Monday 25 June 2012

A Navy Ensemble and Le Boléro

Salutations People! I am afraid this shall not be a very fashion/style orientated post - do not worry though! I shall be back to my usual  raving on the subject of clothes by my next post, where I promise sincerely to post the second half of my Dior Retrospective. Cross my heart and hope (not) to die.

Today, I'm sporting my understated colour of choice, Navy! I spent half of the more formal side of my childhood wearing Navy. There are many lovely photos of a three year old moi wearing little sailor dresses, the likes of which I cannot find to suit an adolescent moi. I'd have to order some sort of japanese schoolgirl uniform, which is not really what I want... but I shall not give up on the idea of eventually finding 'mon idealle' and when I do find the perfect sailor dress, or top, then you shall be the first to know!

You can take a glance at the two looks - One is Kenzo Spring 2006, the other is Sonia by Sonia Rykiel.
Kenzo Spring 2006 Ready-to-Wear 























So, my ensemble is a navy coat, with a striped lining, a navy wrap dress with gold buttons borrowed from my Mother, my platform heeled iron fist shoes with flowers, my red radley handbag, a couple of necklaces - one longer than the other, one golden coloured and the other silver - and a golden wristband bracelet from Ruby Loves. It's a very laidback and simple ensemble, as in it doesn't shout, "Look at me!" if I'm going out. It just feels sort of elegant. :)




























(FEEL FREE TO SKIP THIS ORANGE SECTION OF WRITING IF YOU ARE NOT REMOTELY INTERESTED IN BOOKS)

  • So now, with so much free time, what have I been devoting myself to? Well, the creation of a couple of regency-style dresses, one for myself and one for a friend, watching film upon glorious film (Only the culturally significant and works which are frankly a credit to the genius of all concerned - I do not really watch ten-a-penny Romantic Comedies like my sister, who must have the largest collection of ten-a-penny RomComs I've ever come across in my life) and of course, I have finally finished "Moll Flanders" by Daniel Defoe (Robinson Crusoe) which was so incredibly full-on, I had to express my reaction to it somehow. It may help to understand why if I tell you its full name is: The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders, &c. Who was Born in Newgate, and during a Life of continu'd Variety for Threescore Years, besides her Childhood, was Twelve Year a Whore, five times a Wife (whereof once to her own Brother), Twelve Year a Thief, Eight Year a Transported Felon in Virginia, at last grew Rich, liv'd Honest, and died a Penitent. Written from her own Memorandums....
  • Damn! That's putting it lightly - this is pure Soap Opera (Not that I ever watch Soap Opera, which may explain why the level of action in it terrified me) if Soap Opera was strangely charming, with an acute representation of the art of cultivated conversation, found in the moments when the many characters are expressing their honest feelings and thoughts... without it ever feeling stilted, rather more natural and refined. I do not think I've ever read a book before when a page on from the heroine getting married, she discovers her new husband is her brother whom she has already had two children by, since the marriage. It may be considered a picaresque novel but, in my personal opinion, it lacks the sense of religious redemption of delinquency that was considered important in Spanish and German novels of the picaresque style. The triumph of Moll Flanders is an economic one rather than a moral one, which I think I preferred anyway.
  • Defoe presents "Moll Flanders" in the guise of an autobiography, written by an elderly woman. To be honest, the female persona created is so realistic that the reader would willingly truste that the book was written by a woman, if the book was published with an "Anonymous" tag. I also find it any interesting social study of the patriarchal 17th century society in which it is set; Moll often moves in a caste of society, in which a woman's station in life and fortune is her ultimate asset, leading her to attempt to rise above her initial poverty in any way she finds it possible to do so. In retrospect, she admits to her own hypocrisy and scheming, realizing that she sacrificed her personal virtue to achieve her goals. 
  • However, there was a side to the character I really did not like. The big-hearted Whore, I can deal with, but there is a mild harshness and incredible selfishness to the character all the way through, which I think is portrayed in the way she has so little in the way of motherly instincts. Throughout the course of the book, she has ten children - four of which die during childbirth or in their infancy - and they take a backseat to her ambitions. There are six of them still alive throughout the book and, once she moves on, they are never mentioned again, if they were even mentioned at all. However, I suppose she has a multitude of excuses to justify actions, and the way the reader is with her every step of the journey serves to create the likeability. 
  • Anywho, great book and a really easy read - there is nothing very challenging here in comparison to some books which I had to wade determinedly through the first chapters of before my interest was sparked. 



























