day 7 – travel journal – french riviera – cannes

I love this part of our trips to Europe, the stop in the French Riviera. We took the slow train from Genoa (not intentionally) that was how RailEurope site booked it for me when I did my point to point reservation and within four hours pulled into the Cannes train station.

I gladly jumped off the cart and walked to our hotel, which is always across the street from the train station. I prefer it that way. We wasted no time in freshening up and running to the promenade to walk along the shore before heading into old Cannes to have dinner.

Cannes is an amazing place to stay, it has everything you need and not as chaotic as Nice is during the busy Summer season.  You can spend the mornings, shopping, then in the afternoon sunbathing at a number of public beaches and then get dressed up and go to dinner at any number of indoor/outdoor restaurants along the promenade, followed by a walk along the shore.  It’s definitely designed for the over forty crowd and young couples with kids and for those traveling with dogs.

Boutique Shops for the fashionable woman or man

An afternoon swim in the Mediterranean Sea

Dinner in Old Cannes

A night stroll along the promenade

{photos are the property of http://www.rawsilkandsaffron.wordpress.com and should not be used without permission}

oh la la – i want i want

Don’t you ever just walk down the street, especially in the business or financial sector of a metropolitan city or even the French Riviera and say to yourself, I want that, where did she get that?  If you aren’t one of those women, than just turn the page, otherwise take a look at my most recent wants. Oh how I wish money grew on trees – but since it doesn’t I can only dream right?

I want that look

I want that red bag and the camera too

I want that skirt and even the shoes - why not?

I want that watch and the costume jewelry please

I want that bag

I want to dress like that

Oh la la - I want I want

I want a side of George Clooney please - What!

certified copy – a film for the woman over 40

One film, which has touched me in more ways than one this year, is the film Certified Copy. *Note: please stay on this page if you want to read the girly version and click here if you want to read my review about the filmmaking aspect of the movie.

Also, this special piece I wrote on this site, on  a Sunday no less, is also a reference point  for my fans, from the other blog, to use if they don’t mind me giving away the plot.  So here I go:

After seeing the film, Certified Copy, I walked out of the theatre feeling sad and depressed I just couldn’t believe the subject matter in the film and the impact it could have on most women across the globe, who want to see the film.

The story is  about a 40 something year old woman named Elle (Juliette Binoche), who from the looks of things was a single parent living in a small village near Tuscany, Italy.  A British writer, named James Miller (William Shimell) makes his way to the same village to promote his book about art and artifacts. Since Elle seems to be a fan of the writer,  she attends his book promo event to get his autograph on her copy of the book.

While at the event, her 15 year old bored son insists they leave because he was hungry. After a lengthy argument with her son, she leaves, but only after giving the promo coordinator a note to invite the writer over to her shop.

James  (the writer) accepts her invitation and with luggage in tow, comes to her shop the following morning for a brief visit, before catching a train out-of-town that same evening. (Are you following me so far?)  While she nervously suggests they have coffee in her studio or shop, he asks if they could go for a drive instead. Unphased by her struggle to get her coat, he takes his luggage outside and waits by the car.

The next twenty minutes or so, while driving on a windy road out of the village,  they  argue about his point of view in regards to art, people in general and his and her perception about life. As the story unfolds, the arguments become more intense between the two and although the director tries to show the validity of the topics they argued about, in my opinion the audience became more confused with their erratic discussions.

I turned towards my friends and asked, “What the hell is going on here?” probably a dozen times or so and they occasionally did the same to me. We just couldn’t understand why the two argued so intensely. I mean if they knew each other from before, it would make sense, but if they just met (or so we think) for the first time, why argue so passionately during a first encounter? In my opinion, she was turning the guy off (but the joke was on me).

I finally came to the conclusion that the two had known one another before, but I had no idea until the very end that they were a married couple, living separate lives. While she raises their son on her own, he gallivants the planet in search of art.

I was furious to say the least. My emotions ran rampant, I couldn’t believe that in this day and age, that any woman in her 40s would allow her life to be this way. I began thinking the director made all this up. I blamed him for his  lack of research and one-dimensional view on such matters. But then I put the blog entry in draft mode while I spoke to several other women over 40 and through discussion, I realized that this really does happen. That some couples opt to stay married even if they live separate lives!!! For the life of me, I couldn’t understand (I blamed the writer and filmmaker once again) and then it came to me over night.

What was I thinking, there are plenty of couples  (fishermen, soldiers, doctors, scientists, astronauts, journalists, actors, clergymen, archeologists and film makers) who live separate lives, away from one another for one reason or another, for weeks, months, years on end, even decades and then they get together here and there and consider themselves a couple. But in this film, the way the story was told, the couple should have separated a long time ago. His behavior and lack of concern expressed in the film is not worthy of any woman’s undying devotion. I wonder if that’s the case in all cases?

Now, I don’t know if I can handle discussing this further, because it breaks my heart, so I am going to stop right here unless anyone writes back. But,  although the movie, in my opinion lacked (believe it or not ) substance, I still recommend seeing it. Be prepared however, the film is in three languages and as a result, very difficult to follow.

