holidays and dragon tattoo

happy holidays, everyone! i hope everyone is having a lovely holiday season- i have! back from holiday blog hiatus and excited for the new year.

one of the best parts of the holiday season was going to the movies with Andrea to see The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. i'm a huge fan of the books and the Swedish film versions, and was very excited to see this film. for those unfamiliar, it's a Swedish book about a disgraced writer, Mikael, hired by a wealthy former business man to investigate the disappearance of his grand-niece 40 years earlier under the guise of writing the business man's memoirs. the title character refers to Lisbeth Salander, a hard edged hacker hired to assist Mikael.

there's been a lot of talk about the style of the man character, Lisbeth, because of her extreme hardcore, gothic look. while the costumer, Trish Summerville, did a fantastic job with Lisbeth for the most part, i find this type of costuming to be fairly easy. Lisbeth's palate is extraordinarily tight- worn. black. leather. metal. grey. pieces that say, "go away, leave me alone." this is not difficult styling, and Summerville took direction from the book, which describes Lisbeth in great detail, pretty well. though i found her overstyled at times- too put together. too stylish. too deliberate (holes in her clothes and wear in them in particular.).

i'm more interested in the style of the MEN in this film. the main males are Mikael, Vanger (the businessman), his nephew, and Bjurman (Lisbeth's case worker, also a rapist). mostly because the title of the book when transliterated from Swedish is "Men Who Hate Women." it is not Lisbeth, then, who is the title character, it is these men (and which of them actually hates women is up for discussion).
Summerville did something very interesting here. the wardrobe of the men is not all that varied- most wear suits, sweaters, and winter wear (the film is set in a harsh, Swedish winter) but texture, color, and fit are the indicators of their personalities.

Bjurman is the only man in the film who wears touchable fabrics. velvet. cords. his palate is in brown tones and rather understated. this subtly indicates that he desperately wants to be touched but knows he has to blend in to hide his impulses (he is a rapist and a detestable man). his clothes also fit to hide his size- his weight and large belly are not revealed until a pivotal moment.

cord blazer, knit tie

velvet

to the point- once revenge is taken upon him (which i won't spoil), he no longer wears touchable fabrics, though the color palate remains. a subtle indication that a change has taken place.

watch it, unlined jacket.

Vanger the elder, Henrik, is a representation of old Sweden and old masculine ways. a former businessman, still powerful, he is always either in a three piece suit or a large coat (with matching accessories, of course). his hair is combed and his clothing tailored. blue palate. note the subtle pattern matching (dotted tie and striped shirt). very chic and perfectly fitted.

old school style.

dapper and warm

Vanger's level of comfort is denoted by his tie. only at his home and after telling Mikael the story about his niece does he remove his tie. simple, classic, and well captured masculine style.

trust

his nephew, however, has the dark palate of menswear, much in contrast to his stark white, ultramodern, glass house. however, he's inherited the fit and tailoring from his uncle. he is the only man in the film who appears in all black. compared to his uncle, Martin is the new Sweden, the new look. no ties. high collars. sharp.

... sinister?

contrast

and then there's Mikael, played by the very dashing Daniel Craig. Mikael's character not only has to provide a foil to Lisbeth (his palate is light and new enough to do so), but has to stand out from the other men. that said, he is an everyman in this story- the connective character in the story (they all come into contact with him) so his wardrobe contains aspects of the other men. he wears black, blue, and brown, but is the only character who wears quite a bit of grey. the other men also don't wear blue jeans. this sets him up as stylish, young, but also professional and seasoned. since he's been discredited, his dress has a bit of unkemptness- untucked shirts. uneven sleeve rolls, etc.

well dressed, but casual

3 piece - untucked

grey coat

grey blue, fitted jeans

and he is, yes, oh, so handsome!

i very much enjoyed this film. not only was it a great story, it looks fabulous. men's fashion is often looked over in films, but should you see this film, keep an eye out for Summerville's styling. excellent juxtapositions of characters and thoughtful choices. she did a fantastic job.

and everyone have a safe and happy new year!

