Coquette

Miss Potter

Bonjour mes amis! I'm so sorry I've been away most of the week. I got back from San Diego for the TNNA (National Needlearts Trade Show) late Monday night and have been sick all week so I've been limiting my time on the computer to just work. Plus it's been insane freezing weather here in California and let me say, southern california felt even colder! Today was really one of the first days I ventured outside having brunch at the Ferry Building and then catching an afternoon movie. For some reason, whenever I need to feel extra cozy a British period piece always does the trick and this movie, Miss Potter, based on the real life of children's book author Beatrix Potter, does not disappoint. I remembered loving her books as a child and wanting the whole set of miniature books. The Tales of Peter Rabbit were my favorite. The opening watercolor sequence is beautiful and it's also given me a big push to do one of my new years resolutions which is to start drawing and painting water colors again (as I haven't done it in 10 years). I still have all my pencils, paints and supplies, I've just been lazy and tired. But I just remembered how relaxed it made me feel and I did feel transformed into another world when I would draw or paint. Which is actually just how this movie makes me feel.

The story of Beatrix Potter shows how one woman rose above her time to end up creating a timeless set of children's' classics through her imagination, artistry, and storytelling. It's an inspiring piece. She was 32 at the time she worked on Peter Rabbit and to be unmarried back then AND want a career was unheard of. I loved watching every minute of the movie and taking in the English countryside landscape. The Lake District where her family had a summer home and where she eventually bought a farm was simply breathtaking. And of course, who can resist a bit of Ewan McGregor in there too. He even does a little bit of singing. I love when they go to the printer and you can see sheets of the illustrations being printed from all the plates.

I met director of this movie, Chris Noonan, the week before Christmas as he was the main guest on the TV show View from the Bay. (Here's a link to his video clip interview.)That's actually how I first heard about the movie in the first place. He was so humble and nice and I could see his passion for storytelling which really comes through in the movie. He said it took him 10 years from when he did the movie Babe until this one because he really wanted to find a good story. The attention to detail when you watch the movie is amazing and I love how Beatrix Potter's characters come to life with animation. The movie took 2 years to make with a 1 1/2 years in post-production. Renée Zellweger also did a fantastic job. Chris told us that she had to re-learn Beatrix's exact British accent because Beatrix was part of the upper class in the late 19th century England. Amazing! Miss Potter is the perfect winter movie to snuggle up to. The movie is in limited release, so find out where it's playing near you. It's definitely worth it.

Ok I promise I won't be gone long anymore. I'm feeling so much better and up to my regular weekday schedule on Coquette! Enjoy the weekend!

Golden Globes in Winter White

At the Golden Globes last night all shades of winter white and champagne walked down the red carpet. Some were simple and elegant (Drew and Kate), others shimmered with gold or silver accents (Jennifer and Sienna). And some were fluffy, flowy, and layered (Cameron, Heidi, and Rinko). Best dressed hands down goes to Drew Barrymore who looked so elegant and stylish in Dior Haute Couture by John Galliano. The rest of the ladies wore: Top Row (from left to right) - Kate Winset (Azaaro by Vanessa Seward), Cameron Diaz (Valentino), and Jennifer Garner (Gucci). Next Row - Heidi Klum (Givenchy Haute Couture), Ellen Pompeo (Versace), Sienna Miller (Marchesa), and Emily Blunt (vintage Hervé Léger). Last Row - Salma Hayek (Dior), Kyra Sedgwick (J.Mendel), Rinko Kikuchi (Chanel), and Terri Hatcher.

See more photos at Style.com

See more Golden Globes Top Fashion Trends at In Style

Web Snob Roundup

Bag Snob - Tired of leaving your bag on the floor or dangling on back of chairs in restaurants? Bag Snob hooks you up!

Aesthetics + Economics reviews two of New York's best boutiques: Via Bus Stop and Curve.

FASHIONTRIBES - Air kisses, fabulousness...& hard work. Fashiontribes gets the straight scoop on the fashion biz in a podcast inteview with 24 Seven, the industry's premiere search firm.