Thanks for listening.

suggested classic films: paris in springtime

Every Spring I make a point to watch some of my favorite classics which revolve around Paris in the Springtime – especially on a rainy Saturday afternoon (Or some may refer to as Spring showers).  I usually pair this event with a bottle of champagne, some fresh strawberries and hot fudge and don’t ask why, but a bouquet of colorful tulips to set the mood.  I call this escape much needed mental therapy. Of course getting rid of the family for the afternoon also helps the situation.

Happy Weekend!

golden globe 2011 – my predictions

Every year I take great pride in partaking in the Golden Globe Awards by attending some of the functions as well as predicting the winners. This year is no exception of course, so I have made a list of my predictions from the films and actors nominated for the Golden Globe Award 2011. For a detailed film reviews click here or  bookmark  my entertainment blog – http://www.b-lot-buzz.blogspot.com

GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINEES 2011 & MY PREDICTIONS

Best Motion Picture, Drama

**Black Swan – Golden Globe choice

The Fighter

Inception

The King’s Speech

**The Social Network – My choice

Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical

Alice in Wonderland

Burlesque

**The Kids Are All Right – My choice & GG choice

Red

The Tourist

Best Director – Motion Picture

**Darren Aronofsky – Black Swan –  Golden Globe choice

David Fincher – The Social Network

Tom Hooper – The King’s Speech

**Christopher Nolan – Inception  - My Choice

David O. Russell – The Fighter

Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama

**Jesse Eisenberg –  The Social Network – My 2nd choice

**Colin Firth –  The King’s Speech – My 1st Choice

James Franco – 127 Hours – strong contender

Ryan Gosling -Blue Valentine

Mark Wahlberg – The Fighter

Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama

**Halle Berry – Frankie and Alice – My 2nd choice

Nicole Kidman – Rabbit Hole

Jennifer Lawrence – Winter’s Bone – strong contender

**Natalie Portman – Black Swan – My 1st choice & Golden Globe Choice

Michelle Williams – Blue Valentine

Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy

Johnny Depp – Alice In Wonderland

**Johnny Depp –  The Tourist – My choice

**Paul Giamatti – Barney’s Version – strong contender Toss Up GG choice

Jake Gyllenhaal – Love and Other Drugs

**Kevin Spacey – Casino Jack – Toss Up GG choice

Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy

Anne Hathaway – Love and Other Drugs

**Julianne Moore – The kids Are All Right – My 2nd choice & GG toss up

**Annette Bening – The Kids Are All Right  - My 1st choice  & GG toss up

Emma Stone – Easy A

Angelina Jolie – The Tourist

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

Christian Bale – The Fighter

**Michael Douglas – Wall Street – Golden Globes politically correct choice

Andrew Garfield – The Social Network

**Jeremy Renner – The Town – My 2nd choice

**Geoffrey Rush – The King’s Speech – My 1st choice hands down

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

Amy Adams – The Fighter

**Helena Bonham Carter – The King’s Speech – my 2nd choice

**Mila Kunis – Black Swan – My 1st choice and GG contender

Melissa Leo – The Fighter

Jacki Weaver – Animal Kingdom

Best Screenplay – Motion Picture

127 Hours

**The Kids Are All Right – My 2nd & GG choice

The King’s Speech

**The Social Network – My 1st choice

Inception

Best Animated Feature Film

**Despicable Me – GG choice

**How to Train Your Dragon – My 2nd choice

The Illusionist

Toy Story 3

**Tangled – My 1st choice and GG choice

i want what monica bellucci is having please

I have always appreciated foreign actors more so than the ones in LALALand. I’ll tell you why. Talent,” natural” beauty, more talent, minimal drama and much more talent. However, some foreign actors (actresses) just to make myself perfectly clear, I appreciate for their physical attributions and outlook on life more so than their creative talents.

With that said and in light of this blog’s theme, I  want to introduce one actress, who I think has not only aged gracefully, but  in my opinion is one to be admired for her efforts to remain true to herself no matter how demanding her career and lifestyle may be. She is none other than the Italian actress, Monica Bellucci, who at 46 just recently (May 2010)  had her second child with husband Vincent Cassel.

I can honestly go as far as  comparing her beauty and gusto to that of Sophia Loren and Raquel Welch, and just by understanding her attitude through personal quotes and interview, I know that her core make up has contributed to her flawless outer appearance and beauty. She is well-known and admired throughout Europe and even when at her worst (her fluctuating weight) she has looked her very best. She is a true inspiration for the voluptuous woman and an individual  to reflect upon when one’s self esteem is  tested.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from Monica Bellucci which keep me inspired and focused:

“My body is so important to me… my face, my arms, my legs, my hands, my eyes, everything. I use everything I have.”

“Beauty becomes alive and interesting when it’s habited.”

“The human intelligence has progressed at the technological level; not at the level of feelings.”

“It is a handicap if you’re stupid, but not if you are intelligent and know how to use your beauty.”

