NEWS
NEVER LET ME GO OKAY I WON’T
my kind of film! mark romanek’s newest ‘never let me go’ looks so lovely. mark is such a visual director and the storyline is adapted from a book by an amazing writer, kazuo ishiguro, so the marriage of style and story could make for a very, very good movie. we’ll see! i love the muted colors, the wardrobe…and of course the poster! this would be a poster i would choose; intriguing…where are they running to or from? gorgeous..lighting, the pier, muted sunlight peeking through darkness. it’s conceptual…you can’t see anyone’s face or expressions, leaving the audience to form our own interpretation of this moment. let’s hope the film lives up to the pre-release interest!! xo, am photos: indiewire
DREW BARRYMORE IN VINTAGE
lovely drew barrymore and her awesome film company: flower films, are just rocking hollywood these days. she’s been a style and creative and business icon for many years and ever since the inception of flower films, she’s produced some kick-ass projects. i love her vintage dress…she looks amazing. watch one of flower film’s first projects: donnie darko, where drew plays an idealistic high school teacher. donnie darko….still one of my all time favorite movies. photos
ROOMS THAT INSPIRE
all these photos are from the uber-talented photographer william waldren. i am looking for a new home, so rooms and interiors and homes and land are on my mind alot. enjoy these rooms as much as i am!
TOM FORD. INTUITION. COLLABORATION. BEAUTY.
learn about the process of creating from one of the greatest creators of beauty…tom ford. in these video clips he talks about his feature debut: a single man. tom discusses trusting his intuition and how every time he goes against it, it doesn’t work out. And every time he follows his intuition, it always works out. lesson to learn ladies! follow, follow, follow your intuition. always. it’s the only way to love, succeed, thrive and be creative. enjoy the 4 part series of tom ford, his editor joan and composer abel.
IT’S BEEN WAY TOO LONG
i haven’t posted for a long time. many reasons: one of which is i’m setting up a new website so it’s more like a blog. this site has some glitches and it’s frustrating! anyhow, here’s a pic of the ever-stylish jennifer delonge. check out her website and read about her busy life and it will inspire you! blessings and peace, am
ANGEL WINGS
went to an amazing yoga class this morning. soul of yoga. the teacher kept talking about forgiveness and how to live outside of our cluttered minds. he mentioned, more than a few times, that we are all angels. and to let our wings open and soar and guide us along our path. so from one angel to another….have a blessed sunday and let your wings open and take flight!! photos: model emma
KARLAS CLOSET
one way to not consume and consume and consume so much product is to buy vintage. karla from karla’s closet always has the most gorgeous vintage outfits. both the striped top and pink dress are vintage. amazing. i have been visiting my local second-hand store and will post some of the great finds i recently got. hint: dark purple velvet sport coat, creme beaded jacket and faux-fur grey 80’s jacket.
BEAUTY & ADDICTION
i’m sure you’ve all seen photos of this horrible mistake of mankind. it’s a true ecological and emotional, financial and spiritual disaster. i felt so hopeless and helpless when i saw footage of oil spewing into my beloved ocean. i love our ocean!! then i read alicia silverstone’s post on her blog ‘the kind life’ and she outlines some things we can do to change our habits and to become part of the solution instead of the problem. check out her blog, it’s a great resource to get moving and change our addiction to oil. lots of prayers to the animals and people who live, work and play in our beautiful, fluid seas.
CAMERA
love these photos. every one is something i would have in my home. i’ve been thinking a lot about buying a camera. i don’t own a great camera, which is surprising since i love photography so much. my birthday is coming up: august!!! and last year i received a blender from my husband. cliche but true. he bought me a vita-mix blender for my birthday!! i love my vita-mix but this year i want something special, a nice camera with video capabilities so i can take great photos and shoot movies. glorious no?!! have a fantastic, amazing monday. xo, am
TOM’S SHOES BUY 1 GIVE 1
i am obsessed with these shoes. tom’s shoes have been around for a while and though i’ve never bought a pair, i am buying one this summer because tom’s has a new line that is….vegan!! not only do tom’s shoes look amazing, they are super comfortable. they also donate a pair of shoes to countries that need the basics. check out their new lines of shoes and remember that your money is your power. where you choose to spend your money matters. you do make a difference every time you swipe your card or dole out your hard-earned cash. xoxoxo thanks for visiting and have a great week.
ECO-FRIENDLY FASHION, MY KIND OF CLOTHES
h&m does it again. how much do i love h&m? they are really trying to be a front runner in the sustainability/fashion world and in my eyes, they are succeeding. i love their garden line. it’s perfect for summer and for going out. the red minidress will be gorgeous with my black faux-leather cropped bomber jacket and black stella mccartney pumps. i will be head to toe animal-cruelty free and somewhat sustainable. there are ways now to enjoy fashion and design and beauty and still be responsible shoppers. our money matters. where we spend it matters. we matter. we can and do make a difference every time we use our credit card or spend our money. i’m so thrilled to be spending it on stuff that hurts our planet less!
