hollywood glamour · reading list

Reading List: March’s Book

I know that I still haven’t posted the review for January’s book, but I’ll make up for it by posting both the January and February book reviews during the next few weeks. Now, however, I’ll share which book I’ll be reading in March.

After several months of “heavy” reading material, I’m reaching for a lighter read. For March’s book selection, I’m re-reading “How to Be Adored” by Caroline Cox. This Hollywood retrospective gives a glimpse into the beauty routines of former and current movies stars. It also provides a simple guide of how to bring glamour into your every day routine.

It’s been years since I read this one, so I’m looking forward to going through it again. From what I remember, it’s a fun, whimsical read that will help me get back into my glamour-girl routine. I’ve been slacking lately (probably because this weather has been dreadful) . . . But now that we’re going into Spring 2018, I’m looking forward to longer, warmer day and prettier frocks.

art · hollywood glamour

A Glamorous Touch For Your Snail Mail . . .

Recently, the United States Postal Service announced that Hollywood icon and civil rights activist Lena Horne will be honored on a commemorative stamp.

The stamp, depicting Lena with her signature wide and warm smile, is a fitting tribute for a woman that lived a full and fascinating life. I am especially fond of the fact that the stamp depicts a mature Lena (the photo used for the stamp was taken in the 1980s, when Lena was in mid to late 60s).

See the lovely stamp for yourself:

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I’ll be ordering my stamps before they sell out! I advise anyone that’s interested to grab a few sheets and keep at least one of them for your collection. These can be purchased at your local post office or through the USPS website.

 

hollywood glamour · style

How to Dress Like Audrey Hepburn

A few months ago, Christie’s had an enormous Audrey Hepburn memorabilia auction. In fact, I wrote about it during the early days of this blog. The auction featured over 300 items personally owned by Audrey. Given Audrey’s immense popularity, it should be no surprise that the auction generated nearly $6.5 million in sales (4.6 million GBP).

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Photo as shown on Christie’s

If you, like me, weren’t one of the lucky auction winners, take heart. Audrey was a woman of classic taste and many of clothing items sold can be easily duplicated. Here, I’ll share some of the items featured in the auction, as well as my recommendations for recreating the look.

By the way, you may notice that the items aren’t the signature pieces from her films but, rather, her own personal, off-screen wardrobe (with lots of pieces from her later years). I actually like the fact that the pieces are “everyday” chic, because they don’t come across as “costume-y”. But remember, these are Audrey’s clothes: even her “everyday” items are much more stylish than what most people wear.

Without further ado, here are some of my favorite items from the auction as well as items to recreate the look. I found pieces on Boohoo and Amazon, which aren’t expensive but allows you to try a look at a low price. Enjoy!

A Black Silk Crepe Tuxedo and Associated Ivory Wool Crepe Trousers

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Get the look:

Rhea Boutique Double Breasted Tailored Tux Blazer

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This double breasted tux has the same satin lapels but it’s a fraction of the cost of the original jacket. The hem is a little below the hip bone, so it feels more relaxed than formal.

Adana Tie Waist Tailored Slim Fit Trouser

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While the trousers owned by Audrey probably had a less ornate waist, I prefer the less-expensive option. The tie waist adds visual interest when the tuxedo jacket is open or removed. The design of the legs of both trousers are very similar.

 

An Ivory Silk Shirt and Black Silk Skirt

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Get the look:

Molly Tailored Shirt

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This fitted blouse looks great with skirts and pants, and easily goes from the workplace to after hours events. To maximize the Audrey look, wear this with as few accessories as possible.

Savannah Chiffon Pleated Midi Skirt

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Unless you’re extremely thin and a little bit tall (like Audrey), a midi length is more flattering. The flowing design of this pleated dress echoes the movement of the original skirt. However, the texture created by the pleats keeps this skirt from feeling too visually “heavy”.

 

An Oatmeal Wool Trench Coat

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Get the look (click on the image to link to the coat):

This coat has a beautifully detailed shoulder and a charming collar. This could easily mimic the original by replacing the fasteners with oatmeal-colored buttons.

