Cult Status: Traci Lords in Cry-Baby

"I wouldn't be caught dead in a full skirt."

Ever consider how great Grease (1978) would have been had the film started where it ended? In essence, we would have been able to witness Sandy's full style transformation into a Greaser, and not simply be left with that one iconic look?

Well, Wanda Woodward (Traci Lords) in Cry-Baby (1990) is probably the best we could hope for.

The verb, to be a "Drape" (that's a Greaser by the way, the opposite of a Square): Performing acts of juvenile delinquency with neat cars, whilst wearing leather jackets, slightly risqué dresses and kitten heels. Is there any better style inspiration?

Mildly vulgar language and behaviour often comes into play too.

If you do choose to watch this silly film, please ignore all the creepy girls (below). There is no excuse for them.

The Inspiration: Amber Heard in The Rum Diary

This will be my life.

Winter is so over. I have simply had enough of it. In my mind, there is no more darkness, no more freezing temperatures, no more wearing big (faux) fur coats, no more rain, no more black clothes.

Alright, there will always be black clothes.

I have decided that a major change in style will occur this year. This change will mostly be due to a change in location, as I've grown tired of the UK and Europe, and all of their seriousness; I'm going to South America.

I don't know when, I don't know how, I don't know with what money, but all I know is that it will happen.

And when it does, when I get there, I will begin my new life by channelling the style of Chenault (Amber Heard). Fun, sexy, elegant.

The Rum Diary (2011) is not a film that is worth watching for the story, but if you're in a similar mindset as I am, Colleen Atwood will inspire you (as she always does).

Here's to partying, laying by the beach, and dancing on the streets.

That Dress: Cameron Diaz in The Mask

How is it possible to have this many amazing dresses in one film?

Does anyone remember The Mask (1994)? Dimly, right?

Is Cameron Diaz the only thing you remember? Actually, are her dresses the only thing you remember? 

Enough questions. Let's face the facts:

FACT: Cameron Diaz has the most amazing dresses in this film.
FACT: These dresses need to be replicated.
FACT: I think I've subconsciously been channelling her look for years.

Thank you to whomever made this silly film happen. I am forever grateful.

Fashion Fail: Charlize Theron in Young Adult

Is this my life?

There's something spectacularly frightening about Young Adult (2011). The film in itself is hardly spectacular, but the story of a divorced 30-something woman who writes a young adult fiction series, yet is still clinging on to her high school persona, somehow resonates fear within me. Why? Well, the only thing I could think of when I watched this was:  

Am I going to be wearing that Hello Kitty shirt when I'm 30? Will I worsen the situation by pairing it with tracksuit-bottoms and a matching hoodie? Or heaven forbid; will I wear UGGs?

One's future is never clear, and now more so than ever, I am unclear about where my future will take me.

Let's just hope it won't be back to my hometown, where I attempt to win back my married ex-boyfriend, whilst dressed like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton circa 2006.

In terms of style inspiration, Mavis Gary (Charlize Theron) is the antithesis of it. 

Psycho Chic: Michelle Williams in Shutter Island

For a 1950s' housewife, a complete psychotic breakdown must occur
when wearing a floral dress.

Do you ever feel like a housewife from the '50s? Everything is seemingly alright, your life is fine, you have a nice dress... But for some reason you feel trapped and on the brink of a mental breakdown?

Maybe it's just the fact that you're bored with your uneventful life?

Dolores (Michelle Williams) may have been a tad crazy, but in a strange way, I can relate to her. There's very little satisfaction to be had from a constant, repetitive routine.

It's time to shake things up.

On a side note: Shutter Island (2010) is yet another amazing Martin Scorsese film to exhibit the artistic talent of Sandy Powell. Others include The Wolf of Wall Street and The Aviator. What an amazing duo.

Action Heroine: Kate Beckinsale in Van Helsing

Gypsy Princess-chic is a term that should be added to the Fashion Dictionary.

Possibly the most problematic of all style-types in films, the Action Heroine is usually one of my favourites; she kicks ass, she looks good, and she's usually the one who saves the day (even though the hero won't admit it).

Generally these action heroine babes are a little too scantily clad, which is why Anna Valerious from Van Helsing (2004) is so special. She's a gypsy princess on a vampire-hunt, so she wears leggings, corsets, velvet crop jackets and boots. She's not too unnecessarily sexualised. 

Major style inspiration.

Although there are many well-dressed women who kick ass in films, Anna is often forgotten because the film was so disappointing.

Well, this look never disappoints. 

Gentlemen's Style: Philip Seymour Hoffman in Capote

When a great actor passes away, the only thing you can do is relive their talent
through their greatest achievements.

It's such a tragedy that the great Philip Seymour Hoffman has passed away.

In his honour, tonight I shall watch his Oscar-winning performance in Capote (2005).

A true legend.

R.I.P. Philip Seymour Hoffman.