Hello, Gorgeous!

Article Posted on Sunday, February 19th, 2012 at 8:56 pm

Hope your weekend has been absolutely lovely! Mine was relaxing & productive and filled with champagne & culinary experiments… in other words: delightful! Here are a few random things to ensure that the beginning of your week will be the same.

:: Listen ::

Last week, Husband played this song for me, and I have to tell you that I’ve been listening to Nina Simone ever since. Her voice is transcendent!

:: Read ::

Recently Stefano Pilati, creative director for YSL, did an interesting interview with Vice.com that was eventually titled, “The End of Elegance.” He makes a lot of statement about the fashion industry that I thought were interesting but the one that got to me, and has seemed to make the rounds on twitter this weekend, was this:

My idea of elegance – and this refers to women as well as men – is that someone is elegant when he or she shows a good knowledge of what fits them, where you can find naturalness and self-esteem. Not showing off. Elegance is the idea of showing an optimistic depiction of oneself, and to lose oneself in the frivolity of style and fashion. Nowadays nobody gives a shit about being elegant, or chic. If you’re doing it, you’re doing it for yourself, because it’s your way of being. When you’re not thinking, “This is fashion,” and you’re not buying clothes to create statements, you’re on the right path.

As a Southern Belle who was raised to value elegance above most this makes me so sad. What do you think? Do people still care about elegance? Do you? And, what is your definition of elegance?

(Obviously this subject has sent my mind on a bit of a tangent. You will hear more about this soon…)

{  Rugby //  Red Carter }

:: Dress ::

Ruffles! For some reason, I have become pretty obsessed with this bold, feminine detail lately. If only that swimsuit can a little bigger than size 6. ( /frown / )

:: Do ::

If you’re looking forward to the season finale of Downton Abbey–And, of course, by “looking forward to” I mean dreading the end but too caught up in the story to delay watching it–then you may get a kick out of these Downton Abbey trading cards from VanityFair.com. (The titles are the best part!)

Now, get to bed early and dream sweet dreams!
Here’s hoping your week will be *lovely!*
xo* ~ Hannah B.

Hello, Gorgeous!

Article Posted on Monday, February 13th, 2012 at 5:23 pm

:: Listen ::

On Friday I may or may not have gone on a bit of a Suze Orman kick. Every once in a while, I completely nerd out and go on a tangent You Tubing everything I can about random people. On Friday, it was totally worth it! This little gem is a talk that Suze did for Google employees that is full of helpful hints, especially for younger people. Watch it. Listen to it. Take notes.

:: Read ::

I would argue that there are few skills quite as important as learning to write. These 10 tips from ad man David Ogilvy will truly help you hone the craft.

:: Dress ::

I am happy to report that winter has finally come to East Tennessee! Between the cooler weather and the fact that it is still dark any time I get to go outside, I’ve found myself wearing more and more bright colors. My 2 favorite colorful items of the moment: my new Cole Haans and a pair of yellow cords I got on sale from Loft! Try to work a bright piece into your wardrobe every day this week, and it will truly brighten your perspective.

{ Cole Haan for Me & for Husband // Anthropologie //  Loft}

:: Live ::

Above, I mentioned my new pair of Cole Haan Skylar Oxfords so I simply must take the opportunity to share a really amazing customer service experience I had recently. Last Christmas I bought the most comfortable pair of heels I’ve ever owned and, after 2 wears, I discovered that something just wasn’t right. Naturally, being the social butterfly I am, I posted something on Twitter. @ColeHaanInsider got back to me immediately and let me know that Cole Haan has Restoration Services. So I eventually mailed back my shoes and, as it turns out, they  turned out to just be a bad pair. (When you make as many shoes as they do, it’s bound to happen.) So a couple of weeks ago I got a letter back that reimbursed me so I could get a new pair of shoes. Since then, not only do I have a gorgeous new pair of Oxfords that may be some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned, we’ve also had an old pair of Husband’s wingtips restored. I love that Cole Haan makes shoes that will be your most comfortable (and cutest) pair for years and then are willing to do the maintenance themselves (replacing a sole here and there, etc.) to help you wear those same shoes for years to come.