MALLOY BROTHERS
As many of you know, I am an avid outdoors gal. I love our natural world; the ocean, the mountains, the deserts. So when I went to the premiere of Chris Malloy’s newest film “180 South“, I had to post about it. It’s a must see! the Malloy brothers are three talented guys who make surf and adventure films. I was hooked after their first film ‘Thicker Than Water’ !
Please check out the links, the trailers and where to see this movie. It is touring so make sure you get your tickets, you will be transported to another time and place and your soul will breathe a sigh of relief.
photos: Outside Chris Orwig
MY NEXT FEATURE FILM
i’ve been remiss at keeping up this blog. there are two reasons. the first is i am looking for a new home for my blog. a blog that isn’t attached to my work website, where i can blog about anything and it’s more accessible and interactive. the second reason is i’ve been super busy. i feel so physically great and am working to finish our film ‘perfection’ and starting on the re-write for my script ‘mercy’. i think i need a new title!
the script is about a woman in a loveless marriage who meets a young man that teaches martial arts. she begins to train with him and in the process of training and getting stronger, she falls in love with him. but, alas, she’s married! no love interest for her. however, he introduces her to a refugee, a young woman from afghanistan. once our heroine meets this young woman, she realizes she can help her and the rest is hope, healing and freedom, for both of the ladies!
women and violence don’t go together. actually violence and anyone doesn’t go together. i can’t wait to work on my next movie so i can address issues such as using women as a weapons of war. i really believe that women; mother’s, daughters, wives, etc…are the only way out of this mess we are in! if anyone can think of a better title, please email me: annette@annettem.com
NEW FROM BARNEYS NY
today at the beach, which is where i work!!(lucky duck), the sky was overcast and cool all day. i was wearing my favorite leopard shirt with a black sweater but it wasn’t enough. then i remembered my recent barney’s purchase and voila, with my new striped scarf i looked somewhat chic in a second. do you like my posing(fakely) with my hand touching my head? no, i don’t have a headache and no, i’m not scratching my head. i just didn’t know what to do with my hands. i wanted to show off this beautiful scarf from all angles.
GETTIN’ JIGGY WITH IT
so many things have happened this last week. the home we wanted to buy fell through, someone outbid us, the screening of my film in new york that i wanted to go to, i wasn’t able to go. disappointments all over the place. i’ve taken this time to reflect on things and realized that life is not so much a game of chance. it’s a lovely adventure and the more i participate in it, with it, the more i will enjoy. i’ve linked to a very cool video from will smith. that’s right, let’s get jiggy with it, will smith, and i know you will love it. photo: olivia bee
LAUREN GREENFIELD
my lovely friend lauren has done another amazing video/photography piece, this time about fashion: the fashion show. it loads better on vimeo, but visit lauren’s site, she’s a force of nature. xo
BANKSY IN LA
this was the best premiere i’ve been to in a while, which is why i had to post it. it was a super fun movie, funny and smart and the footage of a younger shepard fairey and other graffiti artists is so worth it. check out banky’s ‘exit through the gift shop’ when it comes to your town. my friend richard is part of this film…so spread the word! got to wear my vintage faux-fur jacket with long dress and high boots. love dressing up!
THE KIND LIFE
alicia silverstone is a front runner in the vegan, healthy, non-violent, eating, consuming way of living. I LOVE HER. here’s her site and check out her amazing book: the kind diet. if you live or are going to nyc, check out places to eat, visit for vegan visit.
BADLANDS
‘little did i realize that what began in the alleys and backways of this quiet town would end up in the badlands of montana’ thus starts the amazing and beautifully tragic story of kit and holly, directed by my favorite director, terrence malick. this is a gorgeous movie, as all his movies are, and i’ve linked to a short video so you can see the film’s uniqueness. the acting is completely truthful, the scenery breathtaking and the wardrobe for both actors great; kit in jeans, t-shirt and cowboy boots, and holly in shorts and ruffled tops, barefooted and in sweet dresses. it’s a feast for the senses. photos: the imagist, ew, the auteurs.
TWIGGY AND HAIR
i love long hair. but i’ve been thinking a lot lately of cutting my long locks off and going for a short, short, boy-short twiggy look. i don’t know if my face could support such a short, rad haircut, but i’m worth looking into it. here is a video of some coolest gal 60’s fashion and film icons. enjoy!!!
BRAD STEVENS
okay, i am a die-hard duke blue devil basketball fan, however i have to admit i have a sports crush: butler university’s head coach brad stevens. he’s a class act. he led his team to the championship basketball game where they almost, almost won. it was an amazing game!
VEGAN EASTER
easter is here and i am making vegan dishes for the kids, the family, even the dogs. my mom is making regular pancakes while i’m making bob’s red mill gluten-free vegan pancakes…which are the best pancakes i’ve ever eaten.
i love the holidays and there are ways to eat and enjoy them without harming pigs, cows, bunnies and chickens. check out alicia silverstone’s vegan website and enjoy your day and bon apetit! cookie photo: maple spice blog.
