I recently walked into Anthropologie last week and instead of falling in love with a sweater or a dress – my eyes caught on the ornaments of a nearby coffee table: books. These weren’t just any type of books – they were hardcover, cloth-bound, reprinted Penguin Classics adorned with elegant designs stretching from top -to-bottom.

The set of hardcovers include Great Expectations, Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Sense and Sensibility, The Picture of Dorian Gray and Cranford.

For every lit lover -  these books would be the perfect addition to your bookshelf and collection of literary classics.  Also, THE CUT featured a post regarding these books – and mentioned that they are also available at amazon.com! Perfect timing for the holidays . . . just an idea . . . hint.hint.hint.

You know when you’re a LIT Lover when you go into Anthropologie and want nothing but . . . books.

-jo

What’s the best part of going out to the movies – besides watching the movie -with popcorn and candy in hand?

The Previews!

As I sat waiting to watch New Moon this past weekend – I got a glimpse of three new movies that I’m excited to see.  Two of which include my favorite: Amanda Seyfried (from Mamma Mia!).

The first movie, Letters to Juliet caught me off guard- emotionally.  The film centers around the city of Verona, Italy – Juliet’s statue/balcony – and the letters of love addressed to Juliet.  I have once visited the city and saw Juliet’s statue a couple years ago, and the preview  reminded me of Verona’s beauty. I only wish I could go visit again!

The movie is due on in May 2010 – a perfect time of year to make a trip to Italy. . .

The other Seyfried movie, Dear John, is with Channing Tatum and is based on a Nicholas Sparks novel- so automatically we all know it will be a sob-fest.  Naturally, this movie is due out in February 2010 – near Valentine’s Day  – how fitting.

Be prepared to bring tissues to the theater.

Lastly, the novel The Lovely Bones written by Alice Sebold, is coming to the big screen – and I’m excited yet terrified to watch it.  The cast includes Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz and Saoirse Ronan (Atonement). The Lovely Bones has been one of those books that has both haunted and intrigued me.  Aspects of the book have stayed with me – in the corner of my mind – and that to me is what makes the book.  Having the ability to shock and remain with the reader demonstrates how powerful a well-written book can be.

The preview gives me goosebumps . . . its due out January 2010.

2010 looks like a promising year for the box office!

-jo

Here’s a week’s roundup of my NEW MOON favorite things:

Favorite Movie – Twilight vs. New Moon: New Moon

Favorite Soundtrack: New Moon Movie Soundtrack

Favorite Team: Team Edward – sorry Jacob. . .

Favorite Book in the Twilight Saga: A tie between Twilight and Breaking Dawn

Favorite Magazine featuring the Twilight Cast: Harper’s Bazaar (with Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart)

New Moon.

This post was bound to happen – sooner or later.  The past few days have been filled with nothing but New Moon frenzy.  Numerous talk shows featuring New Moon’s biggest stars: Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Robert Pattinson, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz and other stars from the Cullen clan, the Wolf Pack and the Volturi – this week’s press whirlwind has left behind a settling dust – that which has left theaters packed and box office records shattered.

With only midnight showings of Twilight’s latest installment: New Moon pulled in $26.3 million at North American box offices. This number beats the record set by Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince this past July of $22.2 million in its midnight screenings (Associated Content).

In opening day box office numbers, New Moon grossed $72.7 million – beating out the Dark Knight’s record of $67.2 million.  What’s even more fascinating is that New Moon was shown in  342 fewer theaters than the Dark Knight (EW).

Now, as for the movie itself – I will admit that I have seen it twice so far: Midnight showing and Opening day.  I have to say, nothing compares to a midnight showing.  The energy, excitement and yes, the teenage girl chaos. New Moon paraphernalia were everywhere, shouts and screams continually echoed throughout the theater … hours before 12:01 am clocked in. The one downfall to a midnight showing – is of course – the unnecessary shouts and screams during the movie. Why?  Because the loud noise interferes with the actual movie. . . therefore not allowing the audience to hear what is happening next. A little frustrating – but then again, it wouldn’t be a midnight showing without it.