 

A White Cotton Blouse and Matching Skirt

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Get the look:

Elizabeth Boutique Ruffle Tuxedo Shirt

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The detailing along the button placket makes this a good choice for replicating Audrey’s white top. The additional ruffles on the top echo the subtle ruffles on the skirt of the original ensemble. Just remove the black tie and you’re set!

Tall Emily Boutique Tulle Mesh Midi Skirt

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This midi skirt is made for tall girls, which makes it long enough to be an almost-maxi on women of average height. Audrey’s skirt isn’t tulle but it is flowy and a touch longer than midi-length. The simplicity of the skirt works well with the textured top.

hollywood glamour · style

Affordable Hollywood Glamour Series

lovethoseclassicmovies

Dorothy Dandridge, the embodiment of all things glamorous

Once upon a time, I used to cruise the internet in search of any and all things vintage (I still do this, actually). I drew a great deal of inspiration from the glamorous looks worn by Hollywood stars from the first half of the 20th century. They looked so effortlessly luxurious, perfectly coiffed and naturally elegant. I loved everything about how these doyennes of the silver screen presented themselves for the public. They cared about what they wore and who saw them.

biography

The incomparable Hedy Lamarr

When you look at photos of classic actresses, you can’t help but think, “Wow they look great”. They had the benefit of the Hollywood style machine, combing over every inch of their personal appearance to ensure that they looked picture perfect at all times. But even though we know they had LOTS of help, many of us still enjoy the possibility of recreating some of these looks RIGHT NOW.

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The perfectly styled Veronica Lake

I can’t say that I’ve reached that level of dedication, but I aspire to it. As a result, I want to share some of the websites and other goodies that I find help to cultivate a glamorous image.

pinterest

Gene Tierney, an effortless beauty

Now I know that glamour isn’t for everyone, and even for those that are interested in it, it’s not something that they want to employ every day. But for those that do want to dip their toes into the glamour pool, this will be an easy catalog of glamorous indulgences that can be referred to whenever you need to tap into your most stylish self.

thedyingmovierace

The radiant Theresa Harris

So as part of this series, I’ll share posts about makeup, clothing, jewelry, diet, books, and documented daily routines of stars of yesteryear. This is all about creating a more stylish existence for women that are ready to glam up their day-to-day existence. Glamour is fun: let’s all play with it!

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The timeless beauty of Merle Oberon

I hope you all enjoy!

(Photos courtesy of Pinterest, NNDB, Biography, The Dying Movie Race, Love Those Classic Movies and IMDB)

 

 

words of wisdom

Words of Wisdom: Oprah Winfrey

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(photo courtesy of Everyday Power Blog)

As far as modern day women that truly inspire me, I don’t know if there is any living icon that has impacted me as much as Oprah Winfrey.

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(photo courtesy of Goalcast)

A dirt poor childhood, sexual abuse, and occasional career setbacks didn’t hold her back from becoming a media monolith. I love how she parlayed her successful talk show career into a thriving media empire, including OWN (The Oprah Winfrey Network), O the Magazine, Oprah.com, lots of books and an acclaimed acting career.

oprah success stories dot com

(photo courtesy of Success Stories)

For those that don’t remember (or who may not have been aware), OWN was floundering during its first years on the air. But, true to Oprah’s style, she turned it around and it is now a total success, creating inspirational and entertaining programs that appeal to a wide variety of TV watchers.

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(photo courtesy of Goalcast)

My favorite show on OWN (on those rare occasions when I watch TV) is Super Soul Sunday. Oprah’s interviews with thought leaders always leaves me feeling inspired, encouraged and motivated.

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(photo courtesy of PaperBlog)

Oprah has turned her unique appeal into an impressive career and touching legacy. I hope you all have enjoyed these quotes as much as I enjoyed compiling them.

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(photo courtesy of Scoopwhoop)

life curation

Words of Wisdom: Josephine Baker

Happy Monday! As we start a new week, I thought this would be a good time to tap into some words of wisdom. One woman that inspires me tremendously is Josephine Baker.