We both own a few pairs of Cole Haans now, and they are some of my absolute favorites. However, the real point of this story is to encourage you to interact with the brands you love. In the world or Twitter and Facebook, brands can really show their customers what they’re looking at, what they love and also what values they hold dear. I’ve discovered that I really want to support brands like Cole Haan that make customer service a high priority. All that to say, as someone who tries to live a life of intention each day, it’s important to me to take advantage of the ability to communicate with the brands I love.

Hello, Gorgeous!

Article Posted on Monday, February 6th, 2012 at 12:45 pm

Just a little something to start your week of on the right foot. I should be back to regular posting this week so stay tuned! xo~ Hannah B.

: Live :

This morning, this print went on my desktop, and I’m hoping to get the print soon for my office. Let the words of Coco Chanel be your mantra this week…

{ Print by Little Things Studio… *Love* them! }

: Watch :

Last night, while the men were watching the Super Bowl and the ladies were watching Downton Abbey (or wishing they could), CBS broadcast 3 interviews from 60 Minutes with some heroes of mine: Dolly, Anna, and Meryl. If you need a little inspiration to go to work this week, these inspiring ladies will give you that extra little somethin-somethin’ you need to out into the world and ‘leave heel prints on the backs of those that stand in your way!’

: Listen :

During the interview with Dolly, they show a clip of the whole Parton family from the late 70s singing a song that I grew up hearing around the house: In the Pines.

I suppose it must be a mountain thing; the Partons aren’t too far, here in East Tennessee, from where my family is from in the mountains of Virginia. But, if you aren’t from around here,  have you ever heard this song? Or are there others that you remember your family singing around the house?

Starting the Week Across the Pond

Article Posted on Monday, January 9th, 2012 at 1:01 pm

Combine last night’s premiere of Season 2 of Downton Abbey with the dreary weather outside my window this morning, and anyone would be in a British frame of mind. On that note, I thought today’s Hello, Gorgeous! would highlight a few of my current British bookmarks… Enjoy!

:: Listen ::

While most Belles speak with a classic elocution reflective of their region, if you want to have a little fun you may consider downloading this fun little app. It promises to help you speak with that British tongue we all know and love for a mere $4.99! (Available in the App Store.)

:: Read ::

When I was in college I read The Sisters by Mary S. Lovell and became completely entranced with the lives of the Mitford sisters. There was a novelist, a communist, a Duchess and even one sister that became one of Hitler’s companions. Another notable thing about the family? They all wrote letters constantly and remained very close despite political differences and two world wars. This collection of letters, edited by Charlotte Mosley, may be just the thing to help you escape a dreary January night.

:: Dress ::

If you can’t have the gorgeous garb of the Crawley sisters, why not slip into something from Stella McCartney’s Fall/Winter collection? I immediately fell in love with the sheer fabrics and polka dots!

{ Also, on a fashion note, there was a fascinating 20 Odd Questions with the Downton designer herself: Susannah Buxton in last week’s Wall Street Journal. }

:: Live ::

This week, take time for tea. I am coveting one of these restored tea sets from design Christine Misiak… especially this black one. You can read a little about her process and see some more of her restored sets in this 2007 post on the site Dezeen.

. . . . .

Also, I would be remiss if I were to post something British today without wishing the Duchess of Cambridge a Happy 30th!

Didn’t you just *adore* this Alice Temperley gown she wore to the premiere of War Horse this weekend? (Read more on NYMag.com)

. . . . .

Hopefully, this gives you a bit of inspiration to start your week!
xo* Hannah B.

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” but 1st…

Article Posted on Monday, December 12th, 2011 at 9:00 am

:: Listen ::

Every year we decorate our tree while watching one of 2 movies: White Christmas or Holiday Inn. This year, I had to replace both DVD’s (I’m really thinking about never loaning anything out ever again.) and totally lucked out with footage we’ve never seen before of White Christmas! New or original cut, you can’t go wrong with either movie. Also, as a side note, I’d *love* everything Rosemary Clooney wears for Christmas please!

:: Read ::

One of my very *favorite* finds when it comes to Christmas books. Niall Edworthy’s The Curious World of Christmas is just a book I picked up solely based on the cute cover a few years ago and now find myself re-reading the quirky facts and stories of Christmas past again and again. It’s very amusing and makes a fun little coffee table read.