I have also, of course, spent a great deal of time surfing the internet and, more specifically, Youtube where I have had the time to find some real gems, from fantastic music videos for music I had never heard before and pieces of documentaries, to clips from films which are now on my 'MUST WATCH' list. I have chosen one of these impressive videos to share with you, chosen because of its artistic merit, the simplicity of colouring to create a very striking effect and the beautiful choreography by Maurice Béjart, to the tune of 'Boléro' by Ravel. It is worth taking a few minutes to really watch. The dancer is Jorge Donn, an internationally-known argentinean ballet dancer born in 1947, best known for his work with the aformetnioned Maurice Béjart's Ballet company, and his participation as lead dancer in Claude Lelouch's film Les Uns et les Autres. He died of AIDS on 30 November 1992 in Lausanne, Switzerland.

If you do watch it, do turn the quality up to 1080p - it's not perfect imaging, but it is worth doing.





Thank you for reading, do comment and please follow!


71 comments:

Unknown said...

Your look is so interesting, so old-school! I really like it !!

http://thesedaysfashion.blogspot.com

Eduardo said...

Well the film isn't that deep as I'was expecting... yes is based on a Nicholas Sparks' novel but isn't exciting :/
You have such a nice style! :)

Unknown said...

I am a huge fan of nautical styling and love a sailor dress!

Karys x
whoisgrumblebeard.blogspot.co.uk

Netty said...

Thank you for your comment on my blog. You've got a really interesting space here.
XX
The Fashionable ESQ
http://www.thefashionableesq.blogspot.com/

Vanesa Cruz said...

I really like navy too, and this outfit is really cool. Thanks for the comment, really like the quote on your profile. :)

RaeAbigael said...

love it!
i just discovered your blog and i'm loving it! :)

visit my blog? http://raellarina.blogspot.com/
and if you like it, feel free to click that follow button pretty! ;3

Yogi said...

Wow your blog is cool!!!

The C. Style said...

thank you for visiting my blog! I love your's! Want to follow each ohter?

www.kukamaria.blogspot.pt

Kisses

Madame Chic Bcn said...

Hello Zoé!! Thanks for your visit and kind comment on my blog!! I think that your blog has something different and romantic so I’m following you on GFC. I invite you to visit mine and if you like it feel free to follow!!
BTW I love the video. I’m also a dancer and this performance is simply amazing.
xoxo
Patricia

http://misstoptenimage.blogspot.com

Faty&Sury said...

Love your outfit!
Thanks for your lovely comment on our blog!
if you want to visit us again and we want to follow us reciprocate!
Kiss kiss from Italy:)

http://todayilook.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

are you kidding me? you're just perfectmy darling Zoe!! :)

xoxo
www.soveir.blogspot.com
Sov.

dimitri said...

J'ai toujours aimé ce style. Je trouve ça chic et intemporel.
Très jolie cette tenue, j'aime beaucoup les photos également.

Anisacrament said...

IT"S SO PRETTY! navy is so in, i just saw M.A.C newest make up collection based on that lol. hope we could follow each other

www.anisacrament.blogspot.com

groovacious said...

Love the outfit! I'm really into the nautical style too.

Unknown said...

Your posts are always very elaborate and interesting!
I can see you put a lot of feelings in them!
Kisses

Wendy said...

Great post!! Thanks for the comment on my blog ;-).
Follow you now, hope to see you back on my site.

