Jumping straight into it because you didn’t come here to read a bunch of waffle about my boring week. That’s also what I have a diary for.
This Jennifer Lawrence outfit - thanks to Jamie Mizrahi (her stylist) for this lesson in cool minimalism
Between the resurgence of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic style and accounts *I love* like
, cool 90s-era minimalism is back in a big way. And I’m oh so grateful for that as a capsule wardrobe wannabe. It’s a work in progress. This JLaw fit hit my feed like a truck and I subsequently saved it into every digital collection I have, of which there are many as I then realised.My mind instantly went to an imaginary vision of my wardrobe to search and see if I have anything remotely close to these pieces for a necessary recreation of what may be my perfect uniform. I think I may have some things that will capture the same coolness just maybe not the part where I’m also Jennifer Lawrence to complete the full essence of the photo. I feel it is also necessary to note that this sartorial effortlessness comes from the incredible mind of Jamie Mizrahi (@sweetbabyjamie on IG). So we have her to thank for an iconic revival *finally* taking place beyond what was already taking screens by storm.
If I can figure out a fail-proof formula to this “uniform” I’ll probably share it on my @kindofcoolmag instagram and @kindofcooltv tiktok. If you’re interested in the next step post-JLaw-as-CBK that has completely altered how I view my wardrobe, then those are the places for staying tuned.
Don’t Trust the B**** in Apartment 23 TV Series
I recently completed my second or third rewatch of this highly underrated show. In 2012 this series dropped, and unfortunately for me, was not picked up for more than 2 seasons. I’m not sure it was ever completely understood for what it really was; ahead of its time. It’s questionable, a little problematic maybe and the height of ultra-frivolity. But at the same time I think that’s the point of the plot AND the characters. To be a depiction of sheer ridiculousness in its American-ness, but without a ‘Murica point of view. Instead of shaming, it’s as though if you’re watching it as an American you’re in on the joke with us non-Americans. Maybe the New York element of it helps with that. I can only assume as neither a New Yorker or an American.
There is so much I could say about this show and why I love it so much. But the bottom line is that you should watch it if you need something new and not too intense to watch as it’s on Disney+. And it popped up on there almost a week after I’d remembered it existed, so I may or may not have willed it onto streaming services, just saying. You’re welcome.
Violet’s Hairstyles in Coyote Ugly (played by Piper Perabo)
If there’s one thing I’m going to do, it’s rewatch my favourite films and shows from the late 90s to the 2010s. They’re just such good points of reference, and sometimes you don’t expect them to be but that’s what makes them magical. Movies just don’t get made in the same way or with such grain anymore. Don’t get me wrong, good new movies exist, but the return of the dramatic romcom, coming-of-age moment is still pending. I’ve seen some that feel like they almost get it, but just not quite in the same way. (Shoutout to Set It Up, Anyone But You and anything by Nancy Meyers and her offspring in the last decade.) I pray for a proper romcom revival with films as my religion and the cinema as my church.
Let’s talk hairstyles. Specifically Violet’s in Coyote Ugly, which is a film about chasing your dreams with a cute Australian guy, learning to make drinks and most importantly wearing incredible clothes whilst dancing on a bar with your slightly scary work friends. If you haven’t seen it what are you doing? Would not recommend if you don’t want to suddenly become one of the “coyotes” however. This film has been known to incite niche cowgirl-inspired playlist creation. It’s me, I made the playlist.
Ok, now let’s talk hairstyles. The whole way through my rewatch all I kept thinking about was how perfect her hairstyles were. And also how on earth she packed her seemingly extensive hair clip collection into the few bags she moves to New York with. Movie magic I guess. I couldn’t find all of the hairstyles I loved in the film because copyright law won’t let me screenshot films anymore (booooo) but here are a few for some visual context.
A Pretty Food Mood Board in an effort to motivate cooking at home
At the start of the year I did a little bit of a self-assessment and realised my reliance on small local grocery shops and take out had become a problem, and I don’t exactly have the bank balance to justify such problems. So in a new year’s post-audit re-jig I decided to become a lil’ chef this year. Don’t come into the kitchen when I’m there unless you want to hear the words “corner” and “behind”. I am The Bear these days.
In an attempt to make it enjoyable, I returned to my only food pinterest board and allowed the aesthetic potential to motivate my culinary creativity. And I can’t lie it’s actually made it really fun to plan meals. I even drew out a plating idea one time. Who am I?! If you answered “a chef” you would be correct.
I’m, of course, joking about the intensity with which I cook. But I do prep ingredients. I’ve found it makes the actual meal-making time so much simpler, which is common sense I know. But I feel like the type of cook that says, and understands, mise en place when I prepare the foods into little piles on my chopping board. I still have a lot to learn. Like where to find an actually sharp knife. But here’s to my pinterest board becoming plated reality this year.
The Cruel Intentions Movie Soundtrack
Disclaimer to start: yes it’s true this movie is quite fucked up. Face value viewing considered, it isn’t normal or family friendly by any means. It’s a weird plot that covers many questionable topics with even weirder characters. BUT (and it’s a big one) please remember it is an adaptation of an older, french-er story from the 1700s. Enough said.
When watched as a piece of cinema that frequents the letterboxd top 5 of many beloved actors, such as Ayo Edebiri, the abnormalities exist more-so as moments surrounded by massive potential for iconic pop culture references acheived. Which brings me to the movie’s soundtrack. It’s very possible this is one of my favourite movie soundtracks to ever exist. And if you give it a listen you may see why. Though I definitely recommend watching the film first to experience the full effect of the audio choices. Soundtracking is an important job for a reason.
And that’s all for now. If you made it this far, your focus is much appreciated. Let me know if there’s anything you want to read about or see on here or my other platforms.
I will be back, and sooner this time I hope, for another Of Note! and maybe some more one-off pieces on not-so-important but wonderfully frivolous and kind of cool things.