This illustration from Jennie’s Hat by Ezra Jack Keats always reminds me of an Easter bonnet. Enjoy this special day with friends & family! *Happy Easter!*
Author Archives: Hannah B.
Style File: Easter Parade
You know that feeling. There are so many men surrounding you. However will you choose? Grace Kelly dealt with it in High Society. Julia Roberts had her pick in Runaway Bride. Cameron Diaz experienced it in every single movie she’s ever been in. But poor Judy. I will never understand who says, “Let’s just be friends” to Peter Lawford. No excuses Judy. Nonetheless, this being Easter week, I thought Easter Parade would make for a much better Style File than the Prince of Egypt. So here goes, a few lessons to be learned this Easter week from the classic.
1.) First a little mood music. (Fun Fact: Husband endures me singing this song each time our toes touch 5th Avenue in New York… or any other monosyllable avenue for that matter.)
2.) Learn how to confuse children. I have a feeling this skill will come in very handy should Husband and I decide to reproduce.
3.) Know how to draw an audience. If you can’t do it on your own, you have two choices:
One: Wear something outlandish and find very large accessories.
Two: Make ridiculous faces.
4.) Humility is handsome. “I’m just a fella… a fella with an umbrella… a fella with an umbrella that also happens to be a Kennedy in-law with a killer accent from across the pond who hangs out with the rat pack on the weekends and is known for my devastatingly handsome good looks. You know, just a fella.”
5.) Have key pieces in your wardrobe that are ridiculously over the top. Might I also suggest practicing your “What? This old thing?!”
6.) Wear hats–hats & furs. I’m sure you know this, but some things bear repeating.
7.) When dealing with men, you might as well just take charge. Grab the man you really want, dress him up, and take him out. If, in the end, he offers you diamonds, you’ll know you’ve done something right!
A Month…
It’s been a month since I’ve been in Blogland, and I will be the first to admit postings were pretty sparse for quite a while before that. Why you ask? Well, let’s just say things have been abnormally busy around here for the past couple of months. But rather than give you all the details in one post, I’ll just share a few of the highlights from the last couple of weeks.
I had a new headshot done for work to go with a project that I am super excited to start sharing with you in the next few weeks. Stay tuned on Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram for more on that!
I am completely in *love* with my new Kate Spade iPhone case. I always gravitate towards bright yellow so it’s basically the perfect accessory for every outfit.
I threw in the gratuitous shot of Husband doing yard work to tell you 2 things:
1.) I am hopeful Spring is on the way despite the fact that it was snowing big flakes all morning.
2.) It’s been nearly 10 years & Husband really does just keep getting hotter. I have got to go to the gym.
I recently finished Bubbly on Your Budget, which was a such a fun read! It was first published in 1937 and is all about living a luxurious life within your means.
I have recently discovered that IBC root beer is my favorite after work treat, especially when served in a frozen mug!
I don’t know when I have ever been quite so excited to acquire an original work of art as I was on Monday when we adopted this little man from Emily Winfield Martin’s shop. Isn’t he perfect? I mean: a bow tie? a bee? adorable rosy cheeks? What more can you ask for? If you’re interested in finding your own little treasure, I highly recommend visiting Emily’s shop.
Style File: To Catch a Thief
Feeling like a little escape? I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking we may need a jaunt to French Riviera. So I thought what better Style File for a dreary February day than To Catch a Thief? This was 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 I always swoon over Cary Grant. But, I’ll just say it, Grace Kelly was kind of hit or miss in this one.
Maybe I’m a cynic or maybe it’s that we are having such odd, dreary weather patterns lately, but I do feel better knowing that sometimes Grace Kelly wore a weird outfit or had a bad hair day. (#blessherheart) Here are a few examples.
Things we can learn:
1.) When your man looks like Cary Grant, don’t wear mauve.
On second thought, just don’t wear mauve. Period.
2.) Blonde, slicked back hair, solid yellow, and pointy glasses may be a bit off-putting to your beach companions.
3.) Be aware of how your hair frames your face. There’s something about the sides of her ‘dos in this movie that make me think “Little House on the Prairie.” Is that just me?
4.) There’s no need to dress so much like your mother. Ever. Remember, just because you have an inheritance and still live with Mummy does not negate the fact that you are a grown-up.
Whew! Thanks for letting me get that out. Ok, let’s talk about
the fabulous…
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.
As a general rule, I don’t recommend a neckerchief to any man. Ever. However on Cary Grant, it is perfection! In fact, anything on Cary Grant is perfection. I give you Exhibit A…
Finally, a girl should always know how to work it in some costume jewelry. Sparkly baubles can dress up your outfits every day, but finding a few statement necklaces like this one can take even a little black dress from plain to stunning!
So what should my next Hitchcock film be? Do you have a favorite?
Slow–Slow–Quick–Quick & the 2013 Oscars
I know her hair was fabulous, but what really got me about Charlize Theron at the Oscars was her Foxtrot. Why don’t we go out dancing anymore? Ask your grandmother, there is some serious power in the grace & beauty of a choreographed dance in a fabulous dress. I don’t know about you, but Husband & I will be learning ASAP. (Thanks, YouTube!)
“After all, Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did.
She just did it backwards and in high heels.”
-Ann Richards
A few other thoughts from the 2013 Oscars that I couldn’t resist sharing…
It’s Monday, Y’all!
Random Fact from my Life Last Week: Everyone I know is in a funk.
