Yes, I am still fixated…

Article Posted on Thursday, November 10th, 2011 at 1:06 pm

I know–The obsession continues. I just can’t help myself! Have you ever seen Sabrina? It came out in October of 1954 so I thought a little Style File would be quite appropriate this time of year. But first, I have always been especially in *love* with this particular scene… just a little something to put you in the mood!

And now for the main event–there are quite a few things we can learn from
Sabrina…

1.) Smile like you mean it! And remember, you are never too old to jump on a bike and go for a ride to brighten up your afternoon.

2.) However, Sabrina was a girl of many faces, and when she needed to be quiet, demure, and let those doe eyes do the talking, she did.

3.) One brother? Why not 2?

Fun Fact: Audrey actually fell in love with costar William Holden during the filming but broke it off when she found out he couldn’t have children.

4.) A little black dress is essential, but don’t forget the accessories: gloves, head dress, cocktail!

Fun Fact: There was quite a bit of drama surrounding the costumes for this film. Hubert de Givenchy was actually responsible for the clothes, which Audrey herself hand-picked from his latest line prior to filming. However, Paramount designer Edith Head won an Oscar for the costume design–the name “Givenchy” was nowhere to be found in her acceptance speech.

5.) It’s not just about accessorizing the little black dress, what about the little black weekend wear? Well, for starters, you could certainly pick up a pair of embroidered slippers!

6.) However, as every Belle knows, your most important accessory is always your pup… or pups as the case may be!

Finally, a Last-Minute Costume Idea I Can Get Behind

Article Posted on Sunday, October 30th, 2011 at 9:57 pm

At my house, we didn’t celebrate Halloween. That house that handed out Jesus flyers with your Tootsie Rolls? That was us. So pardon me if I don’t really see the point in dressing up as a sexy nurse or a sexy pirate or a sexy Big Bird. Big Bird? That’s right: Big Bird. However, in thinking of what I, as a well-educated, well-read adult female in a mutually beneficial relationship, would consider dressing up as for a night filled with tricks, candy and six year-olds dressed up as prostitutes it finally came to me…

That’s right, this powerful symbol of early-90′s womanhood may just be the perfect costume for you. And what better woman to emulate? Taking charge of her life after rehab (or as Lisa taught us to call it: The New Boarding School), she is a woman with fabulous style and a great career, not to mention numerous intelligent men surrounding her. In 1992, chose to keep an illegitimate pregnancy and become a single mother prompting criticism from the then vice president. And in 1997 she battled breast cancer, sparking another controversy when she chose to smoke medical marijuana and talk about the sizes of fake breasts. What powerful She-model shouldn’t garner a little criticism in the public arena now and then? Murphy Brown was pivotal in leading women in the direction of independence, and if you want to do the same, this is your look. Lucky for you, there are only a few simple steps to find Murphy’s signature style.

Lesson 1: There is no such thing as too much teasing. Here in the South we say, “The closer to Jesus, the better we like it,” and obviously Murphy took that heart.

Lesson 2: Button that collar all the way up. Unless you’re celebrating ‘Ladies’ Night with your girlfriends, there’s no reason to show so all that decolletage.

Lesson 3: Of course, if you were up late watching reruns of Miami Vice, you could always pop that baby.

Lesson 4: Garish sweaters will ensure that you never go unnoticed at the office. Better yet? The incomparable sweater vest. I’d suggest doing as Murphy’s done in the picture above and accenting the most random color in the palette and using it in your accessories (Read: Big Earrings).

And finally, when you’re all worn out after a long day of being the most powerful woman in the room, pop your Keds up on that marble-topped table and turn on that ghetto blaster. After all, you deserve it!

I hope now you can trick-or-treat with the blessed assurance that tomorrow morning, no one will be picturing you as a sexy nurse in that 9am meeting. Happy Halloween to all! xo~ Hannah B.

Lessons on being a socialite courtesy of 1936

Article Posted on Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 at 8:00 am

I am a huge fan of William Powell so the other night when I realized that My Man Godfrey was available on Instant Netflix, I just couldn’t resist. Powell costars opposite his ex, Carole Lombard, who he actually recommended for the part of eccentric socialite Irene Bullock. However, as with many Hollywood films around this time, the costumes nearly steal the show…

1. There is a uniform for people of a certain class. Whether it is a night on the town or a party with 300 of your closest friends, a lady of status is expected to wear shine, silk, and fur. This same rule applies when she is going to a city dump to look for a ‘forgotten man’ (or for that matter a goat).

2. While we’re on the subject, one’s silk pajamas should also be chic and versatile… lest one is forced to get up in the middle of the night and meet the queen or go to a 2a.m. cocktail party.