“I feel fine and comfortable with myself, but not because I’m beautiful. I know many beautiful people and their lives are just so terrible. They feel so uncomfortable with themselves. Being comfortable is not about what you look like, but how you feel. I’m a lucky person because I’ve been loved a lot. I have a great family.”

“[Talking about why she will not move to Hollywood to further her film career]: “I could never live there. They are obsessed with youth and beauty even more than us. There is this thing in America where actresses reach 40 and go mad. The film industry wants all these young people. They also like a different sort of woman (to me). I will never be skinny. I also had a child a year ago, and I have been lazy. I love to eat. Who cares? I am natural.”

Have a nice weekend everybody!!!

hotel pick – petit ermitage – los angeles

Los Angeles is my playground and I frequent this particular destination about six to seven times a year. The fun thing about Los Angeles is that, you can never get bored, I mean while looking to  experience something new and different – such as a  hotel or a restaurant or a cafe, even designer boutiques and beauty salons. It is forever changing and just when you think you have a list of your favorites down, think again, the next time you visit, it may not be there or better yet, it has been revamped, redone or remastered just to entice  the visitors and locals alike.

So, in light of this wonderful entry, I have included a bohemian themed boutique hotel so nicely named, in my opinion, Petit Ermitage located in West Hollywood.  A great escape from all the norms of hotel luxury. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

admiring haute couture

Now here is another topic I have difficulty incorporating into my everyday life and conversation – haute couture –  best described by fashionera.com as being a  French phrase for high fashion.  Couture means dressmaking, sewing, or needlework and haute means elegant or high, so the two combined imply excellent artistry with the fashioning of garments.  The purchase of a haute couture model garment is at the top level of hand customised fashion design and clothing construction made by a couture design house.  A model haute couture garment is made specifically for the wearer’s measurements and body stance.  The made to measure exclusive clothes are virtually made by hand, carefully interlined, stay taped and fitted to perfection for each client.

A haute couture could cost anywhere from 20K to whatever the price may be for the exclusively created masterpieces by the best of the best fashion designers. I have included a slideshow of some of the most interesting of styles for 2010  from the likes of Christian Dior, J. Galliano, Chanel, John Paul Gultier and more. Enjoy!

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nostalgia of french vintage posters

One thing I can’t seem to get enough of is, French “vintage” posters and postcards. To me, they are a clear reminder of  ”perhaps” a more simpler time and in my case a great focal point for when I am stressing about the most current of times.

I usually stop at every store, whether in the U.S. but mostly  abroad and flip through the racks and display cases housing these wonderful works of ar, which are now reprinted in postcard or poster form for our viewing pleasure and of course to purchase. I can’t get enough of them and for that reason I have included some of my favorites for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

fashion oversights to consider

First I want to clarify that I have nothing against anyone in fashion or those who are  consultants of the trade, but I do want to state that as a woman, who loves fashion and appreciates a fashion conscious celebrity, I am entitled to an opinion on what I feel works or not on the most influential models for the rest of us to follow or perhaps envy.

In recent weeks and months as I flip through magazines and search the net for information about writing entertainment news and film reviews for my other blog, I cannot help but notice  how some stars go from having the right look to the wrong look to a “never finding the right look, no matter what” as they frequent parties, gatherings and movie premieres and so I wonder how can that happen to almost anyone, when its time to select the right gown for that special event?

I am not sure if sticking to the same look that works is better or exploring different options to seem versatile is best.  I know in my case, most anything I add to my wardrobe is almost designed in the same lines and cut, but because I feel it works for me well, I stick to it to make sure I don’t stand out like a sore thumb. Others, in my circle however, are more daring and go for different looks. Sometimes it works for them and other times it doesn’t. Usually the obvious comes out in photos.

So, in the case of  celebrities, how do they leave home thinking what they opted for to wear  is the best for them? I mean doesn’t someone take a photo of them before they leave home to determine if that is how they want to be remembered? Or do they just not care and feel they are representing a designer who (obviously ) must know what they are recommending for them is better than the rest? And then there is the fact that whatever may look good in print or in a designer’s studio, doesn’t necessarily mean its the best for the one wearing it. I don’t know, maybe I am just reading too much into it but see for yourself  below and let me know what you think?

Cate Blanchett - I know she looks good in all things "GOLDEN AGE" but the dress, although devine is a bit overwhelming in my opinion and not the right look

Cate Blanchett - in previous years in a much better look for her. She seems less uptight and more comfortable in her skin

Natalie Portman - This look makes her look as though she is nearing 40, again the dress is gorgeous but not the right look for her

Natalie Portman - At TIFF last week - Once more looks her age (late 20s) and flawless

Blake Lively - This week at TIFF - Wrong dress, wrong hairstyle, she looks uptight and much older

Blake Lively - in an earlier photo - looking her age (20s) and more relaxed and confident.

Julianne Moore - A talented and beautiful actress no doubt

Julianne Moore - Who has never found a look which compliments her features, nor her skin tone and hair and makeup