However – there were times when squeals were permitted: When Edward first presents himself in the movie and when Jacob is …shirtless (which was 95% of the movie – not that I’m complaining).

In comparison to Twilight and New Moon - New Moon is 100x better than the first movie. The acting was a step up from the first and very impressive – especially on Kristen’s part (no stuttering) – the break-up scene – was probably the most painful part in the movie – painful in terms of heartbreaking. For any Twilight fan who didn’t at least choke up – should not consider themselves fans.  It was even worse to actually watch Edward leave than read it in the book.

In terms of the book, the movie did a great job following all the key events – depicting scenes perfectly – just as I had imagined.  I have no complaints about the movie (save for one corny bit – Alice’s future vision of Bella), and I am overly happy with the end result.  The movie’s soundtrack is … absolutely worth listening to. I just bought it yesterday and I can’t turn it off.  Sure, it has nothing on Twilight’s first soundtrack (Especially my all-time favorite song: I Caught Myself – Paramore) – but it’s still good.

Various artists include: Death Cab for Cutie, Muse, Editors, Band of Skulls, Thom Yorke, Ok Go, Sea Wolf and more.

So what do we Twi-fans have to look forward to next? Eclipse due out June 30, 2010.

Till then!

-jo

My favorite new secrets from Post- Secret:

Have any secrets?

-jo

Here’s a week’s roundup of my favorite things:

Favorite Show: The Rachel Zoe Project

Favorite New Upcoming Movie: New Moon

Favorite Nail Color: Lincoln Park After Dark (OPI)

Favorite New Trend: Knee-high socks

Favorite New Shoes: Jimmy Choo For H&M

I know this totally qualifies me as a Twilight nerd – but it happened. I watched the live-streaming of the New Moon premiere in LA – and honestly – it was worth it.  I got a great look at the stars from the movie – caught their interviews (including Stephanie Meyer) and of course – their dresses. My favorite? Nikki Reed’s dress. I only wish I was there to catch it all . . .

Here are my favorite dresses from the premiere:

Kristen Stewart in Oscar de la Renta

Nikki Reed in Burberry

Ashley Greene in Prabal Gurung

Dakota Fanning in Valentino (Spring 2010)

Christian Serratos in Rafael Cennamo (Fall 2009)

As for Team Jacob – Taylor Lautner looked beyond handsome at the premiere. This is probably the cutest picture of both Taylor and Kristen: (so presh)

Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart

[photo credit: justjared]

And just a reminder: New Moon is out November 20th – the midnight showing has been SOLD OUT for a while now – which is just insane – but it just goes to show how big this movie is going to be.

-jo

I recently stumbled upon this clip of the “Future of Women’s Fashion” event that I, along with other fashionistas, attended.

Once again, Ashley Olsen is fabulous with her red suede heels. Who cares if they’re probably uncomfortable – the shoes are deliciously gorge.

-jo

Looking fierce as the Sartorialist captures this woman’s moment on Seventh Avenue, NYC.

Now this is how you grab the Sartorialist’s eye: by looking sexy by confidence and downright fierce.

Intimidation. Check. Personal style. Double Check. Fearlessness. Check, Check, Check.

Admiration for the peep toes, gold belt and the blue blazer. As my girl KMD would say: so fire.

-jo

After scouring gossip sites over the past weeks – I found no updates about my ultimate favorite fashionista – Vanessa Hudgens. She has been under the radar.

That is until today. She has arrived back to LA – as she has been in Vancouver, Canada filming her upcoming movie, Sucker Punch.

Even as she comes home after a plane flight – Vhudg still manages to look amazingly glowy. Sure, she isn’t clad in fashion’s finest – but  rather in sweatpants and yet, she still looks ready for a photo shoot.

Just another reminder that au natural is simply the best way to go.  Can’t wait to see what amazing outfits she’ll don in LA. . .

-jo