Personally, I blame the weather… and Lent… and the fact that everyone was referencing Les Misérables last week in the news because of the Oscar buzz. (Total downer, right?) Anywho, I am taking it upon myself to give you a little Monday pick-me-up.
“Keep busy searching out new ideas…” How you ask? Here are a few ideas…
Get a notebook. Carry it everywhere. Write things down.
Quotes. Moments. Doodles. Color combos. Whatever floats your boat.
Read this book… Bestie got it for me a few years ago, and it still never fails to get me excited about making stuff.
Read it? Then pick up a biography. Or find an author you’ve never read before. Or… wait for it… How about trying a new cookbook? (Personally, this one’s my new favorite!)
Maybe try a new method of cooking? or maybe just a new way of executing something you’ve done the same way for years. Rearrange your kitchen, mix up your wardrobe, find a signature color for March.
Need a little fashion inspiration? Why not pick up a movie you’ve never seen before. I fully support Mariah & Michele’s suggestion that you pick up a screwball comedy this week. Or how about a musical? (more on that later)
Don’t want to watch a musical? Just listen to some funky music. Might I suggest this playlist? Or how about this to get you started…
BTW, when was the last time you boogied?
Need an excuse to boogie? Remember, celebrating the ordinary, every day going-ons is just as important as celebrating the big events! And, on that note, here’s another tip: Make it a habit to always have champagne on hand.
Finally, turn off your computer/iPhone/Twitter/Facebook. Even if it’s just for a few hours when you get home in the evenings. We will all still be here when you get back, I promise!
Weekend Snapshot
We ran around all weekend & had an absolute ball. Now, I am happy to report, my feet are up, the Oscars are on, and my nails will be done before this thing is over. How was your weekend?
Springtime on My Mind
One of my friends came up to me yesterday and said that he felt Spring coming. Personally, I think it was wishful thinking, but I will admit that I have had Springtime on my mind lately too. I keep being drawn to florals. There may be no flowers outside my door, but they are definitely appearing in my closet. So when I was in Target yesterday and saw these pants, I couldn’t resist! One thing led to another… you know how that goes…
(As a side note, the girl in that picture doesn’t look nearly as happy as that shirt will make you feel. My tailored shirt from Banana Republic is a favorite in my closet right now.)
Now a small disclaimer, my obsession with Springtime may have a little bit to do with our latest site release at work: HGTVGardens! It is such a cool site, and I was super honored to work on the design team. Be sure to click over and take a look!
Style File: Holiday Inn
In honor of Presidents’ Day, I just couldn’t resist sharing a little Style File from a favorite of ours: 1942’s Holiday Inn. It’s the classic story of boy meets girl set to the tunes of Irving Berlin.
Boy falls in love with girl. Boy’s friend steals girl. Boy moves to farm and finds new girl. Rinse and repeat.
Some would call it a Christmas movie, but I think it’s best enjoyed during the month of February: such a short month yet so many holidays! Regardless of when, here are a few things to be taken…
Old movie sets remind us that cliché can sometimes be fantastic.
The house used in Holiday Inn was the *perfect* New England home. So perfect, in fact, that it was later reused in 1954’s White Christmas. (Personally, my dream house will have those big windows!) However, a few nuances I’d really like to point out are the contrasts between the “girl’s room” and the “boy’s room.” Please note: the lace curtains, hand-painted glass lamps, and chaise lounge, versus the printed drapes and model ship. I’m not gonna lie, I have to go with the gender stereotypes on this one; I’d love to put on my make-up in front of that vanity. (My regular, non-controversial makeup that brings me closer to looking like Joan Rivers than Jennifer Hudson, but keep reading.)
Find a room that has it all.
Working in the industry that I do, I often hear people go on and on about open-concept floor plans. Personally, I’ll just take this one living room if you don’t mind.
When it comes to holidays, overdo it!
Holiday Inn is just that: an inn that is open *just* for holidays. And each holiday comes with some seriously fantastic decor. Take a look…
Maybe I Should Clarify…
Overdo it… tastefully. Which brings us to the first February holiday: February 12th, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. The performance of “Abraham” (obviously not Irving Berlin’s best work) has become so controversial that most channels airing the movie cut it entirely.
While the black face makes my stomach ache, it’s interesting to think of it in the context of when this movie was made: 1942. That’s nearly 80 years after the Civil War’s conclusion but just a decade before the Civil Rights Movement really got ramped up.
Also worth noting in this song (and throughout the film) is the fabulous Louise Beavers. You may recognize her because around this time she was in everything! (For instance, she absolutely stole the show in this movie with Cary Grant.)
Anyway, after Lincoln’s birthday is Valentine’s Day which, of course, is best celebrated surrounded by an overabundance of hearts, lace, crepe paper, and plenty of creepy cupids! As a side note, how glorious is that dress?
We really should work together to bring back “Black Tie.”
Finally, in the words of Paula Deen,
“The closer to Jesus, the better we like it!”
Maybe it’s the Southern Belle in me, but don’t you just *adore* the hair and dress for George Washington’s birthday? It’s as if Linda Mason could be Scarlett O’Hara’s 18th century cousin with that hoop skirt & big hair!
So Happy Presidents’ Day! Will you be watching Holiday Inn? If so, please remember to celebrate in style!
Sunday Snapshot
Husband and I spent a blissful Valentine’s weekend deep in the mountains beside a potbelly stove with lots of food, wine, and books. I hope your weekend was equally as lovely!
