Curbside Fashion: whip it

Ah yes, Valentine's Day. So we meet again.

To be honest I don't give two hoots about the holiday (maybe I am repressing?). I am neither angry or elated. I mean, I got a Dum Dum and a couple Snicker bars from my friend so I am ALL SET. But I know that my "indifference" for such a socially shaped holiday isn't the norm.

Let's face it: you don't have a honey tonight and that is PUNK ROCK. You don't need anyone! Turn that frown upside down! U rock, don't ever change!

Did that help at all? No? Okay. Here are my top "girl power" movies to get you out of your self deprecating slump.

(see video HERE)

Now and Then (1995)

Now and Then will make you cry. But in a good way. It's a flash back movie relaying the childhood adventures of a core group of girls in the '70s. Christina Ricci plays the younger version of Rosie O'Donnell. What are you still doing here? Go watch it!

Never Been Kissed (1999)

Talk about one cheeseball of a movie. Never Been Kissed will make you laugh your head off, right before it rips your heart out when you realize the similarities between you and "Josie Grossie". But in all honesty, this movie has a great message. It's totally chill if you haven't experienced XYZ by now, and there will always be assholes in high school. So sit back, relax, and watch Drew Barrymore eat a pot brownie.

Thelma And Louise (1991)

This is one of my newer film finds. Thelma and Louise are tired of the South's shit so they decide to go on a road trip when something terrible goes wrong (trigger warning: attempted rape). I know you're probably expecting another snarky line from me, but I have to be straight up when I say I have major estrogen respect for this movie. It is such a great homage to all of the cowgirls of the world who get shit on. I thought the ending was THE BEST. Plus Brad Pitt.

Whip It (2009)

I wont go into too much detail on Whip It (see my Film Muse post!), but this movie will always hold a special place in my heart. From the kick ass soundtrack to Bliss' "fuck-you" response to the idiot boy shown above, this film overall is TOO GOOD. Ellen Page and Alia Shawkat are goddesses.

Romy And Michele's High School Reunion (1997)

Woah! A honorary mention appears? Romy and Michele's High School Reunion has made it into my Film Picks posts before, but I had to mention it again. If you are having a bad day, EVER, just put on this movie. The story is of two 28 year old women (best friends forever) who realize that their high school reunion is coming up! But wait - they haven't done anything with their lives! So they pretend they invented Post-Its. Just go watch it.

Hope you all enjoyed!

Will you be my Valentine?

-Lauren Rose

Curbside Fashion

Whip It. Directed by Drew Barrymore (2009).

AMAZING.

Man, films like these make me not feel shitty about the movie industry. Do you ever watch movies that just try so hard that you just can't unsee all the flaws in it? Well, this isn't like that. At all. Whip It is a magical movie that somehow vibes in it's own world away from mediocre filmmaking. It's like everyone who made this film/acts in it is in on some big non threatening inside joke. Like a family or some shit. Okay, time to get eloquent.

(*choking* "I'm your only friend!!")

Whip It is this rad film based off a book called Derby Girl by Shauna Cross. It follows the story of Bliss Cavender (Ellen Page) - a teenage nobody much to her parents' dismay, from Bodine, Texas. When her mom takes her to a head shop (dying) something magical happens- the local derby girls come in to drop off flyers for their next match. Bliss and her best friend Pash (Alia Shawkat) then speed off in her grandma's Chevy Celebrity to Austin Texas. A.k.a. - a whole new world of awesome.

("Ooooh! Pretty vases!")

I guess I should have mentioned this earlier. This Film Muse post is going to have a butt load of film stills. This is probably one of the most aesthetically appealing movies I've ever seen. I think it's supposed to be set in the late '90s (no cell phones), but they don't force that down the audiences' throats. I like that. The thought that went into every shot and every character is insane.

("I like your hair" "Thanks! I did it myself!")

When I first saw this movie back in '09, I did what every impressionable youth does - I wanted to be derby girl. Okay, maybe not do derby, but I wanted to rollerblade down my own street without hurting myself. I strapped up my skates and set out on a wobbling adventure that was actually way more difficult than I thought. I ended up tripping over a twig (YES A TWIG) and scraping up my leg. Punk rock - right? I still have the scar.

What I like about this film is that it encourages young women to be brave. To get outside their comfort zones and defy stereotypes. Of course along the way it might be shitty, but ultimately euphoria will kick in. One of my favorite lines from the movie is when Bliss' mother is lecturing her about spending her time doing something like derby - and she responds:

Bliss' Mom: "This is a MOMENT..."

Bliss: "Well how great is that?"

What a great line.

And then we have the boy. THE boy. Ugh. So cute - yet so painful. I think this was a beautiful take on first time love. The infatuation, the meaningless activities that you do together that actually mean everything to you, and the secret language you both communicate in with just a stupid smile. He broke my heart as much as he broke Bliss'. She gave you her Stryper "In Jesus We Rock" shirt - I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU, WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU. HOW DARE YOU! (second time I've referenced Tyra on my blog- mind you).

(Favorite wet dream: Boy + 7 Eleven)

(Are yOu kidDing me???)

(HELL YEAH)

Oh. And Jimmy Fallon plays the ultimate sleaze-ball announcer to a T . Look at his gaudy blue suit. HE WAS HILARIOUS. You go Jimmy.

Lastly - let's just give a shout out to the good family vibes. What I learned from this film is that being a teenager isn't all about opposition, it's about living your life in the most fulfilling ways - while still considering your parent's perspectives. You aren't always going to meet your family's expectations, but it doesn't mean they won't love you for what you do. Maybe this is a too "happy go lucky" way of going about it, but I like the way it sounds - so I'm sticking to it.