Sartorial Lit | The Victory Tour Fashion Inspiration

Sartorial Lit is a feature at Novel Days that combines fashion with fiction.

Dear Blue:

Happy Cyber Monday! I hope that you had such a blessed Thanksgiving, and that if you chose to come out with the hordes of people seeking sales on Black Friday, that you were safe. 

I spent loads of time with family, ate pretty much everything, and was surprised with a third showing of Catching Fire (I didn't plan it, I promise! I've got an estimate of two more showings with my Dad and a Friend...What?! I promise I'm not crazy!). With each viewing, something else pops out at me that I may have missed. Yet, each time, the one thing that stood out clearly was that if I had access to Katniss' wardrobe, I would jump in, and no one would see me ever again! 

I tend to be a person who can see loads of possibility for my summer wardrobe. It's light, airy, and you don't need to shield yourself from often frightening cold. However, over the last few years or so, I've come to realize how possible it is to be fashionable, stay warm, and be comfortable all at once. I love over-sized sweaters, and cowl necks, and huge scarves, and what do you know, Trish Summerville, the costumer for Catching Fire, loves them too! Here's what I found whilst perusing Polyvore for Victory Tour Inspired looks:

Catching Fire coloring ranges from mutes to vibrant reds. It's quite a somber story that Trish Summerville so expertly executes by allowing wardrobe to correlate with Panem's District muted spectrum of colors. It goes without mentioning that Katniss' Capitol Couture is the stuff of dreams, but I found myself drawn to her wardrobe in the Victory Tour as it most links with the clothes you and I might wear on an everyday basis. Trish Summerville has such talent in showcasing Katniss' new status as victor through wardrobe, while capturing her character so that nothing seems over done as it might in the Capitol. I loved Katniss' asymmetrical knit sweaters, leather/knit combos, coats with huge collars and cowl necks. You can pair either of these items with form fitting jeans, or quality made leggings, and leather boots. Can you feel that, Blue? The feeling of a rainy Saturday, with your favorite comfy sweater and a Gingerbread Latte? (I never liked Gingerbread Lattes, but Starbucks' new recipe is not to miss!).

The most coveted item in Katniss' wardrobe seems to be her Cowl Neck wrap! I wish that I could find one in stores, but at the same time, I feel that this wrap, along with every other knit piece, captures a District 12 handmade spirit. It would probably mean a whole lot more to you if it were handmade, be it by you, or someone else. Etsy has a few listings for this shawl (1 |  2-Pattern), and if you're more ambitious (I'm looking at you Gabbie), one of my good friends, Casee, sent me the link to Ecouterre's free patterns for it. Does this pattern seem like a novice could dive right in? I'd love to know. (I was unable to find an adequate translation for Katniss' reaping suit, which I adore. Also her knit nightgown worn during the beautiful scene where she asks Peeta to stay with her after having a nightmare. If you find something, please, drop me a tweet :-).

{ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4}

One of my favorite pastimes is collecting subtle bookish accessories. Of course, I swoon over Hot Topic's movie merch like every other fan out there, but, there's something about wearing accessories, and ascribing meaning to it that won't automatically call you out as that crazed Hunger Games Fan! If you love bookish accessories, Etsy is literally a treasure trove of special trinkets to boast your lit love. In terms of recreating some of Katniss' iconic looks, I would pair my outfits with burnished golds, silvers, metallic's. Simplistic items that aren't overly gaudy or dripping in sparkle. Antique lockets like the one above which has freeze dried rose petals and baby's breath inside of it (How poetic is that?). Incorporate pearls with a twist of burnished metals, or simplistic bow and arrows. They're all just enough to fan over, but not enough to make you look a bit odd at work.

Once again, I hope that you enjoyed Catching Fire as much as I did, and I pray you have a wonderful week, Blue!

Love,

Fangirl | What Did I Just Watch?!-Catching Fire Film Review

Dear Blue,

....

....

Hear that, Blue? That's my awed silence in wake of Catching Fire! After so many horrible YA adaptations, I've learned not to have much of an expectation, but Lionsgate continues to show the whole of the film industry how these films should be made! They've managed to step up their game without over sensationalizing it because of a larger budget. Grab your mom, dad, your friends, siblings, coworkers and go see a spectacular two hours and some odd minutes of awesome! I left the theater in a haze of excitement that could only be remedied by second viewing yesterday! Both of the audiences I sat with irrupted in applause at least three times during the film...that says loads.

It goes without saying that Jennifer, Josh, and Liam did an absolutely fabulous job of capturing the maturation and, in Katniss and Peeta's case, the post traumatic stress of surviving The Hunger Games. Jennifer always thrills me with how true her emotions are during heartwrenching scenes. 

Much of my delight came from the new cast of characters we meet in Catching Fire. Jena Malone is Johanna Mason. She is one of the characters that my cousin, Ash, and I turned to each other raving about how spot on Lionsgate is when casting characters. Jena captures Johanna's fierce and rebellious spirit so so well (Edit: that Elevator scene. Classic)! Lynn Cohen as Mags...absolutely adorable! Of the new characters the one that most surprised me was Sam Claflin's portrayal of our seafaring warrior Finnick (Isn't it awesome that we may have varying opinions of Peeta and Gale, but everyone's on Finnick's team?!). Sam, quite frankly, blew my mind as Finnick. He brought that smooth confidence, sex appeal, and vulnerability that shows through the cracks in his armor. In Love. Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee, genius. It was during his discussions with President Snow that the hair all but raised on my arms. So chilling and deceptive.

