Bored to Death's Maritime Oasis

  

Watched another episode of the HBO series Bored to Death tonight. Starring Jason Schwartzman, Zak Galifianakis, and Ted Danson in his best role ever, it's a show I've really been enjoying, love the quirky humor. This episode ("I've Been Living Like a Demented God!") was great, but I actually found myself distracted by the extraordinary New York hotel used in a number of shots.

It's the Maritime Hotel, located in the meatpacking district, which was designed by architect Albert Ledner (a student of Frank Lloyd Wright's) in the 1960s as a residence and training center for employees of the National Maritime Union. The most striking feature is the building's massive round cruise ship windows in which Danson is cradled at the beginning of an episode. There are many other features of this hotel which make it remarkable, and you can learn about all of them at Hotelier International.

  

There's a cool brief post about shooting this particular hotel for the show posted by Brad Carpenter, which you can read here.

Suffice it to say, I found this peaceful modernist oasis floating over views of NYC to be inspiring this evening. I imagine sitting in one of those windows would be calming, like you're gliding over the city with no cares while someone else is at the helm steering the ship. It really was the perfect setting for this episode, with Danson delivering some uncharacteristically poignant lines (don't worry, no spoilers here!). Anyways, here I thought I'd share a few items that give me a similarly calm feel, like something else is running the show and I'm just along for the ride. All inspired by the Maritime Hotel.

pale ocean fine art print by Belinda Kemp $20

Polka dots skirt by JEN $69

Hanging air plant pod by mudpuppy $32

GET THE LOOK: MODERN MARITIME

  

 

 

So after seeing this fabulous hotel, I decided to feature some recent maritime looks.  Below you'll find some great pieces to make your own maritime look, in a more modern, minimalist palette reflecting the exterior of the hotel.  The most essential pieces, in my opinion, being the sailor stripes and the maritime blazer.  Hope you enjoy!

  

  

Aryn K. knit blazer from Piperlime $95

T by Alexander Wang paneled stripe tank from Nordstrom $44

Leather pleat front shorts by ASOS $95

Large circles canvas tote in grey by The Lime Shop $32

Boardwalk Empire: Riveting Earth Tones and the Works of Georges Barbier

First, a little music to put you in the mood...

Sophie Tucker singing "Some of These Days" (1926)

The HBO series Boardwalk Empire is striking for many reasons, but I am particularly fascinated by the art and costume direction.  Both are absorbed with muted color palettes, mustards, olives, and rusts being the most prominent.  Even when pinks and purples are used, they are not rich shades but more washed out pastels.  This is not to say that the show is muted or washed out (which would be impossible considering the plot!) or that he color scheme lacks interest.  In fact, it is always surprising to see how these modest colors seem so extraordinarily vibrant in the setting.  They absolutely jump off the screen!

Georges Barbier (1882-1932) was a painter during the period in which the show is set who often used the same muted palette to similarly astonishing affect.  Below I've paired a few scenes from the show with his works to demonstrate the similarities in color schemes.  Hope you enjoy!

  

  

  

  

  

  

GET THE LOOK: MARGARET SCHROEDER

  

This extraordinary character played by Kelly Macdonald shows the most definitive transitions through her wardrobe.  Initially reserved and a tad frumpy as a struggling immigrant and abused wife, she becomes far more fashionable and bold in her clothing as she herself becomes more assertive and sees her station in life change.  Here's a modern look to capture her transition!

    

  

Olive green cloche by Behida Dolic $450

Backless Dolman Tunic by Lisa Rietz $180

1920s black wool coat with Persian lamb collar from Raleigh Vintage $225

NARS semi-matte lipstick in Jungle Red from Sephora $24

Jean-Luc Picard: Fashion Icon?

I happened to be watching a rerun of Star Trek: The Next Generation a few nights ago.  It was the Season 4 episode "Family" which chronicles Captain Picard's return to his childhood home in France for a vacation following his shall-we-say unfortunate experience as a Borg. I was completely caught off guard though when they cut to Picard strolling a tree-lined avenue wearing what appeared to be a version of harem pants with a pair of flat calf-high military boots.

This has been a look on women lately that I've totally been digging. Who knew Picard was so fashionable?  Just take a look at some of these shots from the past few months for great examples of the baggy trouser and boot look!

      

Which begs the question, since the episode aired in the early 90s, was he (a.k.a. the costume crew) ahead of the time and a source of cutting edge fashion?  Or was he terrifyingly behind the times considering the show takes place in approximately the 2360s?  That would be the equivalent of someone today wearing leggings and a curly, powdered wig from the Baroque era, which certainly goes beyond just being "vintage" fashion! You be the judge!

GET THE LOOK: CAPTAIN JEAN-LUC PICARD

The key to Picard's rustic, minamalist look is solid, earthy tones, with trousers cut loose in the hips and boots that lace-up and rise above the ankles.  Partner these with any baggy t-shirt or cotton tunic, and you're all set to stroll through the vineyards of 24th-century France!  

  

Sheer Harem Pants by Arc Square $69

Vintage Mustard Yellow Trousers from sheHEARTSvintage $15

  

Vintage Brown Leather Granny Boots from Granny's Bootery $43

Vintage Black Military Boots from Stellah's Vintage Groove $60