The trailer for Baz Luhrman’s The Great Gatsby looks and sounds like the book reads. Leo DiCaprio, as the mysterious Jay Gatsby, is tough with an easy charm. Carey Mulligan is seductive as the ethereal Daisy Buchanan. The movie seems to sizzle with a pulsating soundtrack by Beyoncé, Bryan Ferry, and Jay-Z.
Ever since I can remember F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby has been everyone’s favourite novel. I am exaggerating, but not by much. Only last summer, at a dinner party I attended, the mere mention of Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris – and its allusions to Fitzgerald – provoked a spirited discussion. In the film, the Woody-alter ego character, Gil, is magically transported to a bygone time in Paris, and meets the American literati who inhabited Paris in the 1920s. “Hi, we’re Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald,” the characters tell the astonished screenwriter, Gil. Midnight in Paris portrayed that stylish era so electrically, that at the dinner party I attended, all the twenty- and thirty-somethings vied for the title of “biggest Gatsby fan.” That included one young man, who, I am fairly certain, never read the book.
Excitement is building for Baz Luhrman’s remake, especially among fashionistas and hipsters. Over the years many have dismissed the book as trite and simplistic. It hardly matters, as fans still adore it. What attracts generation after generation to the stylish tale is the reckless passion of Fitzgerald’s star-crossed lovers.
When another Great Gatsby, starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, opened in 1974, it caused a sensation – but more for the sumptuous fashions and perfect profiles than for unbridled passion. In spite of poor reviews, 1920s fashions and parties briefly became the rage. Even at my high school for a few weeks everything was all about Gatsby. People who read neither the book nor even a syllabus were suddenly caught up in Fitzgerald fever.
I predict we are in for more of the same marvelous madness. This month the cover of Vogue features Carey Mulligan as Daisy. It makes sense; even though the Luhrman version promises to be hot and dangerous, it still all about the clothes. Tiffany and Brooks Brothers are official partners in the film. Tiffany is supplying the sumptuous pearl and diamond jewelry that Daisy wears . Jay Gatsby will be dressed in classic white flannels from Brooks Brothers.
Miuccia Prada helped to design Daisy’s wardrobe. According to Vogue UK in a story by Elle Alexander, “(Miuccia) Prada worked with costume designer Catherine Martin to create over 40 looks for the movie, each inspired by styles from the Prada and Miu Miu archive.”
So darlings, drape yourself in yards of pearls and satin, and get ready to shimmy the summer away “Gatsby Style”. The movie is scheduled to open May 10th.
Warm weather clothes will look better and last longer if you launder them at home rather than subject them to harsh dry cleaning or commercial laundries. And if ironing scares you, relax. Newer blends and weaves of natural fabrics need little or no ironing, if you tumble them dry and hang them promptly..jpg)
Never wash workout wear, swimwear, or lingerie in hot water, or expose it to dryer heat. High heat will destroy the fabric and the ruin the fit. Perspiration and direct sunlight also degrade elastic fibers.
The Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Collection was created as a treat to be enjoyed after hours bent over flower and vegetable beds. I confess I don’t garden. I am a city girl with a black thumb, but I love to indulge in a long soak with a Gardeners Muscle Soak Packet after overdoing it at the gym or spring cleaning. The botanical extracts and mineral salts soothe aching muscles while a blend of oatmeal and sunflower oil moisturizes dry skin. $4 a packet 
Yes, even your hair ages. How depressing! According to Nexxus hair experts, there are several signs of aging hair: breakage, roughness, less shine, dryness, brittleness, unruliness, and loss of color vibrancy. 
Liquid soap is wonderful for many reasons. It is hygienic and easy to use. But it is hard to find liquid soap that is as wonderful to use as fine bar soap. Too often liquid soaps are too harsh. Even “natural” or “organic” brands can sting and dry out your skin. And, they often have strange scents. Boutique brands with lovely scents are costly for daily use. EO Everyone is only $9.99 for 32 ounces and little goes a long way.
Little Jars, Big Flavors
This Bloody Maria by Elsie Larson looked so fresh and tasty I decided to accept her offer to share it. It is from her blog ABeautifulMess.com. I think it is perfect for spring and would be popular at a Mother’s Day brunch. Her Carrot Bloody Maria is made by infusing tequila with the new Carrot Curry Savory Tea from Numi Organic Tea. 
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Shortly after the Boston Marathon bombings, singer Neil Diamond flew to Boston. He showed up Fenway Park to sing Sweet Caroline. The song has become a Red Sox tradition. I am not a sports fan, but I was moved by the power of that shared moment. People of all ages, colours, and backgrounds united to watch a ballgame and sing their song. It is exactly what the terrorists hate about our free society, and one of our greatest strengths. It was a sweet moment in many ways..jpg)
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Sunscreen is still the most effective defense against premature skin aging that we have – even compared with pricy potions, lotions and high-tech treatments. And it helps to prevent deadly skin cancer!