:: Dress ::

This time of year you should never be without that *perfect* shade of ruby lips. I am a huge fan of Mac because it stays on so well and feels great. My color? Russian Red with Brick liner!

:: Live ::

Get out of town! We are so excited to be heading to Chicago this week and the timing couldn’t be more perfect! Feeling a bit overwhelmed with buying gifts, sending cards and visiting family. Why not take a quick jaunt to your favorite city? Booking last minute, we found an *amazing* deal on tickets and a hotel this time around so how could we pass up the opportunity to take a quick escape?

Hello, Gorgeous!

Article Posted on Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 at 8:58 am

Please excuse me for taking an extra day but between the holiday, the turkey, the family and the alcohol (much needed after the former), it was very necessary. Are you too feeling slightly hungover from the holiday? Are you not quite ready to jump into Christmas full force just yet? Well, I’ve got just the thing for you.

I’ve always loved the Muppets, but in the past week I have been on a bit of overload. Late Wednesday night, Husband took me to see The Muppets, and it was even better than I’d hoped. Thus, I bring you a holiday detox full of furry little creatures, fabulous music, and, of course, the Belle of the pigs.

:: Listen ::

If you’re planning on seeing the movie, I’d highly recommend listening to Jason Segal and Nick Stroller, the creators, talk with Terry Gross on Fresh Air. You can tell how much fun they had doing the film, and it cues you to pay extra attention to certain parts. You’ll also most definitely want to download the soundtrack. Although, I’d recommend waiting until after the film so as not to take anything away from the surprises. The super-catchy music was done by Bret from Flight of the Concords, and we have seriously sung the tunes all week.

:: Read ::

When I was little I studied my mother’s copy of Miss Piggy’s Guide to Life as if it were the Bible of being a Belle. Who doesn’t love a beauty queen who lifts mugs of hot chocolate and does pin-up poses to work out? Depressed? Avoid listening to composers whose last name starts with ‘D.’ Need style advice or wondering what to wear on your next international trip? This book has you covered.

:: Dress ::

While we’re on the subject of Piggy (because, let’s face it, you totally knew that’s where this post was headed), why not talk about a key element of her style that we can incorporate in our wardrobes right now? The leg warmer. Perfect for both Miss Piggy’s Aerobique workout as well as her Snackcercise routine.

:: Live ::

Finally, looking to add a little more Belle to your correspondences this holiday season? Why not take a cue from Miss Piggy and use a little French. (Note: Using it correctly is not all that important, as long as you do it with confidence!) Incorporate words like trés, moi, and teensie weensie (not French, but you get the idea) into your Christmas letters to keep readers on their toes and make them feel blessed by having such a classy friend!

Bonus! An extra little moment in which Miss Piggy plays the ultimate Belle of Tara…

Hello, Gorgeous!

Article Posted on Monday, November 21st, 2011 at 9:00 am

:: Listen ::

If you downloaded a copy of my Thanksgiving ToDo list, you know that I suggest gathering some background music before your guests arrive on Thursday. You can subscribe to my Thanksgiving playlist by clicking here.

:: Read ::

I *love*  David Sedaris so I thought this week, as a little treat, I’d pull out his holiday classic: “Holidays on Ice.” It may not be Jean Shepherd but I think you’ll still like it!

:: Dress ::

To me, Thanksgiving week is the dawn of the Tartan season. So pull out those brightly colored plaids and get in the spirit! My favorite picks this season are from Rugby by Ralph Lauren.

{ Rifle Paper Co. //  Kate Spade // Etsy }

:: Live ::

There’s no time left to procrastinate, this is the perfect time to order your Christmas cards! I usually try to get ours out the first week in December because if we wait too long, they’ll be forgotten in the hustle & bustle of the season. While you’re at it, I’d also recommend stocking up on Thank You notes. There’s no time like the present.

Hello, Gorgeous!

Article Posted on Monday, November 14th, 2011 at 9:00 am

:: Listen ::

This time of year, I find myself transitioning our music selection to things that are a little more in the spirit of the season. While I listen to Christmas music year round (dangerous, I know), in November I usually pull out the Tchaikovsky. He’s one of my very favorite composers–think Swan Lake, the Nutcracker, and half the music you hear while shopping in an organic grocery–and there’s something about the spirit of his music that just sings “warm, holiday home” to me. You can click here to listen to a great collection of his music that I found on Spotify. I even made a list so you can subscribe to it if you like!

