Source: tvtropes.org
Yes, that Love Story. The one in which a rebellious WASP jock falls hard for a fast-talking Catholic intellectual at Radcliffe. Both the screenplay and the book it was based on were written by Harvard-educated classicist Erich Segal. Maudlin it may have been, but it was also a huge blockbuster that made Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neal the definitive heartthrobs of their day.
So why bring it up now? I know it's a tearjerker that by today's standards is the epitome of schmaltz, but on a whim I recently watched it on Netflix, and found myself paying attention to aspects of the film other than its love-struck leads: its fantastic period clothing, style, and snowbound landscapes.
Sources: onlinefilmhome.dk, Lovely's Vintage Emporium
Part of what makes the courtship that much more intense is its juxtaposition against the New England winter. Maybe it's because I'm now on the West Coast but I found myself mesmerized by that beautiful 'dead of winter' and shots of a snow-laden Harvard Yard and Central Park. The palette of dulled browns and whites really takes you back to scenes captured in our parents' yellowing polaroids. It lends a note of freshness and authenticity to the film, especially when contrasted with the bulk of our glossy, plasticized dramas today.
It's also a great background against which to feast on period clothing. :) Since so much of the plot takes place in the winter, we're treated to an abundance of wool and tweed. There are thick Aran sweaters alongside modest turtlenecks, as well as an entire wardrobe of plaid skirts and tweed blazers. Throw in some sporting crimson, and there you have a star-crossed couple.
Sources (clockwise from top left): grafea.com, pinterest, ebay, nuji.com, cottonandcloud.com. Movie stills from fabsugar.com
Sources (clockwise from top left): Burberry Prorsum, Aran Sweater Market, Orvis, Norse Projects Chinos, RubyLane, Accent Clothing, Oscar de la Renta. Movie stills from dvdizzy.com
Following their marriage, Ali Macgraw's character matures into sleeker wools and furs. The cuts are still somewhat 'mod' but the lines are more tailored and elegant.
Sources: Burberry Linmouth Camel Coat, Jigsaw skirt, e4hats.com,
A brief summer interlude takes the New England vibe to a higher level. Now we're talking vintage Cape Cod and Nantucket, with summer whites contrasting against deep tans. Where wool and silk took center stage in winter, the summer fabric is bare skin, and lots of it.
Source (clockwise from top left): Nantucketbrand, French Dressing Olivia Slim Jeans, Macys, Old Navy, fashionandhappify.info, egotailor.com
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