I was wondering what kind of ensemble I should be looking for in case we go to some holiday parties, and I thought of this picture of Zooey Deschanel from a 2009 issue of Domino. I love that she paired a vintage dress with a pair of funky tights and a ribbon as a sash. Forget that "no white after Labor Day" rule...because this outfit is too cute!
Sick of the same, tired old songs that the Christmas music station plays? Give Duke Ellington's rendition of the Nutcracker on his Three Suitesalbum a try - I promise you'll love it. I first heard it with my good friend and old roommate Devon at the MSU Jazz Band's Christmas concert...and it was love at first listen! Although Sugar Rum Cherry (Duke's take on the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy) is the most popular track, my special favorite is actually the Overture. Must be the saxophone.
A lot of people don't know that most of the Duke's hits were arranged by Billy Strayhorn, who was a certified music genius. Kris and I randomly caught a documentary about him on PBS (Independent Lens - Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life), and it was quite interesting. I encourage you to check it out!
Taking a cue from a couple of my favorite blogs (Niotillfem and tuolomee) I decided to post a few of the things I'd like to see under the tree this year.
I have been looking for a sailor dress with a full skirt for several months now. I found this picture on lookbook, but I'm sorry to say I can't remember whose profile this came from. If you know, send me an email so I can credit the photo!
Might as well have a cool recordto play on the ION turntable right? How about this heart-shaped record from our friend, Mayer Hawthorne? If you haven't heard of him, you need to get with the program. For reals.
Marc Jacobs - Classic Q Groovee handbag. I'm not much of a purse carrying girl, but this is the perfect size for me!
Two Hobo clutch / wallets - one in brown, one in black. I use mine as a wallet, but when I'm going out on the town, I slip my lipstick and keys into one of the pockets and voila! A clutch fit for a queen!
Last, but most important on my list, are BOOKS! I have too many that I want to read to list, but I am excited about Jonathan Franzen's new book Freedom: A Novel, and my brother is insisting that I read Alexandre Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo
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(I'm an Amazon Associate, so if you would like to purchase anything I've mentioned, please use the links above.)
Today, I showed some of my students the 1986 motion picture version of The Nutcracker, which was performed by the Pacific Northwest Ballet Company under the direction of choreographer Kent Stowall and costume/set design by Maurice Sendak (effing AWESOME!). This rendition holds many memories for me, because I used to watch it every year around this time as a child, and it is partially responsible for my love of ballet.
Although most of the boys groaned and complained about my selection, I was surprised to see most of the kids intently watching the film...and asking questions. Some of them made comments about the costuming and set designs looking like something out of Where the Wild Things Are, and were surprised to learn that Maurice Sendak had a huge hand in bringing this production to life. They did have a hard time following the story, but I helped them on the way.
Here are some of my favorite things about this version of The Nutcracker:
[1] It was a Christmas tradition in my house...until they stopped airing it on television. *tear*
[2] The sets, costumes and attention to detail are astonishing! I am a costume freak, and these costumes were very well done.
[3] The music...just beautiful. Maybe I'm partial to this recording because it was my first introduction to The Nutcracker, but this trumps all others in my book. A selection from The Queen of Spades (another Tchaikovsky composition) was also incorporated into the music, and it is the only piece which contains singing.
[4]The choreography was impeccable, and the dancers display great technique. How I still wish for that killer turn-out and the ability to get the perfect pointe!
[5] My favorite part? The peacock's dance. For various reasons I won't get into....other than that costume gives me life!
The best part? I discovered that both the film and the abridged soundtrack are available on iTunes, and Netflix is also making the film available as an Instant Viewing selection. As for me...I still have my VHS copy of the movie, and I kept my VCR for that sole reason. Get into the spirit this Christmas.
(Photo credits: Denofgeek.com, Angela Sterling via Seattlepi.com)
Blog banner created by Taro-Kun.All photos are property of A Girl in the World unless otherwise stated. If you recognize a photo that belongs to you, please email me for photo credit.
album a try - I promise you'll love it. I first heard it with my good friend and old roommate Devon at the MSU Jazz Band's Christmas concert...and it was love at first listen! Although Sugar Rum Cherry (Duke's take on the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy) is the most popular track, my special favorite is actually the Overture. Must be the saxophone.
I'm still using my old Nikon that takes film...I love it, but it's time to join to 21st century!
so that I can keep all of my music, pictures and data organized in one place!
...because Kris and I are still fans of vinyl.
to play on the ION turntable right? How about this heart-shaped record from our friend, Mayer Hawthorne? If you haven't heard of him, you need to get with the program. For reals.
...cookies and cakes galore!
, and my brother is insisting that I read Alexandre Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo
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