3. Speaking of cocktails, if your new butler knows how to make a good martini, he really needn’t know anything else.

4. After all, it’s a joy to help with the dishes for a socialite. One really should try something new every day.

5. A pouty face is always in the lady’s back pocket. Just in case something terrible happens– or she finds herself in need of attention.

6. Finally, at the end of the day, the lady knows how to get what she wants. She can talk sense into her man simply by properly executing ‘the look.’

xo~ Hannah B.

“Lucy!!!”

Article Posted on Tuesday, August 9th, 2011 at 9:00 am

I don’t know about you, but I spent more of my weekend than I’d like to admit in front of the television this weekend. Well, how could I not with I Love Lucy playing 24 hours a day all weekend on the  Hallmark channel? So in light of that I thought that this week’s style file would be from the centenarian herself: Ms. Lucille Ball!

1.) Whoever said blondes have more fun was dead wrong! Having been many colors of the rainbow myself, I can definitely vouch for the redhead. Despite what Anne Shirley would tell you, everyone should embrace the fun & carefree spirit of red hair at least once!

“Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead.”
~Lucille Ball

Also on that note…

2.) If you are lucky enough to find your signature look young, stick with it. Lucy was not a redhead until she was 32 when she dyed her hair to a flaming red after getting a part in a new MGM picture. However, she was smart enough to know a good thing when she found it and suddenly she went from being known as “Queen of the B’s” (seriously: check out imdb… the girl could own a B movie) to the *Lucy* that we all know and love.

“The more things you do, the more you can do.”

“I’m not funny. What I am is brave.”

3.) Always be willing to try new things. Say what you like about Lucy, but she was never known as ‘timid.’ If only we were all so brave.

“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.”

4.) Play the part of devoted wife. This involves patience with your husband when starts pontificating in Spanish, regular visits to the salon, cute aprons and, of course, putting on your pearls & a fresh coat of lipstick before he gets home!

“How I Love Lucy was born? We decided that instead of divorce lawyers profiting from our mistakes, we’d profit from them.”

5.) No one will ever love you like your pup, so why not have 2?

“The more things you do, the more you can do.”

6.) She may have been a screwball comic, but she was also a great fashionista! Think polka dots, scarves & bedazzled horn-rimmed glasses. Just remember, ladies don’t smoke… and those that do catch their fake noses on fire.

“It’s a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy.”

7.) Share your successes with your friends. While Lucille Ball was initially stand-offish about the casting of Vivian Vance as her sidekick Ethel Mertz, the 2 quickly became friends and remained close until Vance’s death in 1979. (One random fact that’s worth noting: Vance was around Lucy’s age and was really quite a looker so on the show she was made to wear frumpier clothing so that the 2 contrasted a little better.)

“One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’ t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.”

It’s Style File Time!

Article Posted on Wednesday, July 27th, 2011 at 8:51 pm

The other night, Husband and I curled up to watch an old classic I’d never seen before: Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief. As it so happens, it was also my first Hitchcock movie–although I was absolutely in *love* with his pen-drawn silhouette when I was little. The cinematography was absolutely incredible and with 2 icons like Grace Kelly and Cary Grant I couldn’t resist doing a little style file.

1.) I’m pretty sure this particular outfit may have changed my life forever. In one simple outfit, Edith Head, the film’s costume designer, proves that fashion never takes a break. Personally, I too have a fondness for espadrilles (or even dock shoes) in contrast to $2 flip-flops, but what really sends this outfit over the top are the layers. A beach cover-up is what separates the full-time fashionistas from the slouchy beach bums.

2.) Two words: Costume. Jewelry. If it’s good enough for Grace Kelly, it’s good enough for you. I *love* using it to add a bit of something to any outfit–be it a party dress or a glow-in-the-dark tshirt.

3.) As a general rule, I don’t recommend a neckerchief to any man… ever. However on Cary Grant, it is perfection!

*Also worth noting, the adorable classic lamp in the restaurant’s office. Husband needs that in his study.

4.) Whatever happened to men dressing as if every day were an occasion? Of note are Mr. Grant’s tassled loafers, nearly white pants, and oxford with the top unbuttoned to leave a peak of ascot…*sigh*

5.) As much a part of the film as any actor was the scenery. Anyone up for a trip to Cannes?

Back to the Real World with a little Style File…

Article Posted on Friday, July 8th, 2011 at 10:39 am

I think it must be all the weddings. Or maybe it’s the reading I’ve been doing about all those socialites in the 50′s that made a living of being beautiful and having a certain last name. Whatever it is this movie has been running through my mind non-stop, which I can’t really complain about. So how about a few lessons in privileged gentility from Princess Grace…

1.) Stripes are essential, flowers are abundant and a *lovely* accent (plus a little crazy) are essential in Newport…

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2.) The staple of every home is hidden bar. This one pictured happens to pop out from among the library books… that is, if you know which one to choose!

