The Tourist

Breathtaking scenery, beautiful leads, and Paul Bettany's charming - and genuine - British accent... Despite bad reviews from critics and movie go-ers, I actually enjoyed the movie! Venice has always been one of my favourite European cities. While I didn't travel around in style like Elise (Angelina Jolie's character), watching the Rialto, fruit market by the river, and the crazy pigeons at St Mark's Square come alive definitely brought back many fond memories of my own adventures there!

Apart from immersing in Venice's romantic charm, I couldn't help but notice, admire, and envy how Elise looked in every scene. Ok, of course, she's Angelina Jolie, and Angelina Jolie looks perfect - anyhow. Before dismissing the possibility that we'll ever be able to look like that, I thought - well, actually we can. Yes, I agree that it's unrealistic to not have a single strand of hair out of place in a boat chase, or to be able to sashay through cobbled-stone streets in those killer heels... but here's what I thought are some ways to achieve her look without an entourage of make-up artists and stylists in tow :)

SOLID COLOURS are easy to wear

I love solid colours. They're easy to wear and pair. They're also easy to create different looks with - elegant classic black, chic royal blue, pretty pastel pink, or pristine ivory white. Boring you say? Not if we look out for solid-coloured pieces with the following:

1. Fabric - Little Black Dresses are our safest bets whenever we need to attend a party or formal function. The gown Elise wore to a gala dinner (see bottom left picture) gave a whole new meaning to THE LBD. Despite being all black, layers of silk tulle and net created a soft/feminine feel, while the satin bodice gave a regal look and structure to the gown.

2. Special touches - We can also look out for little touches that can stylize an otherwise typical outfit. How? When we see black suits, we think corporate and boardrooms. Take the black suit (see top right picture) as an example - funnel collar gives a feminine look, 3/4 sleeves makes it slightly less formal, big buttons provide an anchor for overall the outfit.. matched with a string of pearl necklace and black pumps (which are both Essential Accessories) to complete the look.

*Tip: If you love solids like me, take note that types of fabric and special touches communicate a certain look and feel. We can all look good with minimal efforts by playing with fabrics (see top left picture of Elise's simple white silk dress) or selecting pieces which comes with special touches such as puffy sleeves, frills, lace, ribbons etc. Look out for these things the next time you go shopping to save you headache from thinking about how to spice up your wardrobe!

ACCESSORIES are like cherries on a cake

The diamond choker, camel cashmere wrap, crimson scarf, nude elbow gloves/clutch/pumps... Without these items, the outfits could look a little bare, but still passable. Accessories complete the look. They are what differentiates an A+ from an A.

*Tip: If you don't have the habit of wearing accessories, you might find it a chore to have to think of how to match them. Have some of these Essential Accessories on hand to glam up any look: a string of pearl necklace, and pearl studs or short dangling earrings to go with; statement-piece diamond pendant with diamond studs (opt for crystals for budget purposes); black pumps and clutch (have a set of nude too to match lighter colours); silk shawl.

POISE wins the day

I thought that Elise got more attention than she deserved in the film. For some reason, the director had heads turning to look at Elise as she enters in almost every scene. That being said, I can't help feeling that she not only looks good in whatever she wears, she knows she does. Her confidence exudes in her poise and posture.

Or maybe she made us believe that she's confident. Poise can come naturally inside out, yet it can also be trained in a rather technical way. While the nose in the air thing is a bit too much for me, we can learn from her straight back, squared shoulders, chin up, and a deliberate walk.

*Tip: I believe that how we look communicates who we are, how we feel, and what we think of ourselves to the rest of the world. No matter how well-dressed one is, if she is not comfortable and confident of herself, it will show. Love yourself, believe in yourself, and the rest of the world will do the same!

See, it's not that difficult to get Angelina Jolie's look is it? We just need unique solid-coloured pieces, accessories, and to embrace our own style!