Best Part Productions - FEAR NO ART

Best Part Productions is a Nashville based production company started by Chad and Trey McClarnon, and includes various collaborations with writers, producers, H/MUA, actors, editors, musicians, engineers, and yours truly as wardrobe/costumer/stylist. Chad, Trey, and I have worked together on several projects since knowing each other, including the short film "without."

 

(Official Trailer for "without" - a Chad McClarnon Short Film from Chad McClarnon on Vimeo.)

This film was originally part of the Nashville 48 hour Film Festival (during which teams write, shoot, edit, score, and fully create an entire short film in just 48 hours and compete to win various prices.). "without" won a prize for art direction, which includes my work as the costumer for the film! it was very exciting. further, i am actually in the film (and you can see me in the trailer) and was one of the writers.  Best Part also produced another short film called "A New Life," about a young, newly married couple, which includes my sweet bunny's work as a musician and engineer.

These films were made with the tireless dedication and immense talent of an incredible group of people who are dedicated to these films and to sharing our art with the world. We've dedicated our time and resources to pieces we believe in deeply- and with which we have something to say. Consequently, are currently running a kickstarter to fund submission fees for film festivals, which you can find here- http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1185022472/a-new-life-and-without-film-festival-run

I hope you'll be able to participate in our kickstarter, either by pledging or sharing this link with your networks. Your help is greatly appreciated!!

news!

oh, my gosh! THANK YOU so much to everyone who voted for mode. for a RAWard- i'm in the semifinals! there's a live voting event and showcase November 17th to move to the next round, more info on that soon! i am so humbled by your support, it means so much to me. i'm so happy to have gotten this far- the reality is, i won't win the big prize. not to be self depricating, that is- the grand prize is to design a line, and i'm not a designer! so what would they do with me? but i AM the only stylist who has ever been chosen for RAW, and i'm proud of that fact and to have made it this far! thank you!!! <3

also, mode. has opened a shop on etsy, drink me. vintage. as a stylist, i get inundated with pieces, and sometimes i can't use them or want them to find good, permanent homes instead of being locked in my storage waiting for the right shoot! do check it out and let me know if you are on etsy! would love to have you in my circle. :)

xoxox
mode.

weddings, fall tips, and vintage night!

so much going on (i have two weddings to attend coming up!) that i forgot to post these articles! all by yours truly....

fall tips!
http://www.thedblstandard.com/articles/fall-tips/94/

vintage night!
http://www.examiner.com/vintage-fashion-in-nashville/vintage-ladies-night-with-musician-rae-hering-october-15th


button, button, who's got the button?
http://www.examiner.com/vintage-fashion-in-nashville/vintage-ladies-night-with-musician-rae-hering-october-15th

and please don't forget- you can still vote for mode. to win a RAWaward up until october 15th!
http://www.rawartists.org/view-artists/userprofile/mode_ copy the link, because they made this counterintuitive- click on it, register, and then enter the link again to find me, because the default is the homepage after you login. sorry! you can vote once a day, every day. thanks for your support! it means the world to me.

VOTE for mode. for a RAW award! http://bit.ly/votemode

hi, lovies!

i'm up for an award with RAW 2011 for my june showcase! i'm the only stylist who's done RAW and i'd love to win!

it's basically a popularity contest and you love me, so go here- http://www.rawartists.org/view-artists/userprofile/mode_ and VOTE for me, please!

you can vote once a day for the next 15 days- all you have to do is click Vote, and you don't have to give any info. most votes wins, so please also post this to your blog, your Facebook, Twitter, and share with your circles!! i appreciate your continued support!

THANK YOU!!
http://www.rawartists.org/view-artists/userprofile/mode_

Rae Hering's Ladies Night featuring m.florita jewelry!

http://www.raehering.com

http://www.mfloritajewelry.com

Lovies, I am so excited about this! Friday, September 16th, I will be attending a Ladies Only cocktail hour featuring Rae Hering and m.florita jewelry!  This exclusive event is happening at the historic Wellington Arms building in West Meade. It will feature an intimate performance by Rae and a showcase of m.florita's baubles, as well as founder Marrah speaking about her designs and the customization options for her jewelry and ornaments. And it's being sponsored by Village Wines!

You may remember Rae from this post where I styled a shoot for her, and she also provided the music to the 48 hour film project film on which I worked. She's a fantastic, cabaret inspired singer/songwriter. She even plays the accordion! Her record, Reality Over My Head, is available now and will be at the performance, as well.

