator (this a genius literary technique by Du Maurier,) Mrs de Winter. Not only this, Maxim de Winter is played by the wonderful Lawrence Olivier. Olivier's portrayal is particularly powerful as he captures the allure and intrigue surrounding the character perfectly. Olivier wanted his fiancé at the time Vivien Leigh to take the role but it was given to Fontaine - a good decision, if you ask me as she captures the vulnerability of the role so effortlessly. Rebecca is a true classic piece of cinema, made in 1940 in black and white it is a valued part of Hollywood's 'golden age' of film. 

Somehow I find this scene where Fontaine walks down the stairs to the ball in Rebecca's dress too awkward and painful to sit through. Although the film is not laced with expensive special effects there is a disconcerting dynamic which runs throughout. From the scene with Mrs Danvers and the narrator in Rebecca's bedroom to the tension built up surrounding the cottage. Hitchcock (this being his first film in America) the Director perfectly emulates the awkward atmosphere Mrs de Winter feels in the book. Manderley's coldness and bareness is demonstrated through the black and white picture making the viewer similarly suffer the narrators agony. 

Here is a representation of the truly incredible facial expressions and mannerisms Olivier gives to the portrayal of Maxim de Winter. 

Now,  being the english nerd and bookworm that I am I'd like to share a few thoughts on some of the symbolisms and foreshadowing in the book. It never occurred to me until a reread of the novel that the azaleas and flowers that submerge Manderley could be symbolic of Rebecca herself. Of course, her presence does surround Manderley from the servants to the way in which it is furnished and decorated, Maxim admits this himself. The azaleas are described as red having connotations associated with passion, illicit sexual desire and sin. Having always wondered why there was so much reference to the flowers, I feel, this may allude to a deeper meaning that the flowers are representative of Rebecca's corruption of the pure house. Which of course becomes so corrupt it must be burnt to the ground.

This is just one of my suggestions regarding the novel. Others include Rebecca's perhaps homosexual feelings towards Mrs Danvers? Questionable, but I think highly likely in the way Mrs Danvers refers to her. 

Let me know what you would like to hear from future posts. 

"And the ashes blew towards us with the salt wind from the sea."- Du Maurier's last lines in the novel.