Girlawhirl's wishes come true with Dogeared Jewelry's fashionable accessories

KRiSTOPHER DUKeS - A Coach mink key chain is practical luxe - your keys get real cold in LA.

My Fashion Life - Shimmer and shine this season with a bit of metal from Jimmy Choo

Second City Style - Prepare to indulge your love of metal and shine this spring. Second City Style knows the right tricks to wearing shine that will help you stand out in a good way.

Stylebites - Ever wondered how to get into NY Fashion Week? Stylebites brings you the skinny of fashions hottest event!

The Jewelry Weblog directs us to the stars and the platinum jewelry at the recent People's Choice awards.

Trashionista - Another GO Designer arrives at Target February 4 and it's Proenza Schouler!!!

eBelle5's V-day gift idea: Limited Edition Louis Vuitton Multicolore Heart Purse from Saint Valentine Collection

eBeautyDaily reminds us that the sun is still dangerous in January - wear your sunscreen!

Stylehive - The stunning iPhone has been announced, with specs that would make anyone drool, tech geek or not.

LA Story - Handsome Devil Strikes AGAIN! Part 3 of Jim Bianco

Lukablu - Coquette Readers get $10 off purchases over $50

The online shop Lukablu which I posted about back in August is now open! The site is now featuring a 25% off sale on all C&C California and Ted Baker. I love this Katie Striped Tunic ($167.25) perfect for a going casual or a night on the town.

Also, all Coquette readers can enter in the code NEWLUKABLU to receive $10 off purchases over $50! There's also no sales tax on the clothes and free ground shipping. Shop today!

Here's more picks from Lukablu:

C&C California - Diana Tunic in Black ($58.50)

Sweet Soul Design - Marigold Jabot Scarlet ($93)

Fremont -Sappy Turtleneck Sweater in Cream ($118)

575 Denim - Super Skinny Cindy Rise Jeans ($170)

Fremont - Inger Chiffon Dress in Navy ($144)

Minx - Black Knit Dress ($314)

Forget "Designer Phones" wait for Apple's New iPhone

Prada phones and Pink Juicy Couture Sidekicks can step aside because the new fashionable and functional phone that will be the "IT" cellphone of 2007 is the new Apple iPhone. The iPhone is a mobile phone, video iPod, and Internet device -- all in one. Sure you've heard stuff like that before but if anyone can pull it off with sleek design and refinement -- it's Apple. It's also widescreen where the phone magically knows to go portrait or landscape depending on how you hold it. Basically it's a Mini handheld mac that's a phone running OS X and I believe this cellphone will be a key factor in redefining mobile in the US with it's internet capabilities, where for a long time now we have been behind Europe and Asia in terms of progress.

And be sure to know all the cool widgets will be there on the phone. Can't find where to go? Launch Google maps. Need to check your email? Yahoo! mail, Mac mail, and more are integrated to be pushed to your phone automatically, just like a Blackberry. Wanna take a quick picture? The phone has a 2 mega-pixel camera. Service will be provided in the US by Cingular with a 2 year contract. The phone comes in 2 models. The 4GB iPhone is set to launch in the US in June for $499 and the 8GB for $599. The iPhone will launch in Europe in Q4 this year. (Not sure about when for Asia.)

Here's a sample screen of the widescreen mode showing "coverflow" where you can surf through the album covers in your music library to play what you want. This phone is just amazingly sleek and functional. It's high time that cellphones get more fashionably tech savvy without just slapping clothing labels and adding device colors on top of things to be "fresh". Thank you Apple for finally creating a phone for the modern busy gal where the technology lives up to concept of digital style. I can't wait until June!

I'll be at Macworld tomorrow afternoon and will give you an special report on all the tech gal style to be seen. For now, don't miss the demo of the iPhone on the Apple site and check out Engadget's first pics of the iPhone at Macworld!