BLACK TIE EVENT
my husband and i need to attend to another black tie event and as always, i must wear something appropriate yet beautiful, something i feel great in. i came across these photos of devon akoi and really liked the long dresses. especially the first one. it looks simple and subtle and comfortable and not too stuffy. i also love the long paisley dress but don’t think it would work for the occasion. i am crazy about the sequined dress/pantsuit and am thinking i might wear something like that, we’ll see! the key to these events, i believe, is to feel great with myself and my body and feel connected to my husband and….not take any of it too seriously! i mean really, black tie events can be fun, or they can be miserable. i prefer to take them with a grain of salt and enjoy myself no matter the situation. oxox photos: fashion gone rogue
CRAVING CUPCAKES
i don’t usually post about food. not that i don’t like food…I LOVE FOOD. however i don’t find food that inspiring. but today i was craving vegan red velvet cupcakes from sprinkles. alas, there is no sprinkles in my area, so i googled cupcakes and look what i found. these dreamy dreams! ahhh, these cupcakes inspire me; the glitter, the frosting, the happiness of them all. enjoy these pics from sprinkles and cupcakedd.
COATS & JACKETS
oakaaaaay, i love this girl’s style: christine centenera. is it because we’re both dark-haired, olive-skinned gals that i watch her style, how she dresses and carries herself? whatever the reason, i love her use of jackets and coats. i am a fan of jackets and coats and wear one almost everyday. i went to the goodwill store in santa monica a few months ago and bought four(4) vintage, 80’s coats and blazers, and have worn one, in rotation, everyday. the goodwill and vintage stores often have great, inexpensive blazers, coats and jackets! and they’re cheap! photos: temps por lamode
OMG
this is a castle located in france. i love the interiors of chateau de buno! the photos are from kikette blog.
I NEED THIS THESE DAYS
i found this quote on one of my favorite websites, a site i visit to see beauty and feel good about life, it’s called, appropriately, ‘la dolce vita’ the sweet life. paloma is the blogger and she always posts lovely rooms and beautiful things and i look forward to seeing what she will do next. this quote is good for me right now. i’ve been down, feeling physically unwell and navigating many changes, some of which are not so great. i used to believe in ‘magical thinking’ the kind of wish-it-and-it-will happen thinking, however some of it hasn’t come true for me yet. so, without evidence, i lose faith. i’m at that place now, losing faith quickly and am posting this as much for myself as for anyone else who is feeling like they want to give up, give in, throw in the towel on your dreams, stop your diet, quit moving towards a better life. well i say to myself and to you….never give up! never, never, never, never, never give up! never, never, never, never give up on yourself and your dreams! be well, lots of love, am
DELFINA
i love this girl’s style. it doesn’t hurt that she comes from the fendi family. i love her new jewelry line; skulls and animals and skeletons…at a hefty price i’m sure. also see cool video actress/director asia argento made for delfina’s jewelry launch. it’s super feminine and lovely.
SING SING SING
so i’ve been laid up in bed for a few days now and have had time to think, reflect, make choices, changes, and it’s all good! i came across this video on youtube. it’s pete yorn(whom i love his voice) and the beautiful scarlett johanson singing the song ‘relator’. it’s got a fun beat and both of their voices are sweet and easy. enjoy the song and sing along!
SURGERY
I’m sorry I’ve been slack on posting on the blog. Though I have no idea how many people actually read this. Maybe three, maybe a hundred, maybe only one faithful friend who recently told me she couldn’t post a comment on the blog. I have to fix that! Anyhow, I have been laid up in bed as result of an emergency appendectamy. And though it seems like a horrible thing, I have decided to use this time, these weeks of recovery, to focus on myself and my life and examine what I want to change and what to incorporate into my life. One thing I will be doing more of, is making movies. Short films, features, featurettes, all of them! I also am going to incorporate more quiet time, spiritual, self care time. Meditating, going to the spa, doing yoga, sleeping during the day, going to museums and galleries. All the things that rejuvenate and inspire! So I’ll post more when I’m back in action. Until then, be well, be safe and stay healthy. Balance. Balance. Balance. Balance. And Self Care!! Take great care of yourselves. xoxoxo A
KEVA AND MARION
my brother in law sent me this photo a few months ago during the golden globes. he was off to marion cotillard’s party and i asked him to tell me what she was wearing! he iphoned me this photo of him and marion. keva is far left with curly hair, next to him is the amazingly, sweet and talented ron yerxa who produced ‘little miss sunshine’, next to ron is marion who looks gorgeous as always, and next to her is toby mcguire and his lovely wife. looks like a super fun night. thank you keva!!