:: Read ::

This is also the perfect time to pull out the Kate Spade books–also known as the holy trinity for the modern woman. I actually have put Occasions on my wishlist, but my sweet husband has given me the other 2 books on different occasions, and they quickly became well-loved staples in my library. Wondering what to wear to a cocktail party? or on the plane? Wondering how to introduce yourself to a stranger at a party or keep up a written correspondence? These little books have answers to most of your modern, P&Q conundrums, plus they’re full of beautiful illustrations!

:: Dress ::

This week, indulge a little. Last week Husband suggested I get a French manicure and, as we are trying to save money at the moment, I thought I’d try to do it myself. As it turns out Essie’s Blanc and Adore-a-Ball plus a steady hand can make for a lovely manicure that cost a quarter of the salon price.

:: Live ::

Recently, I had the pleasure of spending an absolutely *perfect* Fall afternoon with my friend Kate, who you may know from her blog: Southern Belle Simple. We ate at a *lovely* cafe in Sequoyah Hills called The Plaid Apron, and then we were off to an estate sale where I’d say we scored! Her great find of the day (not pictured) was the record for Gone with the Wind, which I have a feeling will be joining the many other Southern goodies that adorn the walls of her home very soon. She also found some great serving pieces for entertaining over the next few months. As you can see, I was purely in a self-serving mood choosing an incredible assortment of records ($.50 each… note the Tchaikovsky!), an old Jackie O. cover, 2 silk scarves I can’t wait to pull out, as well as a silver piece that I’ve been on the lookout for for a few months. I have just the place for it!

All that to say, if you get the chance this week, take time to spend the afternoon with a girlfriend! Explore a part of your city you’ve never been to. Try a new restaurant or a new cocktail. And look for some fun pieces at an estate sale that will brighten up your holiday entertaining! We found some amazing bargains, and I know you can too!

Hello, Gorgeous!

Article Posted on Monday, October 24th, 2011 at 1:03 pm

:: Read ::

As I believe I’ve mentioned, Fifth Ave, 5AM has recently been on my bedside table. I’m completely wrapped up in Audrey Hepburn, as I’m sure you noticed if you followed my pinterest boards over the weekend. So on that note, today’s *Hello, Gorgeous* is a little more stream of consciousness but a perfectly-Audrey-way to start your week nonetheless!

:: Listen ::

Confession: I cannot get over the latest  video from Beyonce. It is stunning. I love all the different style references: Audrey, West Side Story, London Mod, Flash Dance; in fact, there’s a really amazing guide to the references on MTV.com right now. Of course, you can guess my favorite look!

And on that note, we simply *must* watch the dance from Funny Face. Although, I have to tell you, I like the Gap commercial version better than the original…

:: Dress ::

Inspired by Audrey, I found the perfect modern-Belle version of this outfit at JCrew… Simply mix the Minnie Twill pants with a tissue turtle (I want one in every color!), and those to-good-to-be-true Darby glitter-toe penny loafers!

:: Live ::

Finally, a few words of wisdom to hold in the center your mind this week…

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others;
for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness;
and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.
~ Audrey Hepburn

Hello, Gorgeous!

Article Posted on Monday, October 17th, 2011 at 1:00 pm

:: Listen ::

I have seen some of the most amazing typographic art lately! This re-imagined opening sequence for 1974′s Great Gatsby by V Tzaj is magical!  (*via The English Muse)

:: Read ::

I suppose that sequence put me in the Great Gatsby / Jazz Age / flapper state of mind. For one thing, it has definitely made me want to pull out my F. Scott Fitzgerald books. I’m thinking The Great Gatsby and perhaps some short stories? (click here to see the source for the edited page above)

:: Dress ::

My interweb friend Jess makes the most *divine* hairpieces that she sells in her shop: Linda’s Vintage. Each piece is named after a lovely lady of the past and the shop itself is named after Jess’ grandmother… Isn’t that sweet? (P.S. The piece above is called the Norma Shear!)

:: Live ::

If you really want to get into this Jazz Age frame of mind, perhaps the best way is to put on some of the music; Jazz produced prior to 1950 is my particular favorite! Might I suggest you spin a little Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, or Bessie Smith this afternoon?