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3.) One never just walks from the dressing room to the pool in their swimsuit. Instead, one glides in a robe that makes them seem like a goddess and disrobes to reveal a suit that is just revealing enough to make  one seem untouchable.

Also of note: Bing’s 2-tone brogues with matching tie and pocket square. That reminds me, if you haven’t seen Mr. Crosby’s dressing room in this movie, you should…

. . . . .

4.) If you are going to get drunk at your engagement party with your ex-husband, be sure to wear something fabulous and act so charming that no one can resist you. After all, you’re “sensational, everybody says so…”

. . . . .

5.) Eventually you will have to go home and sober up. This is best done while wearing a yellow silk kimono and lounging in your impeccably decorated boudoir.

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6.) Finally, and perhaps most importantly, when you do get married the next morning. Be sure you pick the Mr. Right. (*The wedding march jazzed up by Louis at the end of this video never fails to make me smile!)

Oh my! What big eyes you have!

Article Posted on Tuesday, May 24th, 2011 at 9:00 am

1.) If you don’t want to give away the whole show, but still want to look sexy, opt for showing off your back instead of your bosom.

2.) Pair a bare back (or in this case a bare shoulder) with a coy glance and everyone will be wondering about the woman of mystery.

3.) On the other hand, if you want to take back the power, look ‘em dead in the eyes.

4.) Finally, a ladies’ nails should always be done but, for heaven’s sake, if they’re not wear a pair of gloves!

I don’t quite know what to think of this portrait, but I can’t stop looking at it. It seems rather fascinating, don’t you think? Perhaps what we can learn from Ms. Davis in this photo is that when a woman reaches a certain age, they should always wear a crown.

Time for a Little Confession

Article Posted on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 at 10:00 am

I have long admired the style of one Mrs. SJP and I *adore* Patricia Field, however I must confess I haven’t seen more than an episode or 2 of Sex & the City. When the series started I was too young to watch it, but after catching a couple of episodes since getting cable last fall, I think I will be netflixing Season 1. I mean, I myself love sex and one of my goals is to make it to NYC in the next year… so it’s perfect, right? Also, how much do you *love* this closet?!

Can we say: “ICON”!?

The Girl with the Golden Voice

Article Posted on Wednesday, February 16th, 2011 at 9:47 pm

I remember 2 years ago when Adele won the Grammy for best new artist. I’d never heard her before, but I adored her old-school soul and her classic beauty look. Plus, let’s face it– who can resist a red head? So when I was listening to NPR on the way home (I’m a teensy bit addicted) and heard a little piece on her upcoming record, I couldn’t resist the opportunity for a Style File post! There’s a thing or 2 we could all learn from this Spice-Girls-fan-turned-modern-music-icon.

Lessons to be Learned from Adele:

1. When giving a powerful glance, eye liner & false lashes are quite helpful.

2. For life’s biggest events, you can never go wrong with the Little Black Dress.

3. Unexpected nails speak for themselves.

4. Braids are always a good way to mix things up. (Looks like Fashion Week may be taking her cue!)

5. Earrings can be a little unexpected treasure within an outfit, especially when paired with a classic black sweater.

6. Where to begin? I *LOVE* it all! The red houndstooth? The ruffled umbrella? The pink lips? Oh my!

You can oftentimes find little jewels on the NPR website, and this week there are several. You can watch A Tiny Desk Concert with Adele, or hear the short interview from All Things Considered that I was listening to on the way home today. However, perhaps the best thing would be to listen to Adele’s new album, 21, that won’t be released until the 22nd in it’s entirety on NPR’s First Listen! Happy hearing!

xo~Hannah B.

Why the pouty face?

Article Posted on Monday, February 7th, 2011 at 10:31 pm

Presenting one of my grandmother’s all-time favorites: Ms. Clara Bow. She’s known as the original ‘it’ girl because she literally gained popularity in the movie “It,” but she’s also the iconic face of ‘vamp.’

Vamp: A femme fatale character in movies or books. The character is a woman who, while not necessarily attractive, has a certain allure (usually this striking, exotic, overtly sexy glamour), and is usually a heartless, man-eating seductress.

Plus, she had this look…

So without further ado, a few other lessons from the man-eating seductress herself:

1.) Know how to go ‘over-the-top’ every once in a while.

2.) Change your clothes, change your life.
(Although, I have to say, while I *love* Clara, I don’t think clown is ever the way to go.)

3.) Although, backless with a mask and lots of sexy textures is *always* appropriate.

4.) Be willing to go out with the guys every once in a while…

5.) …just be sure to have your pouty face & some lingerie ready for when you get home.

6.) A sexy look, a cute hairstyle and *fab* eye makeup can make your whole day brighter.

7.) But, don’t forget to keep the *fun* parts of childhood and always have the ‘innocence’ card in your back pocket.

Happy Vamp-ing!
xo~ Hannah B.