TOP TEN FILMS
i started the list of my top ten films, however there are many more films which have influenced my work and life. the first time i saw fassbinder’s ali: fear eats the soul, i was blown away. the stylized way each shot was composed has influenced my work as a director in such a huge way. these are some stills from the movie. the scene in the bar is the opening, it’s brilliant. the scene with yellow chairs is so lonely and visually beautiful, and the postcard/snapshot scene of the newlyweds at their wedding dinner has every element of cinema that i love. i have decided that since i can not list my top ten films, i will embark on a top twenty. i’m sure when i reach twenty, there will be those i didn’t list and then i’ll back to where i am today. if you love movies, watch this film. photo: frame of reference
H&M MY NEW FAVORITE STORE
i admit it…i am a card-carrying member of PETA. i donate all the time and am now in their vanguard elite group. i just heard that H&M, one of my favorite stores, is NO longer carrying any products from ‘exotic skinned’ animals. that means, no more lizard, snakeskin or iguana pelts sold in any of their 130,00+ stores. any skin that deserves to be crawling under a rock is going to stay there, rather than be on your foot or in your hand. hooray for H&M. please support these companies that make such great strides towards not harming innocent animals. shop H&M. and call or send an email telling them how much they rock. btw, love the new H&M/Sonia Rykiel line. super fun, super colorful. super great for springtime. photo: trendland
DO NOT FADE ORLANDO DO NOT GROW OLD
so this gorgeous movie, orlando is directed by sally potter and is number 10 in my top ten movies of all times. the story is so dreamy and it’s about love and time, and aging and youth and sexuality and connection. perhaps i am such a tilda swinton fan that i would say this about all movies she stars in, but this one…this one is king. or queen as you might say. also, it’s worth seeing quentin crisp play the queen elizabeth. genius casting.
BIG HANDS I KNOW YOU’RE THE ONE
i haven’t posted anything about the winter olympics. partly because i am boycotting because of canada’s seal hunt policy, and partly because i haven’t had time to watch. go, go, go, go. so much going on right now!! more on all of the cool stuff later! irene wust from netherlands just won the women’s speed skating gold. she’s the one in the red/white/blue. the other photo is of canada’s speed skater christine nesbitt. i just love that women can look gorgeous and athletic and healthy and hot with any body size and shape. no undernourished here. just strong, healthy athletic physiques. this makes me want to get out my running shoes and start training!
TWITTER ME, TWITTER YOU
LIKE A SQUIRREL TO A NUT – I’M NUTS FOR YOU
happy valentine’s day to all of you. it is such a man-made holiday, however it gives me the chance to say i love you and i wish your hearts well! check out kate spade’s other e-cards. enjoy your day and spread the love. xo
TILDA SWINTON
this actress is amazing. i remember being a young girl and watching the movie ‘orlando’ which stars tilda swinton and i walked out of the theater, mesmerized(click on orlando link and be inspired!) she always follows to the beat of her own drummer. i just watched her again in michael clayton and she lets it all hang out. tilda is not trying to be beautiful for the camera or suck in her belly or get her good angle, she is truthful in the moment and delivers an amazing performance. a quote from tilda about her unique style: “I never had an aspiration to look like a doll, which is fortunate.”
SOMETHING TO KEEP YOU GOING
CLEAN FACE, CLEAN BODY
i have been doing a mini-detox this week. i am drinking 64oz of green drink every day for four days now and my skin looks and feels like butter. my eyes are clear and white, my skin is so soft and my face looks ridiculously clean! there are so many ways to clean your body and care for your body. you don’t need to be harsh with it. here are some starts: ph miracle, veg source, food inc,
TIME TO MOVE
i have been looking at home magazines and interior design blogs because we are in the process of looking for a new home. i can get lost in the images of beautiful and interesting rooms! the first and last photos are from elizabeth martin and the others are from my friend michael mccraine of lady michael design of a home she recently remodeled in los angeles.
A SNIPPET OF PERFECTION
keeping with the red and black theme that prevailed with my sundance posts, this is from the set of our movie ‘perfection’ which you all MUST see when it screens in your town! it’s rob poswall our director of photography and a snippet of the band ‘the damned’ and of our director christina beck and a snippet of my spinal tap tshirt in the mirror. there are a lot of mirrors in this movie. watch a teaser from first week of shooting.
THE ROMANTICS
galt niederhoffer is an amazing woman. we met in ny at ifp and had a chat about writing and movies and how lucky we are to be creative people with big, full lives. galt is a wonderful example of a woman graciously and fiercely putting her work into the world, whether as novelist, producer and now film director of the sundance film ‘the romantics’ galt is a force. here she is(in the red dress) looking gorgeous with her lovely cast, including katie holmes.
THE IMPERIALISTS ARE STILL ALIVE!
zimbio photos. fellow ifp lab gal, zeina durra(pictured w. french actress elodie bouchez) directs her first feature and it premiered at sundance. it’s funny and sexy and smart and deals with racial tensions post 9-11. the talented vanessa hope produced it. check out the trailer, you will love it. yeah zeina and vanessa!
BLACK DRESSES
zimbio photos. i don’t usually post anything about kate moss. not because i don’t like her, i think her style is very, very cool, but mostly because she is on every blog. every fashionista lists her as a style icon. however, i have succumbed! i am attending a black tie event next month, a fancy-shmancy affair and i want to wear a long black dress and black high heels. something victorian or vampire-like. anyhewww, i came across this dress and fell in love with it. i am going with something more simple of course, but the idea is there. it is the dressed up version of my previous post about ‘work clothes’!! blessings and stay safe and healthy. xo
PUNKY B
this is such a cool, sexy look for work. when i’m not writing i am on the set around cameras and guys and gals and dust and props, both indoors and outdoors, so i always need to wear clothes that can’t get ruined, shoes(mostly boots, or clark’s) that are super comfortable, and layers in case the weather suddenly changes. this is from punky b’s blog and it reminds me of being on the set. i am so ready to get back into production! filming here i come!