XxX
http://fabulousstylews.blogspot.com

Olga said...

Great blog!! Hope you visit mine!

bleufountain said...

Thanks for your visit :)
Marino style - I like so much :)

Dominica said...

Hi Zoe ;) Thx for comment. You have very cute blog!

Miss Iffa said...

I love the navy, you are such an eloquent writer! I recently stumbled across your blog and I LOVE it! I love the layout to the content and everything in between! Your sense of style is just impeccable and your blog is simply the epitome of perfection! I am your newest, most avid follower, I look forward to reading your future posts. I would love it if you could perhaps follow me back too? Have a lovely day!

Love from, MISSIFFA

Fashion Faux Pas said...

Thank u for commenting on my blog! Your shoes are amazing, really. I have been on the verge of buying Moll Flanders, and always I end up getting some other book... one day I swear I will read it! Wanna follow each other? xoxo
http://fashionfauxpas-mintjulep.com

Plot Twist Diary said...

that is such a wonderful theme! i like blue marine a lot, i feel i can mix it with something edgy like leather or some sort. hope to hear back from you on our website! check out our new post! HIMandHERproject

Allison said...

So many great looks!!
And thanks so much for the comment on my blog! Would you like to follow each other?
:)
Allison
A's Fashion Files

Miss Aggie Kwong said...

i love these looks!!!
following u now x

Say meow to me on:
Miss Kwong: From Catwalk to Classroom

Allison said...

Thank you so much for the comment and for following my blog!! I am following you back with pleasure!!
:)
Allison
A's Fashion Files

Ashley said...

thanks for you sweet comment on my blog, Zoe! adore your style dear!! following youu xx

TINA said...

Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog. Love your blog so much and am following you now!

-Tina
www.2petite.blogspot.com

Dr Samujjala said...

Thanks for the lovely comment on my blog dear :0 following you now :)

and your blue dress is lovely..and i liked you shoes too!
and I guess I have to read the book after your review..
take care :)

ANGIE said...

I love navy...especially in summer i'm wearing this color all the time.Amazing post!You look really nice.I love your dress and the shoes:)

Unknown said...

Navy is one of my favourite colours ever! <3 You look fab in the all navy outfit, I love how the floral shoes pop, so eye-catching!

Teacup said...

Lovely outfit! Good luck in finding your perfect sailor top/dress, there's quite a few of them around but very few look good unfortunately. Thanks for dropping by my blog!

Paloma said...

Preciosas fotos !!

Bss
http://palomaamo.blogspotcom

Unknown said...

I love your blog! :)

Followed you through GFC.
Pls follow mine,too!
http://carmiscaprice.blogspot.com/

Excess:
Oasap is giving away 152 silk dresses and blouses!
http://carmiscaprice.blogspot.com/2012/06/oasap-super-give-away-of-152-pieces-of.html

Danie said...

I love your whole look and it's lovely to find someone as interested in reading as I am! Thank you for the lovely comment on my blog :-) Do you want to follow each other? Let me know!
www.whatwillshewear.blogspot.com

Danie B

Helen said...

Thank you for the lovely comment on my blog!!

Now following you! :)

Great blog, looking forward to your next post!

xoxox

Hello Naka said...

i love sailor collars and nice outfit!

Megan said...

I love your dress! These are beautiful photos :)

Diva In Me said...

Nice blue dress! I like your glasses =)

Thank you for visiting my blog. Hope to see you there again =)

Mariely Crowne said...

i really likw the look!
xo
www.stylegod7.blogspot.com

Lieselotte Nechelput said...

Thank you for visiting my blog!

Yours looks nice too!

Want to follow each other?

Lieselotte
http://andthesummerof84.blogspot.be/

Letasha said...

Thank You so much, thats sweet;)
I love
Your Blog, nice here:)
Kisses from Poland!

