This week's film is a treat for indie lovers and Greta Gerwig admirers (I hear there's quite a few). No, it's not Frances Ha, Gerwig's adored and groundbreaking role of last summer. Lola Versus is one of the actress' earlier films—and it makes the most of her coy charm.
Shot in New York and directed by rookie Daryl Wien, Lola Versus is a funny, clumsy coming-of-age saga that, much like HBO's Girls, has "Brooklyn" written all over it. Lola (Gerwig) has a gorgeous fiance (the dreamy Joel Kinnaman), but he leaves her right before the wedding, and just when she's about to turn 30 (ouch). Enter drunken strip-club shenanigans, long conversations with stylish friends, and early lunches with the most fashionable mother in New York, as Lola tries to process her upended life.
The ambiance: Lola Versus is decidedly urban, but everyone looks like they're on vacation. Chilled-out settings, endless coffee shops and an unforgettable scene involving prosciutto are mixed, in a slow-paced collage, with Lola's hardships and adventures. All characters are young or young at heart; all spaces are studio apartments and lofts, the tasteful and cutesy kind—something your close friend could possibly have if her paycheck got tripled. Additionally, there are lots of cute delis and boutiques on display. In short, it's Williamsburg chic at its best.
The style: Gerwig's Lola juggles different styles of denim, from girlie to casual to business-like. One winning combo: a buttoned-down jeans dress adorned with a navy blazer. But Lola also rocks enough flowing sundresses to inspire a summer vacation. Redheaded and fast-talking Alice, Lola's sidekick, presents an edgy alternative, with skinny jeans, slick leather jackets and those shoes Lola can't seem to master—heels.
Watch and learn: True friends match outfits—Lola and Alice often look correspondingly catalogue-worthy and put together, making for a fashionable power-couple. Lola's stylish mom provides a great lesson in sophisticated, timeless chic, with lots of stripes and jeans paired with a flawless no make-up look.
Watch this charming film and let us know what you think about its chic style. And yes, it will probably turn you into a Greta Gerwig admirer—that is, if you're not already.