CAROLINE ISSA
it has been raining for almost four days and all i wear are rubber rain boots. i feel so frumpy. i wanted to post something beautiful and of course, i thought of caroline issa, of tank magazine. she never looks too dressy or too fashion-y. she just looks smart and classic and put together. a style i aspired to, especially when one has to be covered up, it’s nice to still feel pretty. photos: fashionfolio trendycrew streetpeeper
RAINY DAYS
it is pouring rain outside and even though all i want to do is cuddle, my hubby and i are heading off to a few homeless shelters today to drop off blankets and children’s jackets. i can’t imagine anyone, much less children, being outside during these windy storms. everyone deserves a warm, safe place to sleep and live. this room is from la dolce vita an interior design blog. paloma contreras always posts super fun, interesting rooms. enjoy the photo, stay warm and continue praying for peace and healing, always. xoxo, am
I LIVE IN FANTASY
starting the new year by going back to my top ten list of movies. pans labryinth is definitely on my list. this is a fantastic movie for so many reasons. the story is compelling and uses the power of fairy tale, myth and the supernatural to explore evil and greed and war. it sounds heavy and dark and a bit depressing. it is. and it is not. pans labryinth is filled with so much imagination and is told from the point of view of a young girl, that it merits watching if just for visuals. when trauma happens, when we are subjected to deep wounds, we often create a world, or worlds where we have control over the situation. this film looks at that. how our fragile, magical self copes with the harsh reality of evil. it isn’t a film for everyone, however, if you are open to seeing another world, open to magic and darkness, and fantasy, this is a great one.
HAITI IN BLACK AND WHITE
haiti has had it’s share of tragedy these last few years. keep them in your prayers. photos from the hurricanes in ‘08. pulitzer prize winner patrick farrell.
RED CROSS, DRS WITHOUT BORDERS AND OTHER LOVELIES
i’m sure you’ve all been seeing photos of the devastation in haiti; and probably many of you have already donated money to haiti relief organizations. whenever things like this happen, i am always brought back to how connected we are. everyone of us. and while i am obsessed with film and literature and fashion, the truth is, many people in this world are suffering. they don’t have the luxury to create. they barely have the ability to subsist and most of those suffering(in all parts of the world) are children. an overwhelming amount, are young women. so it’s important, as women who have opportunities, to understand our role in the world. it is up to us to give back. to help where we can, not just monetarily but in our art, with our movies, our language, our stories,our very lives. let us be the kind of women who help make change. click on links above to help/text/donate. xoxo (photo: doupex/getty)
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
vivienne westwood continues to inspire. art and culture are antidotes to propaganda. ‘if art is alive, the world will change. no art, no progress.’ she is a true artist, in everything she does. her hair, her clothes, her vision. some photos from cyclelicious.
MY FRIEND ESTHER
esther photography is my post for today. esther is a dear friend and an amazing photographer and casting director. she loves interesting people, real faces, life, beauty, uniqueness and raw talent. her instincts are incredible and i trust her for casting ideas without hesitation. more about esther later!
GARANCE DORE
posting garance again. a daily read. garance dore is super talent: illustration, design, photography. it’s inspiring to see her work.
A CINEMATIC BLOG
aren’t these photos amazing? this is a new-ish blog called clothes, cameras and coffee. it’s evolved into this very cool, cinematic blog with beautiful inspiring photos and poses. check out roz’s site. also, she’s into vintage!!!
FRENCH WOMEN ROCK
we had a film screening of our movie ‘perfection’, it went really well. we got great notes from friends and now it’s back to the editing room. film is a completely collaborative process and i’m always amazed when a film is finished and it’s great. hard to do, and totally worth the pursuit.
charlotte gainsbourg is a fantastic actress, i just watched her in nuovomondo. just look at her style. the first photo is from cannes film festival. increible! why is it that some european women, don’t feel the need to cut up their faces and their bodies to achieve ‘perfection’ like so many american women do? they are not perfect, no one is, and it seems they accept themselves and celebrate their uniqueness. this makes women more beautiful and all the more likeable. this is on my mind because our film deals with plastic surgery and cutting.
I WANNA CLIMB BACK IN BED
spent the night at my friend kirston’s house who has the most lovely, cozy home. it helps that she has great style, she’s a costume designer and her home reflects this talent with art books, paintings, amazing curtains and racks of gorgeous clothes. she woke me in the morning with a cup of hot tea…pg tips, my favorite. it was so heavenly that all i wanted to do is go back to bed. i wanted to curl up in kirston’s home, sleep and wake up again to a cup of warm tea and start the day over. hope you are having a fantastic morning! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. photos: freshome & sincerely jules
BEAUTY QUEEN
queen raina is the epitome of modern-day royalty. she is fashionable, young, smart, educated, involved in politics, and uses the internet to help with her humanitarian causes. she has started a youtube channel which she opens dialogue for peace worldwide. she is a style and personal icon of mine. follow her on twitter
PAPER PLANES
i fly like paper. dream big, send your thoughts and dreams into the world with love and laughter. taesang photos
NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS
i’m not big on resolutions mostly i don’t stick to them. instead, i’m doing a ‘vision board’ or intention board of how i’d like the next years to be. here are two examples: 1. i make great movies and write my novels and scripts, get paid alot of money and look like stella mccartney doing it. 2. my husband and i live on an acre overlooking ocean with our family, our babies, our 3 dogs, get 2 goats and a pig. we are a safe haven for animals and people. PS. felt like this post needed amending: added link on how-to vision board and photo of dream nursery courtesy of the talented jennifer delonge. email or tweet me your visions and i’ll hold them in my mind and heart for you. happy, happy 2010!