 You may remember m. florita jewelry from my brother's wedding (she designed the bridesmaid's jewelry and was a fellow bridesmaid) and from my RAW showcase, where several of my models wore her gorgeous designs. If you will be in town and are free, email me at mode@cicileyhoffman.com and let me know you'd like to come and get all the details or RSVP here. All of your lovely lady friends are welcome, too! If you're a gent about time, feel free to send your better half ;)
This event is the first of an exclusive, grassroots series, so stay tuned for more.

Hope to see you there! And don't forget to dress to impress....

Misfits - fantastic styling and television

Misfits is the best show that if you're American, you may not have seen. It's a British series now wrapping its second season about five young people on community service duty who are caught in a storm and given mysterious powers. Not what one would immediately think of as "superpowers," but the powers are arguably linked to character traits of the beholder. It is engaging, brilliantly written and acted, addictive, and has one of the best styling jobs I have ever seen on TV. People ask me what kind of difference costuming makes when dressing "normal people" for TV (as opposed to something clearly vintage, outlandish, stylistic, etc.) and this show is a great example of it.

Liza Bracey is the costume supervisor and she has done an absolutely fantastic job. Each of the characters not only has a distinctive style of dress that absolutely fits their character, there are clues to each of them in how they dress. It's consistent across the series and totally believable. Her first obstacle is that each character has to wear an orange jumpsuit because of their community service.

Jumpsuit style

Showing character individuality under such circumstances is difficult, at best, let alone for five characters. Alisha is a great example of this being done especially well. She cuffs up the legs of her pants, belts the suit, and adds flair with her accessories and jewelry. 

attitude

Alisha is street smart, body conscious, and stylish with high attention needs. She finds a way to fit her clothes to her lovely body- even when in the jumpsuit. Alisha's "power" is that anyone who touches her is overcome with desire to have sex with her - likely from her underlying need for acceptance and the inability of many people around her to see past her beauty. She wears graphic prints, stripes, short shorts and skirts when not in uniform.

street wear

Nathan, the often and appropriately called the wanker of the group is the class clown of the young offenders who thumbs his nose at everyone and everything at every given opportunity. Nathan leaves his collar open, jumpsuit haphazard and when off duty, is casual and mismatched. Since his power is not revealed until the end of the first season, so I won't tell you what it is, but rest assured it fits his taste for oblivion.

Not a care in the world.

Curtis, a former runner busted for once trying to buy cocaine, is the least "misfit" of the Misfits. Curtis made one mistake, and is paying for it. His power, while not at his will, is the ability to turn time backwards, arguably due to Curtis wanting to turn just one act around. Much of Curtis' wardrobe is what one would expect from a runner - nice tennis shoes, athletic A frame shirts, etc. Curtis is set apart from the others by tying the arms of his jumpsuit around his waist. This frees up Curtis' body and allows him to run when necessary, and shows off his quite fit, muscular athlete's shape.

Time Traveler

Kelly is the toughest of the Misfits. Pejoratively called a "chav" (a slur for an aggressive young person from a poor background), Kelly has been in many fights and is quick to temper. Her look is severe, sharp, borderline masculine, and in your face. Lots of button down shirts and tennis shoes. Kelly pulls her hair back very harshly from her head and her clothes are fitted closely to her body. Her clothes are not as shapely as Alisha's, but are shaped in case she gets in a scuffle- nothing to grab or retain her.

What did you call me?

And lastly is Simon, the most outcast of the group. Simon is a complete social outcast, given community service because he tried to burn down someone's house. Simon is completely awkward, constantly uncomfortable, and has been given the ability to turn invisible. Simon always keeps his collars buttoned all the way up, which looks very disconcerting, and never wears anything to draw attention to himself (which, of course, makes him stick out like a sore thumb).

You can't see me

As an ensemble, the cast's looks fit together perfectly. They are all convincingly young, urban Londonites and their style of dress drives home the fact that they got thrown into their situation by chance. I highly recommend it. Keep an eye on the dress, for sure, but honestly, this is the best show you're not watching.

