Spring Wardrobe Ideas

I admit, I am kind of a celebrity personal style junkie.

However, with the exception of Carey Mulligan and Kirsten Dunst, I avoid stalking celebs via paparazzi photos. Those two dress too deliciously to resist a creeper-esque peep when inspiration itches. Instead, I comb my Google and Bing image searches for dressed down vintage stars. These often prove hard to come by, but they are there. Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, or Natalie Wood stripped from their iconic glamour in exchange for something more simple equals magic. Here, cropped trousers, cardigans, ballet flats, big sunglasses, and dresses appear, with some jewelry for kicks.

I love these looks. The make their point without fuss. They exude fashion without trying. Rather, they just are. I decided I should look like that this spring. My Minneapolis lifestyle rarely accommodates outfits decked with bells and whistles. For one, I rarely wear stilettos anymore. But I need to edit my wardrobe so it becomes more "me" and less faux-urbanista. I am Idaho. Let's be real.

This, however, I can handle.

Just ... minimal.

Simply pretty

My, it has been awhile, hasn't it? I have been busy working, seeing The Artist, working, building ideas for a new spring wardrobe, working, buying simple treasures like the above "f"-monogram mug from Anthropologie, paying respects to Whitney Houston by blasting her songs, working ... 

~F. 

Danish, Diamonds, Holly, and Cat

"If I could find a real-life place that made me feel like Tiffany's, well, I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name!"

One of my favorite movies, Breakfast at Tiffany's, turns 50 years old today. I found out via this NPR article, which, sadly, does not do the film justice, in my opinion. I feel the author oversimplified the film, but whatev. I always found it a wonderful look at how love and relationships develop, among other qualities. Not to mention Holly Golightly remains such a complex (and fabulous) character.

I will give the author credit, though. That girl who hangs the poster above her bed? It was TOTALLY me! Oh hell, it is still me. The poster lives above my dining room table now.

It also has one of the best endings, as well. I cry every time.


I apologize for the short post. Honestly, after writing two college papers, a short story reference, and several film and book reviews, and several more blog posts on the subject, I am not sure what else to write about Breakfast at Tiffany's --- the book or movie. I feel I exhausted it. Fabulous thing, though. I am happy it exists.

I mean, could I have gotten these babies without Holly's influence? I love that woman. She did everything first.

~F.

Just Being Audrey

Just Being Audrey is a beautiful picture book biography written by Margaret Cardillo and illustrated by Julia Denos. I have read it several times since yesterday, and it has yet to get old. It tells Audrey Hepburn's story with charming prose, and the most exquisite artwork. Seriously, I am addicted to the spreads in this book, and feel so happy I learned about Julia's work via Emma's blog yesterday.

When I observe the children's/young adult literature characters and pop stars I personally do not believe make positive role models, I love knowing this book exists. In a small space, the book promotes being oneself, and being kind to others. This means more than trying to gain popularity, or a boyfriend, or whatever young girls and women constantly struggle with. Even as an adult, I constantly remind myself of this, no matter how "painful" it seems to let go of those who pressure me, or do not appreciate who I am. It is a lovely message connected with one of the most fashionable icons ever.

Anyway, enough of my spew! I am so addicted to Julia's art, I sought out her blog and website. Also, the book's trailer contains more Audrey artwork! So. Utterly. Fabulous.

Audrey Mug and Coaster!!

I picked this set up at a retro memorabilia store in the Twin Cities' Mall of America. It's supposed to be for my new place, but I am using it right now anyway. I had a great time on my trip, and feel even more excited for the move.

I love it. I think it is adorable. I would have bought more than one set, but they were kind of pricey. 

~F. 

Charade (1963)

I am not going to lie. One of the best parts of the romantic thriller Charade is Audrey Hepburn's wardrobe. I always love watching her films and thinking about how she supposedly sported more a jeans and ballet flats look in real life, yet her characters always take the height of glamour. For instance, when her character, Regina Lambert, visits the American Embassy in Paris dressed in an orange, funnel-collared coat, and leopard-print hat, I had to pause NetFlix Instant and say, "Really?" outloud. Who else looks that chic? Who else? I should note Givenchy designed the costumes, and I loved the parallels to Holly Golightly's wardrobe.

Her other main accessory, Cary Grant, only increases this. All right, "accessory" seems a demeaning term, but they look damn good together on screen. Like most first-time viewers, I felt confused about who Grant's character was supposed to be, as he switched and un-switched identities, but I also knew this confusion would culminate in some moment when they, gasp, kissed.

Needless to say, I loved this film. For years, I thought Alfred Hitchcock directed it, but Stanley Donen remains the true deliverer. He creates a Parisian fantasyland where perfect women like Regina become lost in con-men, murdered husbands, and stolen millions. Walter Matthau, in a supporting role as a CIA agent, tries to cover her, but cannot prevent the subway races and rooftop fistfights. And while the twist seems obvious now, I did not see it coming while watching, which to me, spells a strong script. Add a scene with Cary Grant, oranges, and bosoms, and Charade delivers the goods I love in classic films.