Style Inspiration ~ Once Upon A Time's Mary Margaret Blanchard

One of the more bemusing aspects of walking to class on a college campus is the sight of what I find myself calling "amassed fashion clones".  There seems to exist a disconnect between the ideal of fashion as a mode of self-expression and the reality of fashion as a mode of wearing that which everyone else seems to be wearing.  In the case of many young women at the university I attended, everyone else seemed to be wearing leggings--which they inexplicably considered a substitute for pants--with giant t-shirts and sneakers.  To clarify, I don't necessarily mean to criticize this trend; while it's far from my own style and I find it simultaneously immodest and unflattering, my present argument is not against the style itself, but the fact that it has become a bizarre sort of uniform for young women.  For this reason, I feel particularly inspired when I come across people whose clothing style stands apart from current (and fleeting) fashion trends. 

An obvious way to explore different styles is through watching movies and television shows.  As an avid watcher of both film mediums, I find that my eyes often feel bombarded with images, and not all of them positive.  Therefore, I was pleased to come across ABC's Once Upon A Time, whose content and imagery is neither offensive nor vulgar.  Furthermore, I instantly fell in love with both Snow White/Mary Margaret Blanchard (played by the beautiful Ginnifer Goodwin) and her wardrobe.  Her "real-life" counterpart, always dressed in a classic and feminine manner, never fails to accent her outfit with a touch of whimsy that perfectly alludes to her true identity. 

Below is a photograph of Goodwin on set in Blanchard's lovely apartment (which deserves a post in its own right, it's so lovely!).  I think that it serves as an accurate example of how this character generally dresses. 

Additionally, I found myself intrigued by Blanchard's winter wardrobe.  While I'm well aware that we're in the midst of a very warm spring (at least on the east coast, anyway), now is a great time to purge one's winter collection and keep one's eyes open for discounted winter clothes.  Mary Margaret serves as a reminder to me that one needn't dress in muted colors just because the natural surroundings do!  If you're like me in that you cannot and/or are unwilling to buy multiple winter coats (as shown below), accessorizing is always an option for the thrifty shopper!  I'll be on the look-out for scarves and a hat or two, myself.

Have you seen Once Upon A Time?
If so, who is your favorite character? 
Is there a style to which you're particularly drawn?

Literary Inclinations ~ Tolkien and the Art of the Fairy Tale

I have always loved fairy tales.  As a child, the classics fueled my rampant imagination.  As a teenager, I foolishly shut them inside a rather shabby mental box labeled "Youth," their influence then a mere whisper in daydreams during car rides to and from school.  Now, in my early twenties, I have ripped open that old box and let the tales run wild in my mind, so that driving has become time relished as an opportunity for adventure.

When I feel the need for channeling my imagination while I drive, I often turn to audiobooks.  My fiance (then boyfriend) graciously lent me his typically well-preserved copies of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings on CD when I expressed mild disgust and intense frustration with the music on the radio and my own lack of digitized music some time ago, and I have slowly made my way through them over the last year or so during my daily commute to the local university.  While I strongly favor the physicality of a book over a book read on a screen of some sort, I must say that I do so enjoy listening to audiobooks.  While the element of personal preference obviously influences my opinion, I think that there is certainly something to be said for the auditory medium as a way to tell a story, particularly with regard to Tolkien.  In my opinion, hearing his fanciful descriptions of characters, battles, and scenery serves to accentuate their vibrancy.  
  
As a lover of all things Tolkien-related, I remain on the look-out for articles, creative pieces, videos, etc. created by or about this author and his work.  I came across today's featured article just recently, and found it both enlightening and reassuring.  In addition to the eloquent excerpts of the man himself, the author includes many, varying, and delightfully whimsical fairy tale illustrations.

So, without further ado: J. R. R. Tolkien on Fairy Tales, Language, the Psychology of Fantasy, and Why There’s No Such Thing as Writing “For Children”.

How do you define a fairy tale?
What is your favorite fairy tale, and why?

Welcome! ~ An Introduction.

"Life isn't long enough to do all you could accomplish.  And what a privilege even to be alive.  In spite of all the pollutions and horrors, how beautiful this world is.  Supposing you only saw the stars once every year.  Think what you would think.  The wonder of it!"

-Tasha Tudor

Welcome to Tinuviel's Dance, a creative space inspired by my love for. . .well, so many things.  First and foremost in my life works God, ever-present and unchanging.  Second is my love for the literary, which has played a prominent role in my life since I learned how to read.  Gardening, art (history), crafts, cooking, baking, fashion, and writing have also taken a place in my heart of hobbies.  If you have any interest in one or more of these subjects, you've come to the right place!  My goal for this blog is that it become a forum for meeting new people, engaging in dialogue, and exchanging ideas among those with not only similar interests, but also similar values.  I strive for integrity in my life and authenticity in my work, and I hope you feel comfortable commenting in the same spirit.     

Wishing you a blessed Easter season and a happy Memorial Day!