a LIFE of STYLE

I like Joan Rivers.   I always have.   I grew up watching her appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson via my parents.  I remember being the only kid in my class in elementary school that stayed up that late.  Naturally I was full of stories for everyone at school the next day.   My parents didn't know they had an extra viewer , as I would sneak downstairs and tip toe into place to see the action from the next room.

I was a fan of Carson, but my favorite nights were later when Joan was guest hosting.   All these years later, I realize it was many of my friends favorite nights as well.   Why do we all love Joan?  The reason is Joan Rivers pushes buttons.   She says things you shouldn't say.   She says things you would never say.   This is exactly why she is here to stay, and at 77 is having a huge  success on the big screen. 

"Joan Rivers A Piece of Work" is a documentary film by Ricki Stern & Anne Sundberg of Break Thru Films.    The movie follows Joan for one year as she travels the RICKI STERN & ANNE SUNDBERGworld at a pace that performers half her age would find hard to keep up with.    The movie is brilliant in the way it lifts the veil on what it means to be a celebrity.   People think of red carpets, limos, and mansions - but who really thinks about all the work that goes into creating the aura of a famous personality.   

Rivers is a hybrid when it comes to performers.   She started as an actress, became famous as a stand-up, invented the red-carpet interview, made millions selling jewelry on QVC, and is still on the road performing all year long.    Not only is Joan ground breaking in her comedy, she was the first major celebrity to embrace home shopping on QVC.   While others were looking down their noses at the thought of selling anything on television, Joan established herself as THE celebrity designer on QVC.   Twenty years later, she is the biggest selling resource on the network and is now joined by major fashion designers and celebrities that are clamoring to sell to viewers at home.  I almost forgot to mention that she also competed and won Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice at 75!  Last but not least, Joan hosts the hit show on TV Land Prime - "How'd You Get So Rich".  Work much?  

It is a cliche to use the phrase " when life gives you lemons".. but if you can think of anyone able to make sweeter lemonade than Rivers from the cancelled shows, bad reviews, and even the suicide of her husband -please tell me who it is?  

A Piece of Work was a huge hit at the Sundance film festival earlier this year and is now in theaters.   Anyone interested in show business should see this movie.   Take notes.   Listen and learn from the woman who wrote the book on creating a successful career on your own terms, at a time when women where still expected to be polite wall flowers.  It's no mystery why people like the film.   The directors clearly wanted to show you the struggle of what it means to be a star.   Joan Rivers lovable personality shines through all the negativity and hard knocks.   You see that at her core, Rivers is a big hearted woman who protects her own and doesn't know the word quit.  I'm going to buy this movie when it is available on DVD and watch it anytime I'm feeling wiped out or sorry for myself!   Joan's work ethic could kick all of us in the pants to get up and go!

Bottom line:   she is funny and people like her.

Watch the trailer now:

I recently watched the Hollywood classic - Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, watching it for the first time in it's entirety and in HD.   I now have a whole new appreciation for this gem.  Released in 1953, it is amazing how well the film looks 57 years later (even in HD!).  Stunners - Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe star as best friend show-girls Dorothy Shaw & Lorelei Lee.   The two look more like cartoon dreams than real life flesh and blood!   This dynamic duo are basically singing and dancing good cop / bad cops.  DOROTHY & LORELEI HATCH A PLAN Russell plays the street smart Dorothy, a brunette with the tough exterior.   Monroe is the bubbly  Lorelei, a platinum blond who is sly like a fox when it comes to the bottom line.   The film is a study in fashion 101 for any aspiring designer or stylist.   Of course, even if you don't know the movie, MARILYN SINGS "DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND"you know the most famous musical number from the movie " Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend".   Monroe's performance cemented her legend, and also influenced the most famous blond since Marilyn - Madonna.  (Madonna has payed homage to Monroe's style in so much of her work).   Russell and Monroe had the on-screen chemistry that movie makers dream of.  Think Lucy & Ethel.MARILYN TAKES THE CALL

Much of the wacky adventure takes place on the high seas, as the duo head to Paris aboard a luxury liner jam packed with millionaires, Olympic athletes, and the two sexiest troublemakers in musical history!    Things only go from kooky to crazy once the gals hit Paris.   First up, an all day shopping spree that is intoxicating.  Legendary French fashion houses  Schiaparelli, Dior, & Balenciaga all get a shout out.  (Talk about amazing marketing).  What follows has to be seen to be believed, but lets just say - the two take "singing for your supper" to an extreme! 

Of course the third co-star of the film is the amazing wardrobe.   Impeccably created and styled by Billy Travilla, both women take your breath away scene after scene.   It is no surprise, as Mr. Travilla left his thumbprint on countless Hollywood classics such as Flamingo Road starring Joan Crawford.  He also contributed to Dynasty, which was one of the most image conscious shows in television history.   Nolan Miller was officially the man in charge of creating that world of big shoulders and big color for the imaginary Carrington clan.   The show was known as much for fashion as it was for hair pulling drama!    

As for the title of this film, the allure of the platinum blond never ceases to amaze me.   Me and the rest of the world that is.   The film pokes fun at the hypnotic effect that golden tresses have on everyone of the male persuasion.   The courtroom scene is not to be missed!  Don't let the title fool you however,  there is a happy ending for most aboard this love boat!