THE GODS WAIT TO DELIGHT IN YOU
this year i started my blog and what a lovely year it’s been. i have found an outlet to post and share some of my favorite photos, news stories, people and ideas. it’s been inspirational to visit other blogs and see what creative, wonderful things others in this world are doing. i’m impressed. so as this year comes to a close, i’m sending you my love; and may 2010(and beyond) be the best, most interesting, wonderful years for you yet. life isn’t always fun, it’s not always easy. in fact, it’s not supposed to be. but there is always light. be on the lookout for the light. i leave you with a quote from charles bukowski from laughing heart.
‘your life is your life. don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission….be on the watch. the god’s will offer you chances. know them. take them….’ you are marvelous! you are truly, truly marvelous! happy new year my friends.
NUDE
i am loving nude and white these days. of course, i’m trying to buy vintage or used, however i found a creme colored ella moss dress at barney’s and am going to buy it for this winter. i just think nudes and whites and soft pinks are so pretty on us gals. although….my nature is to put on black! like right now! i’m wearing black lanvin flats, dark rock and republic jeans with a skull on the back pocket and a black h&m sequined top. ha! so much for nudes and whites, i’m head to toe dark colors. have a great, great day!
A SINGLE MAN
my newest favorite film: a single man. tom ford’s directorial debut and it’s stunning. the movie is based on a christopher isherwood novel and apparently it was financed by tom ford himself. if you love fashion, if you love images and beauty, this is a movie for you.
SNOW LEOPARD
sea of shoes. i am of two minds this holiday season. i am loving the snow. and loving the warmth of the beach. i went for a walk with my family(all of them, minus my sister in law, who needed a rest!) and we went to the ocean. there were so many surfers out on christmas day. people walking their dogs, running, my nephew rode his bike without training wheels for the first time, and someone had placed five long stem roses in the sand, the waves had washed away all the pink petals. they were strewn around these tall, bare, thin stems. wherever you are, sun, snow, wet, warm, enjoy the rest of this year and may 2010 bring you closer to your own heart. xo
BAT FOR LASHES or HEADBANDS RULE
i am going to construct a glitter crown for my me, my nephews and mom to wear at xmas dinner tonight. it’s time to play dress-up! bring out your fake furs, construction paper, glue, scissors, jewels & glitter and make yourself, your daughters/sons, your husbands and all your friends a crown or headband to wear for the holidays! send me photos: http://www.twitter.com/annettemurphyam happy holidays!!!
BRITTANY MURPHY RIP
trying to be beautiful. trying too hard to fit an image you didn’t create. brittany murphy was found with medications in her system. she was thin, dieting, losing her way. please take care MY FRIEND. you are my friend and i’m in this with you; because we’ve all been given this bill of goods, sold ideas of what is right and beautiful and worthy of love. YOU are worthy of love. period. end of sentence. you, my friends, are worthy of your love. this holiday season make a pledge to yourself to treat yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit with love. nurture it. feed it. exercise it. express it. keep it clean. share it with the worthy few. check out lauren greenfield’s site.
sorry this isn’t a happy, merry, holiday photo and post. i just think it’s important to remember what’s important. not the shopping or did he or she buy you what you want. or are did we get enough presents, or did we eat too much. who cares! who the fuck cares. love yourself through it. it’s the only way. blessings to you all and happy, safe, loving holidays to you.
ANNA WINTOUR
if you haven’t seen rj cutler’s ‘the september issue’ it’s worth renting for the holidays. it’s a glimpse into the lives of anna wintour, grace coddington and entire the vogue team. i really liked it and because i know rj, the filmmaker, i went to see it in the theater, paid my money, got my large popcorn, coke and licorice and had a great time!
PERFECTION ON SCREEN
these photos were taken from inside the chelsea theater where our film Perfection screened. see the theater row lights on the floor! it was such a lovely experience to see the images on a big screen with an audience. coming soon in 2010 to a theater near you…Perfection!
CELL PHONE WARNINGS!!
after dinner tonight with friends, while getting my coat, i had to snap a pic of a very contented gal…until i read that cell phones are horrible, dangerous for us! i used to get ear-aches when i talked too much, so i keep my cell on speaker. now, after this new info about cell phones, i’m keeping my cell away from my head and body! less cell phone use…and bring out the headphones!