The effervescent Josephine was talented, stylish, graceful and perfectly poised. The trailblazing entertainer left behind an abusive, impoverished childhood and eventually went on to achieving global acclaim. She decided to live in Paris, France where she experienced the happiness and peace that eluded her during her formative years.

Josephine was not just an entertainer: she was also an activist and doting mother. I find her life and perspectives to be so inspirational. Here are a few Josephine Baker quotes that I thought you may enjoy. Vive La Baker!

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izquotes

(Photos courtesy of Pinterest, APassion4Jazz, and Izquotes)

 

 

life curation

A Word to the Late Bloomers . . .

Happy Monday, beloveds! I want to start off this week with a little encouragement for the “ugly” ducklings that are still trying to find their groove. It’s going to be okay, really it is. You may not know it, but you’re on the cusp of being your best, most amazing self.

I realized that I needed to write this post after talking to one of my fellow late bloomers. We mentioned how much more fun we would have had years ago if we were aware of the tools that could improve our looks and lives. We live in a shallow world: having advantages in the looks department is powerful. But, we were both late bloomers: awkward, conditioned to “fade” into the background, and constantly grasping for our most confident selves.

It took years of reflection, experimentation, and even some harsh critiques, but we’re both looking and feeling our best. Changing our diets, wardrobes, hairstyles, and perspective has done wonders for both of us. We’re finally “pretty” girls, and this side of life has been wonderful. The best thing of all is that being more confident in our physical presentation has led to us meeting more people, and those people eventually discover that our interior beauty – the beauty that never fades – is the most captivating part of us. The “pretty” packaging draws people to us, and those people can get to experience the inner beauty that’s been there all along.

ForHarriet

The inner beauty is always the most import (from ForHarriet)

 

You all have seen my Boohoo hauls (here and here) but you don’t know that I amped up my hairstyling game, too. I recently started setting my hair in Rita Hayworth-esque waves and curls. The attention I’ve gotten has been mind-blowing, especially since my hair is the same length and color: all that has changed is the curliness. I also pared down my makeup, focusing more on intense eyes and less on matte, full-coverage foundation. Again, the attention I’ve gotten is astounding.

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Current hair inspiration, Rita Hayworth (from Allison Barbera Makeup)

 

My advice to any late bloomers is to continue experimenting and have fun on the journey. Looking like an airbrushed supermodel isn’t the goal: finding a look that makes you feel your best is what you should shoot for. Take care of yourself, and be gentle with yourself. You’ll find your lane, I promise.

words of wisdom

Words of Wisdom: Mae West

As you all recall, this month’s book selection is Mae West’s biography. I’ve gotten through the first half of the book and I’m absolutely HOOKED! Mae was quite the dynamo, and her talent, discipline and creativity are inspirational.

Mae’s mix of sexiness, wittiness and charm is one reason why I wanted to feature her words of wisdom. Aside from those things, she was very accomplished and her ability to balance brains and beauty – during a time where women were expected to be one or the other (preferably beautiful), but not both – leaves me awestruck. Here’s some of my favorite Mae West quotes:

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(all pictures from Pinterest)

 

Do you have a favorite Mae West quote that I didn’t include? Make sure to let me know in the comments below!

life curation · reading list

Reading List: October’s Book

Happy Friday, friends!

The month of September is coming to a close and, while I’ll miss the hot days and warm summer nights, I’m kind of looking forward to autumn temps.

This post’s title is a bit of a misnomer: I read way more than one book a month. But, I wanted to share the book I’m most looking forward to reading this upcoming month.

Becoming Mae West by Emily Wortis Leider is on my reading list, and for good reason. Mae West was innovative, creative, and completely in control of her image and career. She lived life on her terms and blazed her own path in a world dominated by men. I admire how Mae used her femininity to open the door, but used her brains to get ahead.

I look forward to sharing what I learned from Mae West’s life. This is a larger book (over 400 pages) so I’m anticipating that it will take me a few weeks to finish it. Fun times!

Any Mae West fans? Let me know in the comments below!