                       

RAW

RAW is a collection of artists (designers, dancers, performers, models, jewelry makers, make up artists, hair stylists, etc.) which has a presence in many cities across the united states. i was fortunate enough to be chose for RAW Nashville and am the only wardrobe stylist chosen for this showcase.

i got to work with some of my favorite models in town, as well as some new ones. my models were Lindsay Zgonina and Lauren Linton (who were featured by RAW), and Lindsey Timberlake, Elle Long,  Kirin McWhirter, Roger Coleman, Jenny Harris, Sherecus Dawson, Jeremiah Gregory,  and 14 year old Heidi who filled in at the last minute.

here is a video of me before the show (man, i needed some lipstick!) but you can also see the final walk of my models and hear me talk about my collection.



and here are some more shots :) thank you Indi Pattison! and Christopher Mellgren! <3

Lindsay Z

Sherecus - LOVE this hair!

Lindsey T

Jeremiah

Elle

Kirin

Roger

Lauren

Jenny

Double Standard

i know, dear readers, that i've been remiss in blog posting. things at mode. have been off the chain busy! i am currently on holiday in beautiful Montana, but will return to regular posting when i am back home sweet home. i have fashion posts, RAW photos to post, movies, and shots from other shoots to share with you! along with music, vintage articles, and more!
however, here is an interview/article from The Double Standard (and the lovely Henry Pile) about mode. and me! enjoy!!
http://www.thedblstandard.com/articles/mode-styling-interview-and-packing-tips/61/
hope everyone is well...

thank you!

thank you so much to everyone who supported me at the RAW showcase! full post with pictures and video soon. also, look for a new musician post by tomorrow!
much <3

mode.

RAW Interactive Showcase - Featuring mode.!

great news!

i am very pleased and thankful to tell you that i have a showcase coming up June 23rd! i'd love
to see you there!

RAW Nashville, an artist collective consisting of fashion, art, music, visual performance, and other forms of expression, has chosen mode. as the first wardrobe stylist to showcase out of all of the cities in which they operate. i am flattered and thrilled! my collection will consist of vintage and avant garde pieces. and i hope you can make it! there are some very talented other artists on the bill, too, including dancers, musicians, djs, hair and makeup, and more!

tickets are $10, show is the evening of the 23rd. here is a link to the show: http://www.rawartists.org/view-artists/userprofile/mode. click on the yellow bit where it says, "Buy A Ticket For This Artist" and make sure when you purchase that "mode" is selected under "Support
Your Artist." i get points for butts i get in seats. i really hope you can make it and very much appreciate your support!

and while we're talking about me... feel free to check mode. out online at http://www.cicileyhoffman.com, Like on facebook http://www.facebook.com/mode.styling, and follow on twitter @modestyling.

what are you up to?

vintage sale this weekend!

holy moley! huge multi-vendor vintage sale this weekend. you Know i'll be there!

check it out! Fanny's Choice VII Sale.

Seth Wood - Nashville style & sound

Seth Wood is a Nashville singer/songwriter with an endearing, classic, simple sound- and look. His latest EP Abraham is lyrically expressive, imaginative, and vivid with unexpected melodies and soft duets. These songs have a timeless immediacy- they could have been recorded 100 years ago or just yesterday, and are at once familiar. Seth writes of love, travel, time, and friendship- Abraham could easily be a soundtrack for a movie.

Seth's style matches his sound in authenticity, simplicity, and its Southern American roots.  Classic lines, button downs, suspenders, and simple pairings complete Seth's pared down look. Worn in jeans, earth tones- Seth has an approachable, comfortable style.

Seth says, " I am a total believer of minimalism- 3 chords and sort of thing. I think simplicity births great ideas so I like to live that way. I only own one pair of jeans. I have maybe three shirts." Seth would look fantastic in Billy Reid and could be the cover of Garden & Gun any day.

Songs like Old Bird are porch swing songs- perfect for cool nights outdoors with loved ones and a guitar. Think male Katie Herzig. Here is the video for Old Bird.

Seth's look is easygoing and authentic. "When you're young and poor because you're a struggling artist, you don't have the luxury of having lots of things," he says, "I just try to be creative with my limitations and make it a part of my persona. Less is more in so many ways, musically and fashionably."

You can purchase Abraham here.