BODY IMAGE
my friend lisa is a dancer and she’s amazing(with katy perry and bette midler!) she takes great care of herself, her body, her spiritual life & her marriage. when i told her i was posting photos and discussing body image, she loved it. she said her body weight goes up and down and like all women she struggles with body stuff too. how do we learn to love and care for our beautiful bodies? it doesn’t matter whether we’re skinny or heavy, old, young, flabby, firm. it doesn’t matter what has happened to us in the past, it doesn’t matter about the crappy-ass choices we’ve made. loving ourselves is an action. it’s eating real food(not candy and bread, alcohol and sodas), drinking water and low sugar juices. it’s eating salads and soups and fresh veggie wraps. when i started my healing, i began slowly walking and hiking, feeling(for the first time) the connection between myself and nature. it was a long healing and it continues to this day, but our bodies are worth it. cutting oneself, eating bad foods, eating too much, getting wasted, starving oneself, smoking…can all be changed. trust me, they can. women are so powerful. take good care of yourself…like lisa. wanted to share this with you all.
REDS AT THE BEACH
i notice a pattern here. i tend to like photos that answer this question: what would look great against the dark brown wood paneling on my website? reds, oranges, dark greens, yellows. come to think of it, everything except neon looks great against a rich, dark brown. these are so rich and remind me of the way the beach outside my window looks these days: cold, clean, fresh and altogether cozy. photos from elle dec. 09
VIRGIN SUICIDES
the virgin suicides is one of my favorite novels and is written by jeffrey eugenides. sofia coppola adapted the book which is about five sisters, the mysterious lisbon sisters, who commit suicide one by one; leaving behind them a wake of wonder, loss and confusion. the book is told from the point of view of neighborhood boys who loved them, idolized them and struggled to get to know them, all the while sensing these girls were slipping out of their reach. it’s a beautiful, beautiful film and these images are gorgeous. sofia’s eye is so feminine and strong. today, i really needed to see something lovely. listen to tracks from film.
HOLIDAY = NO HAM
another reason why becoming a vegan is a great choice! olga samuels.
CLIMATE CHANGE: NO HOAX
there is so much news at the moment about copenhagen and climate change. google the word and you’ll get an array of info. i have no answers to this global problem. the only thing i can think of is to eat less meat. or no meat at all. how does this relate to climate change? direct emissions of methane from cows and pigs is a significant source of greenhouse gases! methane gas(animal gas!) is 23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a global warming gas. less animals, less gas in the air. less meat we eat, less animals bred for food. this holiday season, buy/prepare one less meat dish. or go veggie all the way. the planet will love you forever.
ORANGE IS MY NEW COLOR
photo from blog karlascloset.
WOMEN WRITING, DIRECTING & ACTING!
andy ostroy, the widower and founder of the adrienne shelly foundation awarded our film ‘perfection’ with this year’s grant. my director christina beck accepted the award which was presented to her by the always funny, cheryl hines. adrienne shelly’s passion in life was to make movies. she was funny and quirky and spunky and super smart. she believed that women could create their mark in film, as actors, writers and directors. and she, like in our movie, did all three! women can do anything, girls can do anything. adrienne directed the movie ‘the waitress’!thank you adrienne shelly foundation and ifp.
GARBAGE PATCH
i love the ocean. i love animals. this business of plastics and polluting our world-wide waters is unacceptable. the first photo is from the los angeles river. the second is what’s known as the garbage patch. a patch of garbage floating in the pacific ocean! these are the steps i take to help…small ones and if we all take small steps…this can change: 1. no more plastic water bottles! i use only thermos’ and/or a glass bottle i’ve had for years. 2. no buying any new toys! 3. recycle all my plastic items. 4. buy vintage or used whenever possible. this is a mess and it’s hurting our beautiful, adorable, amazing, magical planet. there is so much more on this topic, and i’ll post links and photos again.
WELLINGTON
love vintage clothes. yvan rodic photos.
SO CAL GUY AND GAL
rumi neely and her boyfriend colin are in san diego. it’s nice to see the southern california, casual, surfer attitude and style done so sophisticated and creative. it’s easy to get caught in the cycle of jeans, flip flops, vans and sweatshirts. rumi is always interesting. photos: colin sokol
DON’T YOU LET ME GO
lykke li. sometimes, when i’m writing, especially something visual, a movie, a scene, i write to music. when i was writing the script for ‘water street’ i listened to her song ‘tonight’ the acoustic version. it’s haunting, raw, naked, sad and desperate, and somehow freeing. listen for yourself, tweet me, email me, let me know what you think of this song, this gal, this expression of self.
COLD WATERS
as you know i love water. my next movie is about a girl and boy who live and die in the water. water is a powerful natural force and it reminds me, especially ocean water, that life ebbs and flows. water goes in, it goes out…and to fight that is useless. life goes in, it goes out. water also reminds me there is something fluid about nature. water moves easily(except when frozen) around and over obstacles. another great lesson. move effortlessly around, under, over your obstacles or perceived roadblocks. i am drinking a tall glass of water now. enjoy your beautiful day! jeff holt pic.
