Milla Jovovich in Resident Evil

Who doesn't love a girl who kicks butt? That's probably one of the reasons I love Milla Jovovich so much. She has so much energy and is so beautiful while playing action-oriented heroines. As "Alice" in the Resident Evil movies, adapted from the video games, she fights the zombie-like creatures created from the T-virus. While not entirely practical (those straps would have to be glued down not to slip off her shoulders and her mini skirt would be scrunched up around her waist), Milla's action outfit from the first Resident Evil film is distinctive and looks like she means business. Of course, it could also be the fact that she's holding a gun in each hand and her facial expression reads "Try me."

Once again we'll work from the top down, starting with the dress. With price and accuracy both high in my mind, I chose the Asymmetrical Camisole Dress by Bal Togs (sold on Amazon for $45.60). The dress was slightly difficult to find as most of the ones that had the exact "look" were $150 and up - and you'd still have to cut up the front/side. It seems like a shame to ruin something you'd pay so much money for. I also like this dress for the practical side - it's made for dancing so whether you're fighting off flesh-eating zombies or walking through the mall it'll stay in place.

The skirt was a lot easier to find. I chose the Interlock Mini Skirt from American Apparel ($25.00). I liked this skirt because you can alter how mini it is by rolling it up or even cutting the bottom and also you have the choice of getting a black one or a purple one (I am not sure if Milla's skirt is black or a very dark purple - I've seen both). I personally like the purple option. This skirt could also be reused in different outfits since it's a basic item.

I LOVE boots. They have such a variety of uses - from a fashion staple or protection in butt-kicking. Milla wears black boots that stop a few inches below her knees. I was conflicted in making a decision about boots for this outfit. The first option (on the top), and the more budget-conscious option, is the Denzel Shoe by Naturalizer ($75.99). These boots aren't perfect but they're a good fit if you can't afford option #2: the Waterproof Leather Flat Boot by Sudini ($199.95). Sudini's boots are fantastic. Not only do they look just like the ones Milla wears but they're very practical. They're waterproof and are good quality so they'll last - you can also pair them with many of the outfits already in your closet. So there we have it. Now you can go save the world and look cute doing it, too (don't forget to practice your tough facial expressions). The total for this outfit (before tax) with boot #1 is $146.59 and with boot #2 is $270.55. The guns are up to you.

Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday

I first saw Roman Holiday (1953) starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn a few summers ago while flipping through old movie channels. It's a classic movie that places Audrey as a princess tired of her confining life so she runs away while in Rome and is found by Gregory Peck, who plays an American news reporter. Audrey Hepburn is known for her trademark beauty and she shines brightly in this film. Therefore, the first outfit I have chosen to recreate is her exploration outfit. It is a simple outfit, consisting of a light blouse, khaki skirt with a wide belt, and strappy, lace up sandals. We'll work our way from the top down.


I chose the Short Sleeve Solid Stretch Shirt ($44.50) from Eddie Bauer for the blouse. Audrey's shirt in Roman Holiday is not a slim fit, which was the problem that I found with most of the blouses that I looked at. This blouse, however, has a nice loose shape and still has sleeves long enough to roll up to complete the look.
The defining shape from this outfit comes from not only Audrey's characteristically miniscule waist, but also her wide belt cinched snugly at her natural waistline. The blouse is tucked into the belt and skirt and pulled out a little at the top edge of the belt. The belt was one of the more difficult aspects of this outfit. I couldn't seem to find the perfect one but the best option I settled on was the Antonio Melani Patent Leather Belt ($18.00) from Dillards. The next item is the skirt. I didn't have to search for very long to find one that was very nice for the purpose: the Merona Sateen Pleated Skirt ($19.99) from Target. It has a good shape with plenty of room and pleats. Although it seems to be a bit shorter than Audrey's, which hits mid-calf rather than right below the knee, I tend to find that when a store advertises something as just below the knee it hits me mid-calf (I'm 5'4" - this also makes finding nice capris a challenge because they end up looking like high-waters on me!). The last item, the shoes, were also a bit of a challenge. I chose Clarks Seagrass ($39.99) strappy sandals from Piperlime. Not only were they the closest item I could find but they're also super cute to wear everyday. An added plus is that they have a short strap that ties up your leg - some people go crazy with longer straps and it's just not a pretty sight unless your dressing as a gladiator for Halloween.

That comes to $122.48 (not including sales tax) for the entire outfit - not bad for an entire outfit and all of the pieces can be easily integrated into other outfits with clothes you already own. Well I hope everyone in the US has an awesome Labor Day and everyone else has a fantastic Monday!