Thursday, October 7, 2010

A perfect afternoon on the sofa

I love this photo of Gwyneth Paltrow from one of my favourite movies A View From The Top. I watched it (again) yesterday. It’s just so silly and funny, but at the same time really motivational, AND it includes scenes of Paris. Not to mention Gwyneth’s character is made over during the movie from tacky to chic. Le sigh. No wonder I adore this movie.

I wrote this quote down while watching; it spoke to me (in Candice Bergen’s voice, with a twangy Texan accent):

‘No matter where you’re from, no matter who people think you are, you can be whatever you want, but you gotta start right now. Right this second in fact’.

Candice is Gwyneth's mentor in the movie, a former flight attendant who has retired and written a book. Watching the movie I was thinking to myself, I would really like to read that book. Shame I can't order it from the library.

After watching the movie I am motivated to do better in all aspects of my life - at work, in my slimming efforts, being a good person. The list goes on. I love it when movies do that.

18 comments:

  1. This is a movie I've never seen, but it sounds really good. I'm putting it on my list of movies to watch. I love the quote--we really do have to be conscientious about making the changes we want. Gwyneth looks so chic in the photo! Merci.

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  2. Love this quote; have made a note of it. So what's the name of the book? Please tell us.

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  3. I have never seen that film...I'll try to watch it soon.
    I think Gwyneth looks very chic and she does seem to be a well dressed woman with excellent breeding.
    I love watching her mother Blythe Danner when she was on TV, especially her role in Huff...her wardrobe, hair and pearls were divine.

    Fiona...you could write a book on charm and how to be chic...you are already inspiring us here!

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  4. Oh, I've never heard of that movie but I'm racing over to Netflix to add it to my list. I love makeovers!

    And ditto what Hostess says about you, Fiona.

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  5. dearest fiona,

    i have said it before and i'll say it again...you already are chic! you are one beautiful, classy chic who could write your own book!

    ~janet

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  6. I believe that I saw that movie, too! Love the quote! Inspiring.

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  7. I love this movie too and watch it when I need a some motivation in those areas you mentioned. That being said, will be watching it this weekend, oh la la!! Have a marvelous day, Fiona!

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  8. Oh I got to excited so forgot about the mentoring part. I love how Candice was mentoring Gwyneth how to get what she dreamed of. Also, I like Mareille in her book Women, Work and The Art of Savoir Faire. She mentions how trouble she was to see not enough women mentoring in the business world. That's why this movie is so dear to my heart:) That's Fiona for the reminder.

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  9. Charlene, I think you will enjoy this movie.

    Vanessa, sadly the book is a fictitious part of the movie. It does not exist mores the pity.

    Hostess, Gwyneth and Blythe are so classy (even though the word classy is not classy). Thank you, you are too kind with your lovely comments.

    Cherie, and thank you to you as well.

    Janet, you're making me blush.

    Hi Dot! How is the grandchild?

    Ping, hello. I love the mentoring part too. And Sally/Candice's gorgeous house including the wardrobe which was actually another room.

    My dream is to have a really big walk-in wardrobe with just a few clothes hanging in it, like the ads for walk-in wardrobes.

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  10. I recognized immediately where Gwyneth was in this photo, Notre Dame in the background! Doesn't she look wonderful. I've never heard of this movie, but it sounds like something I have to see. I, too, love makeovers.

    Jackie
    windsor--rose.blogspot.com

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  11. hi fiona,

    i was thinking about you and this post last night and i want to say something else...and this is just my opinion. being chic has nothing to do w/money, looks or fashion, i believe being a truly chic woman has everything to do with self-confidence. looking chic and being chic are two different things. i'll take the latter any day.

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  12. Stephanie, I thought you might!

    Jackie, yes you're right. I love that Notre Dame is ever so softly in the background of this picture.

    Janet, I agree with everything you've said. Chic is about the person underneath the outfit. That doesn't stop me taking care of clothing and grooming though. Some people you see have all the elements of chic style, but are the complete opposite of chic.

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  13. I don't think I have ever seen this film...I will definately have to Netflix it. Thank you for the suggestion. I love films of this ilk. (-:

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  14. How inspirational! Wonderful post and love the Bergen quote!! Let's all begin anew!

    Emily

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  15. So funny- I really liked this movie too! Even though it is a bit cheesy :) The message is great- very inspiring... hope you're well! xx

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  16. I just found your blog....and I LOVE it! I also love this film...and agree w/ you that it's such a shame there isn't such a book. I love when Gwyneth wears the beret and even her polka-dot umbrella is glamorous!

    I'm just starting to transition from intense exercise (on and off for about 5 years) to more gentle forms like yoga, pilates, walking and dancing...which is how I found your blog. Doing intense cardio and weight training was making me feel worn out...and yoga just feels so good.

    I look forward to reading more of your blog!

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  17. Thank you for this picture - she is a modern day chic woman. I have never seen this movie but will make a point to. I agree, there are some movies I watch that make me want to walk a little taller, apply the red lipstick, and take on the world. It sounds as if this may become one of them!

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Merci for your comment. Wishing you a chic day!