Life is much cooler these days – and so are you. Get your guide to the fall with the best in movies, music, book releases and this season’s must have styles. Grab your friends because your fall lesson starts now!
The movies:
Funny woman Mo’Nique leaves the laughs behind with her dramatic (and extremely unlikeable) role as an abusive mother who turns her back on her illiterate, overweight, troubled teen daughter who is pregnant with her second child in “Precious.” Gabourey Sidibe stars as Clareece “Precious” Jones and a very toned down Mariah Carey plays her social worker.
The crazy, musical ride of “Nine” spins the tale of film director Guido Contini and his many, many, many relationships with women. From his wife to mistress to his agent and mom, this man definitely has his hands full. Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz and Kate Hudson all get into the singing groove on this one.
Zoe Saldana and Michelle Rodriguez star in the sci-fi fantasy world of “Avatar.” The much-anticipated James Cameron project is about a paraplegic war veteran who ends up on a planet called Pandora where he must lead a dramatic battle to save an entire civilization. Expect all the bells and whistles in this mind-bending, eye-popping flick as only Cameron can provide.
The music:
Speaking of Mariah Carey, she hits us with her latest “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.” The newlywed hasn’t allowed married life to keep her from being a working girl. Carey fans won’t be disappointed, as usual.
The lovely Nelly Furtado releases her very first full Spanish language CD, “Mi Plan.” Her unique voice blends nicely with the Latin beats on the 11-track output. If you’re expecting to hear the Timbaland/Nelly Furtado sound you’ve become used to, you’ve got another musical sound coming.
Get your howl on with Shakira’s “She Wolf.” The Colombian goddess shakes it up a bit with a CD that sounds more mainstream than anything she’s done before. Shakira definitely goes pop with this one but it’s not a bad thing.
The Pages:
Just in time for chilly nights is Anne Rice’s thriller Angel Time. If there’s anything this remarkable author knows how to do is keep us on the edge of our seats while taking us into a whole other supernatural world.
Nick Hornby (Fever Pitch, About a Boy, High Fidelity) is every guy’s favorite author. And even though he’s a fave of the boys, don’t let that keep you from reading his latest novel Juliet, Naked. It’s about a woman’s lost love and the guy he left her for. Hornby is always insightful, always funny and always lovable. Perfect for every gal.
Famously funny fashion blogger Winona Dimeo-Ediger brings her hilarious musings on fashion to book with Closet Confidential: Style Secrets Learned the Hard Way. It’s a practical book on how to wear fashion on a budget mixed in with a ton of witty comments on the subject. Smart, savvy and necessary.
The Fashion:
Fall is THE fashion season above all others. All the magazines dedicated tons and tons of pages to style, making their fall issues incredibly thick. We, on the other hand, feel it’s our mission to give you the lowdown on the top 5 fashion picks of this season:
1. Fur, fur and more fur. It’s all about being fuzzy this season. But before you get any bright ideas we’re talking faux fur, of course! Now don’t go crazy and dress yourself from head to toe in the stuff. Take it easy with one piece and fashion your outfit around that. Try the Belted Faux Fur Vest from Forever 21. It’s cute, affordable ($27.80) and most importantly – not cheesy.
2. Color yourself crazy this fall because a shot of bright, neon color is where it’s at. Like fur, one key piece should do the trick. I know the 80’s are back and everything but you don’t want to look like you’ve been stuck there for decades, either. Accessorize a little color into your wardrobe with a Neon Stud Wrap Bracelet by Cara. They’re perfect for the rock look that’s so very in this fall.
3. Since we’re talking looking like a bad ass rocker chick, you’ll definitely need the perfect leather jacket. Leather is very in this season and if you’re not up for leather pants (or leggings!) opt for the safe, yet still risk-taking biker leather jacket. Keep the faux-animal wardrobe going with the Silence & Noise Faux Leather Biker Jacket available at Urban Outfitters.
4. Footwear is extremely important, especially this season when the trend calls for the ultimate in sexy – the over the knee boots. Don’t worry about trying to walk in high-heeled boots all day because these boots are available in every shape, color and heel size you can imagine. Take the grey Nathan Over The Knee Slouch Boot in suede by Dolce Vita at Free People Clothing. The versatile boots can be pulled up high or pushed down low, depending on your clothing mood.
5. Drape yourself in style this fall with blouses, sweaters, skirts and dresses that swathe your body while making a statement. The style is comfy, but also very sexy and incredibly feminine. What I call the perfect style storm. Just check out this Draped-Sleeve Printed Tunic by BCBGMAXAZRIA. The draped sleeves are gorgeous and the boat neck adds a touch of chic sexiness.
The Scene:
Read all about it! At the Los Angeles Latino Book & Family Festival, that is. Make sure you check out the “Chicas, Chicanas & Literature: Writers In Action” panel hosted by one of our favorite authors, Mary Castillo. A who’s who of Latin authors will be in the mix the weekend of October 11th and 12th at California University Los Angeles at Greenlee Plaza and Salazar Hall Plaza. For more info, visit The Latino Book & Family Festival.
The beloved, controversial, tormented, beautiful and talented Frida Kahlo haunts us once again. This time through the camera of renowned photographer, and Frida’s one time lover, Nickolas Muray. The gorgeous photographs date from 1937 to 1941 and have been captured in Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray. The exhibit can be viewed until December 6th at the Cortez Gallery of the Museo Alameda in San Antonio. For more info, call 210.299.4300.
Charlotte is in the mood for some Latin-style celebration and their Nineteenth Annual Latin American Festival should do the trick. With music, food, arts, crafts and dance this year’s festival is not one to be missed. All the fun takes place on October 11th, from 12 to 7pm at Symphony Park. For more info, visit Festival Latino Americano.
Can you feel the beat? If not, head over to the Brooklyn Museum for Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present where you can see amazing photographs of rock and roll’s famous. The exhibit has six sections to it including behind the scenes photos, early career images and live performance shots. Get your rock on beginning October 30th at the Morris A. and Meyer Schapiro Wing. For more info, visit the Brooklyn Museum.
Oct 12 2009
I can’t WAIT for fall! Although it’s technically already here, in Miami we’re still experiencing weather in the high 90’s. Feels like 100 degrees Fahrenheit on most days… Sad, but true.