Fashion Inspiration: The Proposal

Full disclosure: one of my favorite romantic comedies in recent years is The Proposal. The movie came out in June 2009, and stars the Sexiest Man Alive Ryan Reynolds alongside America’s sweetheart, Sandra Bullock. She plays Margaret Tate, a tough-as-nails book editor who convinces her assistant Andrew Paxton (played by Reynolds) to marry her so she can avoid deportation (to Canada) and he can keep his job. Since an immigration officer is suspicious the pair are committing fraud, they travel to Andrew’s Alaskan hometown in an attempt to prove they’re the real deal.

I love that the movie is heavy on the physical comedy and light on the “romance” part, like old-school romantic comedies (think Bringing Up Baby). And who can forget this hysterical scene?  It wasn’t until I re-watched the movie last weekend with my friends Alyssa, Nancy, Katie, Juliane, Bobby, and Vince though that I realized how stylish Sandra Bullock’s wardrobe is! It’s simple but sophisticated, and appropriate and comfortable enough to wear during winter break catching up with family and friends. Okay, you might have to throw on a coat, but you get the idea.

Look 1: Surprise Engagement

When Margaret and Andrew first arrive, his family throws him a surprise welcome home party. The real surprise though is when Margaret and Andrew announce their engagement. A similar outfit is a great look for almost any holiday party!

The Proposal: Look #1

Party Dress- Dorothy Perkins; Pumps- Payless; Nail polish- Essie, Earrings- Kate Spade (Nordstrom); Clutch- Forever 21.

At the party, Margaret wears this fabulous form-fitting gray dress: sexy and sophisticated. It was hard to find a similar dress, but this one-shoulder dress is perfect for a younger crowd. It’s still comes in that shiny pewter color and I love the slightly structured silhouette. Like the original dress, it’s eye-catching and classy. I read that the movie’s costume designer was inspired by 1940s fashions, so I used that as a jumping board to pick out the accessories. A faux snakeskin clutch with simple hardware adds a retro vibe, as do the the red jewel earrings. Paint your nails in a matching red (not too deep, not too bright) for another pop of color. The pumps may not be Louboutin, but they have the right amount of height and the fun rosette detail to keep things youthful. Finish off with a high and sleek straight ponytail, just like Sandra.

Look 2: Cozy Comfort

Margaret wears this comfortable and chic outfit when she goes into town with Andrew, and of course, in that epic chant scene with Betty White. Black and yellow can go badly together, but this is how to do it right. This outfit is perfect for lounging around with friends or a coffee date.

The Proposal: Look #2

Long-sleeved tee- Topshop; V-neck sweater- Uniqlo; Jeggings- John Lewis; Sunglasses- ASOS; Striped scarf- Debenhams; Flats- Payless.

Start with a basic long-sleeved white shirt and slim black jeggings. Add a warm and soft sweater in a mustard yellow, one of the fall’s most popular colors. The striped black and white scarf adds interest. Black ballet flats keep the look polished an put together. I added the sunglasses because Margaret wears similar shades when she first comes to Alaska.

Bonus Look: Grace Paxton

Margaret isn’t the only fashionable woman in the movie. Andrew’s mom Grace (played by Mary Steenburgen) also has a comfortably chic fashion taste. I tried to put together a look perfect for a day with friends or maybe out shopping.

The Proposal: Look #3

 

Fair Isle Cardigan- Old Navy; Skinny Jeans- American Eagle; Tote- Forever 21; Flower Drop Earrings- Avalaya; Boots- Payless.

So I guess I’m more into the fair isle trend than I thought, because I think this cardigan goes perfectly with these skinny jeans (I would definitely recommend wearing a cami underneath though). These flat, faux suede boots should keep you warm and comfortable throughout the day, and this brown tote is stylish and practical, one of my favorite combinations. Add the flower earrings for that extra little something- this pair picks up the turquoise in the cardigan and is representative of the necklace Gammy (White) gives Margaret.

What do you think? Have you seen The Proposal? What’s your favorite scene? Did you like Sandra’s wardrobe?

~ Sarah

Link Love

Photo Credit

This afternoon, FIFA held the drawing for the 2011 Women’s World Cup: check out who the top-seeded Americans will be facing. Do you guys watch women’s soccer, or any women’s sports for that matter?

Another big announcement today, but from the film industry. The Academy just announced the hosts for February’s Academy Awards: James Franco and Anne Hathaway??

Sometimes, sports and music make a beautiful combination. For proof, watch Hannah Storm (of Sportscenter) interview Beyonce.

Speaking of music, this is an interesting feature on dancers who perform on the subway. Have you guys seen them around?

The Frisky shows how to wear knits and florals. Perfect for places where the weather isn’t freezing yet!

And finally, it’s never too early to start making D.I.Y. holiday gifts.

Which links are you loving this week?

~ Sarah

Fall/Winter Wishlist

In the consumerist spirit of Gray Thursday/Black Friday/Cyber Monday (because nothing says “America!” like capitalism), I decided to post my fall/winter wishlist. So if anyone out there is looking to get me a Christmas gift (that means you, mom), take notes, please and thank you.

The Clothes

Fall Wishlist- Clothes

1. Gray Peacoat. Because it goes with everything and anything, and I already have a black coat.

2. Toggle Coat. Less formal than a peacoat, but still warm and colorful. Preferably in a fun, bright color like this plum.

3. Cardigan. Enough said. Perfect for layering.

4. Fair Isle Sweater. Trendy and thick enough to keep me warm.

5. Striped Cardigan. A more class-appropriate alternative to #3, and I can always use more prints in my wardrobe. Case in point…

6. Sweater Dress. I would want to work the nautical trend in winter.

7. Fair Isle Sweater. Combining the best of #4 and #6. Perfect for casual holiday parties. And okay, I’m a really big fan of the dress+tights+boots+coat look.

8. Skinny Jeans. I have three pairs of skinny jeans, but only one in basic blue denim. One. Not okay when I’m wearing jeans tucked into boots six days a week.

9. White long-sleeved tee. Layering basic. Picture it with that moss green cardigan.

10. Dress. The older I get, the more dresses I want to wear, and this one comes in a great fall shade.

The Accessories

11. Beanie. Cozy chic.

12. Leopard print scarf. I first spotted (pun not intended) one of these in the spring, and I regret not buying it. Accessories are a great way to incorporate prints!

13. Plaid scarf. Let’s be honest, I’ve already bought a knockoff from a street vendor. (Still, who would turn down real Burberry? Not I.)

14. Skinny belts. For some reason, thin, waist-cinching belts are still missing from my closet. Quandary.

15. Menswear-inspired watch, goldtone. Already crossed off from my list- yay, New York!

16. Black flats. I need to replace my beaten down, hand-me-down black flats stat. This one is imperative.

17. Ballet flats. I really, really wish these weren’t out of stock at Payless. It’s like a ballet flat mixed with a moccasin with the faux fur lining- genius! My feet would be so comfy in these!

18. Heeled Oxfords. Because these have appeared in too many of my Polyvore sets for them not to be on my wishlist.

So what (materialistic) things are you hoping to get during the holidays? Did any of you (crazy people) brave Black Friday?

~ Sarah

P.S. To view the items I selected in greater detail, or for product information, visit my Polyvore profile