WALK ON. PARTY TIME.
so getting in the mood for the holidays. i want to wear black tights, faux fur jackets and high heels…drink sparkling cider until my sugar level is near diabetic. make out with my husband in someone else’s bathroom, fall asleep with my makeup on. it’s so great to be sober, fresh, open and clear-headed enough to see how lucky we are to simply be alive. it’s a gift. this life. even with it’s messed-upness, it’s a gift. and if we must slog through the mud and darkness to get to the other side, we grab someone else’s hand and we walk on. walk on…it’s a gift.
MEN AND BOYS
i rarely post about men. i usually post about women doing amazing things: making movies, designing, waging peace, writing stories, being incredible. but i love men! so today i’m posting from the line odyn vovk, which means ‘one wolf’ in celtic. the wolf is a symbol of intuition and strength and since i’m half irish…it’s a shout out to the primal, to the wolf in all of us. to the wild animal inside that says, i am here, i know the truth, i am alone and strong, i am courageous and stealth, i am the one who goes between two worlds, i am the dreamer. hello! today let me come out to play with you!
SURFING, SKATEBOARDING SO MUCH FUN
i haven’t been feeling well lately so i haven’t gone out much. my brother goes surfing everyday…i’m so jealous. i miss being active, out in the water, swimming, surfing, being in nature. it’s so therapeutic to be outside. even walking my dogs on the trail feeds my soul. at least i can do that.
photos: phil holden veganfusion
BLACK WITH ORANGE ISN’T JUST FOR HALLOWEEN
again giovanna battaglia gets it so right. this orange with black looks so chic, not like a pumpkin, it’s great. trendycrew
OLD SCHOOL
i have owned these clarks for over 10 years. before i became vegan. now i try to never buy leather or suede. but i love these shoes. i was being driven to the airport and glanced down and saw my old faithfuls…..had to take a picture of them.
MONICA VITTI STYLE
for some reason, maybe it’s because i’ve been wearing jeans, dresses and flip flops all summer, i am now obsessed with formal, feminine, 50/60’s style italian fashion; stockings, cropped jackets, heels, a-line skirts and belted waists. ala the wardrobe in l’avventura. color photos are from vogue italia.
MY HAIR HAS LOOKED LIKE THIS
TRADITIONAL BEAUTIES
LOU DOILLON
i love when people look different. when they have a look that is soley their own. when they embrace the gap between their teeth, or their crooked nose or their height or weight, or color of their skin, or their age. it’s so attractive to be at peace with the parts that make us different. sometimes when i see photos of lou doillon, she looks quite odd, asymmetrical, then i look again and all i see is beauty. we can strive to be okay with who we are, as we are. because there is no more ‘traditional’ beauty. it doesn’t exist. skinny isn’t traditional, tall isn’t either, young isn’t nor is silky, long hair. it’s a changing world and the more we each embrace our supposed imperfections and not try to adapt to the trends, the sooner the we will all understand that each of us is beautiful, exactly as we are. apparently this photo was cropped as lou is topless for an ad. i like this version much better! tweet me or email me what you think is beautiful and unique. it could be yourself, a friend, the sky, a broken down building, your dog, your scars, a mother, a graveyard…it doesn’t matter as long as it means something to you.
FREEDOM FROM FEAR
the amazing aung san suu kyi has been under house arrest in burma for more more than 12 of the past 20 years. she is a believer, a follower of peaceful non-resistence and the stories she tells in her book, voice of hope, tell of confronting those who want to kill her and how she addresses these hostile, negative forces. she is a teacher to learn from. she shows how women can be strong, woman can make a difference, women can be the change, women can confront powerful forces that want us quiet or complacent or even dead. they want our spirits dead. and she shows us how we don’t have to fight them using our precious energy, we can use their own energy against them. powerful women. powerful world. “The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear.” aung san suu kyi.
TWEETING NOW
follow me on twitter!
WINTER IS COMING
THE REAL GIRL
lars and the real girl. one of my top ten movies of all times. the costumes in this film are brilliant. the story, the directing, the quietness and loveliness and humanity are amazing. anyone interested in fashion/film wardrobe, will love the subtleness of kirston mann’s talents. i won’t say too much about about this movie, except to say it makes me happy to be alive.
PEACOCK
my foyer is in need of a huge, large peacock painting or photograph. i’ve been using ‘the secret’ to bring my peacock art into my home. this room is designed by elizabeth mayhew. LIPSTICK
photos: the ones 2watch new wave.
PLASTIC SURGERY ANYONE?
robyn peterson, the amazing actress in our movie ‘perfection’ plays an aging model who can’t face the fact that she’s getting older. ‘perfection’ is a movie about how far women will go to hurt themselves, through plastic surgery and self-injury(cutting) to feel good about themselves. robyn is a knockout actress. see my next post about robyn’s one woman show which played at edinburgh and in london’s west end. when her show goes up again, i’ll post so all the fashionistas(and lovers of great theater) can go watch this talented lady!
OCEAN
can’t get enough of water and krikis.
HALLOWEEN BEAUTY
BLACK HAT
i’m very much into wearing black right now. don’t know if it’s because i’ve just lost my auntie and uncle or if it’s because i’m working on a piece about people moving on. either way, i only feel like wearing black.