Can I say that I would wear every single outfit that Katniss dons during the tour? (I feel a Sartorial Lit post coming on for this). The Wardrobe department blows minds and steals hearts with each scene. Johanna Mason's dresses are so beautiful, and Katniss' wedding dress...that's obvious! I loved Peeta's regal suits. I loved how they were slightly asymmetrical, and imaginative in the sights of the Capitol, and yet slightly downplayed, and debonair, reflective of Peeta's character.

Catching Fire sets were beyond gorgeous. The capitol seems more overwhelming than before, reflective of the higher stakes in this sequel. The arena is beyond what I could've imagined. It holds a startling beauty, that beguiles as much as it threatens. Loved it. And the film score....my gosh it's golden!

I wish that I could say more, but, I'd hate to throw spoilers your way. Oh the Everlark feels, Blue stocks and ties *cries*. Emotions run high in this film, every hurt so fresh and heartbreaking. 

Just, go see it. It's one of the best movies this year.

(Edit: My only problem with this movie: Gale kisses. Really Gale?)

I am, most respectfully, (hugs and points to everyone who can pinpoint where this comes from :-).

Fangirl | Catching Fire Trailer Reactions

Dear Blue:

Happy Hump Day! I hope that you are well, my friend.

You're probably wondering: The Catching Fire trailers released some months ago...where are Britta's rants? Even though I'm years late with my reactions to the three monolithic trailers, don't think I haven't rolled around the floor in sweet agony like you probably have! I think they may have released the trailers backwards,  but each have fully exceeded my expectations. I can barely talk about it without becoming excited and swallowing down tears!  Instead of going over each one, I figured why not smush them together and head to town. 

Let's talk about acting for a second: 

Did we not luck out with this beautiful all star cast? I'm not sure I've ever experienced a cast in a young adult adaptation that are so well suited to their roles. Oh my gosh. Every single emotion that can be gathered from Catching Fire is portrayed in these three trailers by every actor so beautifully that I almost forget Jennifer, Josh, Liam, etc., and only see the story. How many YA films do we get like this, guys? I can't tell you how much I appreciate a YA adaptation that is thoughtful, serious, and not dumbed down by sappy romance (I love a good romance, but too many times producers turn something beautiful into a joke. That bothers me.), merchandise on every street corner, Team arguments. Could a finer actor than Donald Sutherland have played President Snow? I think not. "Her entire species must be eradicated..." gives me chills, and makes me more than a little ticked off. Seeing the emotion in the arena from the final trailer, released last Sunday, had me shaking my head long after I'd finished my tenth viewing of it. The scene with the Jabberjays, and Katniss and Peeta...my gosh. After watching THG, I thought that Josh played Peeta wonderfully, but I wondered if he would be able to pull off the full transformation that Peeta endures over the series. The Jabberjay scene removed any reservation I had. I'll be in tears, and hugging you wherever you are.

On Effects/Settings/Costumes: 

I thought that they did a phenomenal job translating this aspect of the series in the last film, but boy have they upped the ante in Catching Fire. I remember when the photos first released of Effie, Katniss, and Peeta...they looked so beautiful. Cinna's Mockingjay gown...I literally cried during the scene where her wings unfurl (lots of tears in this letter, I know). And Peeta's suit though...his suit!! Freaking, yes! The Capitol seems all the more overwhelming in this film, and seeing as Catching Fire takes us a bit deeper into Capitol politics, it seems very well portrayed in the trailers. I believe it was one of my favorite booktubers Polandbananasbooks who noted that Victor's Village looks a bit like a cemetary...great comparison. Victor's Village is, in someways, paved with the blood of the other tributes-- it's cold, and I'm looking forward to experiencing it on film. Especially the little snippet we have of Peeta and Katniss having to act for the camera's that seem to pop out of the ground in Victor's Village. How creepy is that? They don't even need to pay paparazzi anymore. (*rolls eyes, gesturing to the Capitol*).

On the Soundtrack

This is the only aspect of the film that's disappointing me a little. I was all on board when Coldplay released Atlas. It's a gorgeous song, but it also made me a little worried. A lot of people expressed disdain for THG soundtrack because of its somber undertones, but that's part of the reason I loved it so much. It was quiet, folky, acoustic, and more importantly accomplished capturing the undertones of the book. I'm not sure that Catching Fire's soundtrack does the same, or it's possible that I'm just a sad sack in need of another tearful album. That being said, there are a lot of bands on the soundtrack that I haven't heard of, so I'll have to give it another listen (But, I'm almost sure its not as vinyl worthy as the last film. Yep, I've got that vinyl).

Are you pumped for the movie yet? I am. I've gotten my cousins Mockingjay pins, I've figured out my glamazon Catching Fire themed eyeshadow, and I'm primed to don this uber awesome tee from Hot Topic. I'm set and ready to fly. 

What do you think of the trailers? 

P.S.- Happy early holidays. The red cups are back at Starbucks...run for a Caramel Brulee latte!

Hugs and love,