Unknown said...

you look great, and navy really is a fabulous color. i think it is really linked to collegiate prep wear and the sea. i am loving that kenzo dress so much though. it is nice to see an updated sailor inspired dressed that is still fashionable and not bordering on cosplay. great post. haven't ever read Moll Flanders, but i will take a look.

xx rae

pop by if you have a moment: http://www.loveforschoolgirl.net/ and follow if you like <3

Jelena Dimić said...

I really like how you carried that trend out, it was even more fabulous than on the runways!
I say that because I think that fashion bloggers are far more natural than the models, because they always wear what they like and add a personal touch to every look. ;)
I'm following you now. :D If you want, you can find me on: http://the-wandering-heart.blogspot.com
Have a nice day! Kisses from Serbia! :*

Ale said...

Love the nautical trend... Pretty dress!!

Thanks for visiting my blog. :)

Julie Ann Lozada said...

nice, so cool outfit,,, i o love this style!

It’s a GIRL Thing

Alyssa said...

You have such a cool blog! I love your photos! Your navy ensemble is casual, classic and chic. I love it! Thank you for visiting my blog! I hope to hear more from you. You'll definitely hear more from me :)

Marloes said...

Loving the sailor dress!
Thanks for visiting :)

xoxo
mloescloset.blogspot.com

Mehak said...

M really liking the look!! i love the pic of you holding the flower!! :)

I really liked your blog!!

Thank you for stopping by my art blog and for the lovely comments..

Do check out my other blog..
www.thedoublemlife.blogspot.com

M following you now!! hoping to see you in my friends list!!

Love
Mehak

Thabea said...

Thank you very much! Your blog is cool and I will follow it now!

Fashion babel said...

I just adore your outfit!
Thank you tons for visiting me and leaving such a nice comment!:)

xo, L.
http://fashion-babel.blogspot.com

SonysAddiction said...

great blog, you're adorable! thank you for your comment :)

Mónica Villar said...

Amazing post!

A chic kiss ;-)

Melissa said...

Love your dress! Classic! :)

iRatxe said...

Lovly dress!
Kisss

Christina Key said...

I love your old-school-charme! ♥
So cute! :)


Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog. What do u think about follow each other? ;)


XX,
Christina

The Pink Leather Jacket said...

I'm in love with your shoes!

United Kingdom Of Fashion said...

very nice navy coat!

United Kingdom Of Fashion

avthenas said...

The coat is absolutely amazing :)
xx

Vicky | golden mirrors

Somebody said...

Great post!
Thanks for stopp on my blog.
do you want follow each other?
http://dress-toexpress.blogspot.com.ar

Fashion babel said...

I have a new post, so if you're either interested or bored, check it out!
http://fashion-babel.blogspot.com

Captain Charley said...

That is a gorgeous dress, the sailor look is great as it comes back every year =]

http://captaincharghley.blogspot.com

Cassandra Too said...

Love the outfit! The blue look amazing! :D

backtofive.blogspot.com
backtofive.blogspot.com
backtofive's twitter

Caroline Ergy Erg said...

I love sailor dresses, so cute! Great post!
xxx

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for stopping by sweetie, I am your newest follower! Would love if you followed back!:X

Audrey Allure said...

Loving the navy coat!

Unknown said...

Hi, this is so lovely post. It's so pretty vintage style.

Much Love,
J . -

http://juliechoice.blogspot.com/

Rayanne said...

seguindo*-* segue http://thingsforgirls-coisas-p-meninas.blogspot.com.br/

ICA said...

Wow, this is so amazing Zoe!!! :)
Me like it so much.

Have a nice day

Ivana
xxx

www.myfashionuniquelife.blogspot.com

monica said...

navy is my black

Raquel said...

What a vintage look! I love it...I think we have the same glasses! Thanks for your comment in my blog,maybe we can follow each other,if you want of course...
-xxxx-
vivesolosondosdias.blogspot.com

Kasia said...

i really love the dress! such an original look! :)