Vintage Style Files

Posts Tagged ‘Audrey Hepburn’

What would Audrey Do? Enter the contest to find out!

Monday, May 5th, 2008

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Well, I’ve certainly been neglectful in my blog postings since I was stricken with some hideous respiratory ailment that made my head feel like it was full of cotton for about 10 days.  But before my symptoms had progressed to the point that I couldn’t think straight, I was able to read a great book called "What Would Audrey Do-Lessons for Living with Grace and Style"  It is written by Pamela Keogh who also wrote "Jackie Style",  "Audrey Style" and "Elvis Presley-the Man, the LIfe, the Legend". And now I’m back to tell you, though this book is entertaining and helpful for woman of all ages, it should definitely be required reading for all the young women who think Britney Spears and Paris Hilton are worthy of emulation and/or who aspire to be in  "Girls Gone Wild" video to show everyone how liberated they are.

Not only does the book offer many interesting facts about Audrey Hepburn’s life, it is also a guide that will help you navigate through life situations in the way she would have handled them, with charm, graciousness and class.
The author offers up classic style tips that can easily be applied to modern day fashion, advice on romance, travel, diet, exercise and beauty tips all inspired by the most famous fashion icon of the 20th century.

From the book, here are examples of Audrey’s lessons in loveliness:

*Dating advice from the woman who enjoyed romances with John F. Kennedy, William Holden and Albert Finney

*What made her an icon, and how to apply her style choices to 21st century clothes, makeup and accessories.

*Raising children, trying to raise husbands and making home life balanced in every way.

*How to travel, what to pack and maintaining your cool on the road.

*Long before Angelina and Bono got all the press, Audrey was the first celebrity to use her renown to help others around the world.

*Insight into her rich interior life and the discipline, intelligence and generosity that made her so compelling.

"In an era fraught with selfishness, flamboyance and sensational headlines, Audrey as a role model is precisely what the world needs now."

I couldn’t agree more!

And here’s your chance to get a FREE COPY!

The publishers will be giving away several free copies in an random drawing. To enter the contest, the entrants must send an email that includes their mailing
address to: duttongotham.marketing@us.penguingroup.com and write What Would Audrey Do in the subject line. Contest deadline is May 31, 2008.  Best of luck!

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Posted in Recommended Reads | No Comments »

How to Smell Like a Star

Thursday, April 24th, 2008

Came across this interesting site called Perfume Shrine that has an extensive compilation of the favorite perfumes worn by famous film stars.  Included is a  list of "Old Hollywood" actors and actresses and the vintage scents they preferred, many of which are still available today.

For instance,  some of Audrey Hepburn’s faves were Joy, Femme Rochas, Le De Givenchy and L’Interdit, which was originally made for her.  They’re all feminine florals with either fruity or spicy undertones, what you could definitely envision her wearing.

Of course I think pretty much everyone knows Marilyn Monroe was famous for wearing Chanel #5 to bed.

Bette Davis also liked Le De Givenchy. It was her signature scent.

Gina Lollabrigida liked Shalimar, an exotic spicy scent that’s a perfect choice for her.

The Latin sex siren, Dolores Del Rio,  wore Estee Lauder’s Youth Dew. She brushed the dark, earthy, inviting fragrance into her hair.

Jean Harlow wore Mitsouko and according to this site her husband was found doused with it when he committed suicide.

Jayne Mansfield-My Sin, Arpege and Shocking Schiaperelli

Both Elizabeth Taylor and, believe it or not, Frank Sinatra wore Jungle Gardenia!

James Dean- Knize Ten, a scent considered powerful, complex and intriguing. Sounds appropriate!

There’s much more, accompanied by many interesting facts. It’s also fun to Google the different fragrances to see if the ingredients seem to match the  personalities.  This site is also a great way to make a choice if you’re looking for a vintage fragrance and would like to smell like one of your favorite classic film stars!

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Posted in Celebrities | 2 Comments »

Tis the Season to be Swanky

Thursday, December 6th, 2007

The holidays are a very nostalgic time of year.  So why not entertain in classic style with an old fashioned retro cocktail party?  There are plenty of helpful decorating tips, and food and drink recipes all over the internet to ensure you pull off the swankiest party on the block.

The Party Merchant  has tons of supplies to help you set the mood.  They also include a some great retro theme ideas , including food and drink suggestions.

From Bon Appetit Magazine, yummy appetizer recipes for a 50s cocktail party remixed for the 21st century.

Another stop should definitely be Martini Art , where they sell everything you need to shake and stir your way to cocktail nirvana.  There are also tons articles with party tips .  I love their suggestion of having your guests do a holiday gift exchange where everyone brings a unique martini glass. Sure beats the cookie swap they have in my neighborhood every year! They’ve also got a  great selection of gifts for the martini lover in your life. 

Blue Flame Martini Gift Set

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Cocktail Cologne Set for the person who enjoys wearing the scent of their favorite alcoholic beverage.

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Martini Pinup Magnet Set - A great stocking stuffer!

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And of course it wouldn’t be a retro party without some  swanky lounge music.

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Don’t forget cool atomic style party invitations from Rock Paper Scissor  and make sure you let your guests know only their finest vintage style cocktail wear is acceptable attire!  A black and white dress code is always very classy.  Women should channel Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffanys.  And for men, think Sean Connery as the original James Bond.

 

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Posted in Entertaining | No Comments »

Makeup tip-How to create the “Cat Eye” Look

Tuesday, June 19th, 2007

Besame_beauty_tipBeen away for a few days attending some of the fun events at the Hukilau in Fort Lauderdale. When I returned I found my latest newsletter from Besame Cosmetics in my inbox, which I highly recommend you sign up for as there is always helpful information and notices about upcoming specials.  Their vintage style products are superb and they always send you little complimentary samples with your orders.

This recent newsletter gives instructions on how to apply your makeup to create the sophisticated "cat eye" made famous by Audrey Hepburn in the 50s. Thought I’d share some of their helpful hints on how to get this glamorous look.

1. Make sure to apply moisturizer to the eyelid, as it helps get a cleaner eyeliner line. Then add concealer where needed for dark circles, blemishes or other problem areas.(for me that would pretty much mean everywhere!)

2.For a true Audrey look the brows need to be full, and somewhat square shaped toward the center, then tapering off to a point. Fill with brown pencil

3.Apply neutral beige shadow over the entire lid, then define the crease of the eye with dark brown shadow.Use black liquid liner across top of lash line, extending the line slightly upwards at the edges. Line should be a little thicker in the middle of the eyelid and dark pencil can be used to fill in any spaces between the lashes (I can see myself poking my eye out now!) Lower lid should be lined from the middle out to the edge, meeting the top line. They also suggest applying a full set of false eyelashes, then black mascara.

This method of applying eyeliner is sure to take a little practice, but if it makes you look even remotely like Audrey Hepburn, then it’s well worth the effort!

In case you’re more into Twiggy or Jean Shrimpton , I  also found some great makeup tips on how to get the "cat eye" look in an ultra Mod, 60s way from Smashbox Cosmetics.

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Posted in Vintage Beauty Tips | 2 Comments »

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