Paint Me a Coat

This white twill coat at Anthropologie with it's artistic scribbling and splashes of red paint will make you feel like you just left the studio and completed your latest masterpiece. The modern print looks fresh and will look hot paired with a pair of jeans and black boots...Oh la la!

Also new on Anthropologie, you can now browse and shop the catalog via their website. I love their photography and having it all online is an easy way to find what you are looking for.

Knock on Wood

Tricia of Bits and Bobbins (love her blog!) has a mention on her blog about a handmade jewelry designer called Orno that makes the most exquisite wood jewelry. I am completely in love now with this collection that is inspired by nature and is made of wood and brass. I adore this 3 Ring Necklace ($72) complete with antique brass chain. Just the perfect addition to any outfit.

Here's more beautiful wood jewelry from Orno:

Four Circle Mahogany Earrings ($38)

Wide Teardrop Walnut Earrings ($26)

Thin Geometrical 6 Point Walnut Earrings ($46)

Web Snob Roundup

Stylebites - Top Secret! The new must-have jeans for 2007 have arrived, Stylebites brings you the skinny on Proportion of Blu.

Manolo's Shoe Blog - Manolo is dismayed to see that once again the Bloggies, the annual awards for the best blogs, have neglected to include the catagory for the Fashion Blogs!

Bag Snob is giving away a fabulous Nuti Ostrich Clutch in Butter, perfect for Spring!

Fashiontribes - Nan Kempner was a clothes horse extraordinaire. Fashiontribes visited the new exhibit of her fabulous wardrobe at NYC's Met Museum & shot some fun video.

Girlawhirl - Clothing from Sweet pea takes Girlawhirl everywhere she needs to go.

KRiSTOPHER DUKeS - All sharp shimmers, this golden Jimmy Choo bag is all boss brightness, lighting up what KRiSTOPHER wishes is your fresh new year.

My Fashion Life votes Zara top high street retailer for winter coats.

Second City Style - Need some retail therapy? Second City Style counts down the top looks of 2006.

The Jewelry Weblog is reversing New Year's resolutions suggesting a few to the jewelry industry rather than making a few of her own.

eBelle5 - Blonde again, Ashley Olsen before and after with her Vintage Fendi Crocodile Designer Tote.

Stylehive - Hot Store: Boule Bakery, Mini Mouthwatering Morsels.

LA Story - Jim Bianco: The Handsome Devil Talks To Us!

The Cellphone Wears Prada

As if coveting Prada handbags/wallets or shoes aren't enough, Prada has teamed up with LG to launch a new line of Prada mobile phones. The new phones are based on LG's KE850 model which include a clean interface and touch screen for all the controls. It's really almost like LG's just rebranding the phones with Prada clothing. The hard case holder (see pic here) doesn't seem to look as slick as I had hoped. Perhaps Prada will make more holders in the hopes that you'll end up buying it. Unfortunately the phone won't be available yet in the US. So far, the launch is planned for Spring 2007 in Europe but I'm sure you'll be able to purchase an unlocked model to use here if you wish.

Here's some shots of the interface which is nice and clean, but I'm not sure about the monochrome colors. It's almost like going backwards and getting a black and white TV. What about a camera or video? How about the keyboard interface? As a geek girl, I'm looking forward to investigating this phone more when it does come out.

See more photos at Gizmodo and read more at Engadget.

Daiso Japan

There's a new store open in the Bay Area called Daiso Japan (at the Serramonte Center in Daly City, CA) which sells a variety of housewares and goods. Everything in the store is pretty much $1.50, unless otherwise marked. I don't think I saw a sticker for more than $3. The beauty department is especially fun to check out because there are items that you'll just never see. I love the face mask sheets (There were a lot of different kinds) and they actually sold cleanser tablets that worked with the sheets.

This thing caught my eye. It's a veil you put on before you dress so you can slip your clothes over your head and not get any makeup on your sweater or shirt.

The store is filled with every department for your home and it's worth it to check out. If you are a crafter, read my CRAFT post on all the crafty things that are available.

• Read the full CRAFT Blog Post
• See the Flickr Photos of Daiso