Films capture the essence of a culture. They are little time capsules that can let us relive certain ancient periods or they can make us relate to modern day adventures. Regardless of all the great and epic stories that have been told through the magic of the silver screen, they're also great fashion inspiration. Every week I'll post a breakdown of a character's style and how you can achieve it yourself.
The Help
Earlier this year Viola Davis walked away with an oscar for best actress for her outstanding performance of a black southern maid during the sixties. Jessica Chastain was nominated for best supporting actress, but didn't snag the price. She lost the oscar to co-star Octavia Spencer.
If this doesn't convince you that you should watch the movie, then at least consider watching it for a huge source of fashion inspiration.
It's based on the 2009 novel, 'The Help', and centers around a young girl who just finished college, Skeeter. She's determined to become a professional writer and she starts interviewing the black maids who work for her Southern high society friends. In a period and place were racism was still palpable in the air, that didn't come over too well, and she's forced to secretly interview the maids. Another problem that arises is the fact that the maids form a tight knit community of their own and don't like it that she's trying to wiggle information out of them. Eventually Aibileen (Davis) is the first to open up, which lead to the rest of the maids telling their stories as well. And boy do they have something to tell!
Spolier alert: you will have seconds thoughts next time you'll eat pie after watching the movie.
I think that the movie managed to turn a dark and depressing subject into something filled with hope without neglecting the seriousness of it.
Celia Foote
A blonde bombshell, played by Jessica Chastain, who's arrival in Mississippi causes a lot of controverse. She's wedded to a rich socialite (Mike Vogel), but he used to date Hilly (Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of Ron Howard). Hilly is a snobby, racist bitch avant-la-lettre, and rumor has it that Celia stole her husband from Hilly. This is reason enough for Hilly to completely outcast Celia, and she demands that all her friends do the same. Celia on the other hand is a kind, caring and naive woman who was born into a working-class family and feels insecure about her new position on the social ladder. she isn't the perfect housewife, but she sure knows how to dress to impress.
Southern Rose
Celia loves to showoff her curves, so start with a tight pink pencil skirt. Tuck a flower patterned light pink blouse in your skirt and strap a big red belt around your waist. Find red flower studs and a coral toned lipstick to embrace your inner bombshell. Beware, it's still a modern day uptake on the look and not a costume party outfit so instead of bold red nails, opt for a mint green nailpolish. The minty color will bring out the pink and red tones and offers a refreshing detail to your appearance. Mint was also THE it-color for accessories this summer, and since it's officially the last day of summer, try rocking those summer vibes as long as possible. Neutral pumps will let your clothes have all the attention, and they match with your beige leather jacket. I added a leather jacket to give the look something edgy but without taking away it's powdery feeling, it's also great for a swift transition to an indian summer outfit.
Playful Beauty
Brighten your day with a yellow playsuit and creamy sunglasses. Slip into white colored wedges to get that sixties vibe going on and add a modern twist to it by wearing a white jeans gilet. A simple yellow bracelet and white flower studs will leave you looking like an innocent summer beauty. Paint your nails pink and find a matching lipgloss. Et voila, a modern day Celia! Just check that your husband is not the ex-boyfriend of a psycho high ranked socialite and you're good to go.