JANE RUSSELL & THE ATHLETESJane Russell was also as famous for her figure as she was for her acting ability.   Her wide shoulders, generous endowment ( that later earned her a lucrative Cross Your Heart bra campaign) and legs that look longer than Marilyn's body, make her one co-star that's hard to upstage!   The pool scene with Russell and the U.S. Olympic athletes in speedos, that just happen to be on board, is one of a kind to say the least!   Russell was many things - but a great dancer was not one of them ( think Whitney Houston in any of her videos).  It is amusing to see her keep up with Monroe when they shake, shimmy, and high kick their way from NY to Paris!

Rent this classic today.   If you are a fan of Hollywood musicals, it will become one of your favorites.   If you work in the fashion industry - it should become one of your favorites!

Oh, and if it is any consolation to all the brunette readers out there- they made a follow up film two years later with Russell titled - "Gentlemen Marry Brunettes".   So there you have it!

Five years ago the expression- keeping up with the Joneses seemed so passe.. at least I thought so.   I mean, who cares what your neighbor has or does?  Right?   WRONG.   I was SO wrong, but I think I know why.  I grew up in New York.   In New York, we never really cared what anyone else was doing.   We were all too busy doing our own thing.  Weren't we?

That was of course before Bravo unleashed The Real Housewives of Orange County, New Jersey, Atlanta, and New York City.   Clearly, there are wannabe women and men in every city.   Even if there is not one bona fide socialite in any of those shows, the scense are true enough of the second tier socials that are hungry for attention.  

While these shows are not reality- they are a scripted version of what is happening just beyond the fabulous set.    WEEDS on Showtime is also a great look at what happens when you scrape off the veneer of a luxury suburban community.   

When I saw the movie trailer for THE JONESES with Demi Moore and David Duchovney, I knew I had to see the film.   While the movie is flat lining at the box office, the social commentary of this story is brilliant.   So on point in fact,  everyone with a Facebook account should rent the movie.   Written, produced and directed by Derrick Borte..  the movie is able to nail the angst, emptiness,  and insecurity that fuels a major portion of the American Economy.    While Facebook and Twitter are never mentioned, social networking is taken to another level in this story set in an upscale suburban existence.   It seems marketing companies have taken the next step to getting the word out to the target market.   Lauren Hutton makes a surprise appearance as cold as ice boss lady representing the powers that be.    

Watch the movie and hopefully it won't be like looking in a mirror!

The Runaways is a Rock & Roll romp on film that taps the universal theme of teen rebellion and angst that is part of every kid's coming of age.   This real life story of 5 teen girls set in Southern California during the mid 70's seems like a kinder, gentler time by today's standards.     Simply put - in 1975 girls did not "Rock".   There was no Courtney Love or even a Madonna for a girl to look up to.    This was before it was business as usual to package rock bands like pop rocks, making them the  big hair caricatures of the 80's.   Certainly there were no girl bands.  DAKOTA FANNING & KRISTEN STEWART AS CURRIE & JETT

The Runaways all started with Joan Jett.  A girl who wore Men's leather jackets and dreamt of being a rock star.   Surrounded by milk and honey California blonds, Joan had relocated with her family from back East and did not fit in.  Remember, this was Marsha Brady land.   That was how girls were supposed to look.   The sunset strip was the only place for a lost youth who preferred the smoke filled clubs of rock and roll heaven to the sand and suntan lotion at the beach.

The story of the group is like an American fable.   Producer gets five unknown girls together who are all fresh faced, pretty, and most importantly American.  Producer then takes pinup style photos of the girls with guitars and lingerie. Producer unleashes pictures to the Japanese press.   Millions of pop culture loving Japanese teens almost had an aneurism over the images alone of the Runaways.   

The story is a real rollercoaster ride - with highs as dramatic and fantastic as the lows.   Joan Jett became the biggest and most successful performer from the group, but then again - it always was about her.   Some of you might remember a metal rock chick from the 90's by the name- Lita Ford.   Her big single "Kiss Me Deadly" was all over the radio - not to mention her duet with Ozzy Osborne - "Close My Eyes Forever".   I never knew Ford was one of the Runaways!  That makes so much sense!  THE REAL RUNAWAYS - CIRCA 1975

Kristen Stewart of The New Moon Twilight Saga fame does an excellent job in portraying the pent up male energy that young Joan Jett channeled.   Her performance showcases how Jett's intelligence and rebellion complimented each other in her  pursuit for fame.   

Making the most dramatic appearance in the film is all grown up Dakota Fanning as the coming of age too soon lead singer - Cherie Currie.    Cherie is smoldering with sexual energy that makes you squeamish at times as the viewer - when you remember Fanning just turned 16 in February!  Especially as there is sexual tension between the leading ladies..  Wow...   kids today.. or wait.. it was kids in the 70's.. I guess we always grew up too fast!  Fanning also costars in The New Moon /Twilight Saga with Stewart as well.    Let's just say that the girls in The Runaways experienced things that a pop tart like Britney Spears could not imagine or survive.    Madonna or Gaga could handle it...

If you don't see the film - BUY THE SOUNDTRACK.   It is a keeper!  Would be great for any house party or event.   Also, the movie is the perfect DVD to buy or rent this summer at your beach or country house!! 

Watch the trailer, and try not to get excited!