Classic: Gone with the Wind

Clark Gable reading Gone with the Wind

Do you have a copy of Gone with the Wind in your library? What about the movie? If your answer is ‘no’, take a lesson from Mr. Gable. I stumbled upon this picture the other day, and I just love it. I read Gone with the Wind over Thanksgiving weekend my 7th grade year and totally fell in love. I remember watching the movie when I was really little. I was haunted by the imagery and taking mental notes on how Scarlett O’Hara got every man in the county wrapped around her little finger.

Recently, I watched the movie the film again and was reminded of how poetic it is: the text before each scene, the gorgeous settings and costumes, and the beautiful cinematography that was so far ahead of its time. Anyway, for your Tuesday inspiration, please allow me to share a few new things I picked up during the first 20 minutes or so of this viewing:

1.) Well brought-up girls take naps in the afternoon.

2.) It’s bad form to show your bosom before 3 in the afternoon.

3.) “With enough courage, you can do without a reputation.”

In Honor of Princess Grace, a Little Style File…

On her birthday, I just couldn’t resist sharing a little Style File from my *very* favorite of Princess Grace’s films: High Society. Two random facts before we start: It was Grace’s last film before becoming princess consort of Monaco. Also, High Society, released in 1956, was a musical remake of 1940’s A Philadelphia Story, which also had a crazy amazing line-up of stars, but we’ll have to get into that another time.

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…

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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…”

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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!)

Hello, Gorgeous… Let’s Have a Glamorous Monday!

It was on this day in 1929 that our very own American princess was born! I couldn’t resist a little bit of a celebration. So in lieu of random links today, how about a little advice from Princess Grace to get our week off on the right foot?

Read…

The Paper! You never know when you may fall in love with a prince and be whisked off to a foreign land.

Drink…

Tea with your closest friends this week!

Wear…

Gold! I will never stop swooning over Frances Stevens’ gilded ensemble from To Catch a Thief.

Watch…

High Society! It’s my very favorite Grace film, and later today I’ll post a Style File from the 1956 musical.

In the Wake of the Storm

In light of all the devastation on the East Coast, it just doesn’t seem right to share recipes for Halloween candy or last minute costumes. So instead, I thought I’d share a personal story and a few of my favorite songs that seem to fit the current forecast. 

In the Fall of 2008, I was finishing up my degree in graphic design and working at a local magazine in Knoxville when I was presented with the opportunity to interview one of my childhood idols: Debbie Reynolds. Speaking with her was every bit as magical as you would think. Her voice was melodic as she told stories of performing for her neighbors when she was still little Mary Francis from El Paso, Texas and  getting discovered at a Miss Burbank contest in her early teens. Here’s what struck me then and has been on my mind recently. She was so matter of fact about her story.

“God always has something in mind for us. I think everybody has a talent of some sort, and mine was entertaining… Some things are just meant to be.”

Do you know what you were created to do? Do you know what talent God blessed you with and are you actively pursuing that daily?

Debbie’s gift definitely is entertaining, which is why we couldn’t help but pull out our new BluRay in light of the storms. There’s nothing like an old musical to make the day brighter. I hope, wherever you are, you are safe and dry. But if you are in the rain, I hope you’re singing!

And while we’re at it…

Cocktails: Thin Man Style

Most days I feel as if I’m living in a Thin Man movie… beautiful clothes, martinis, and a witty husband & loveable terrier that always keep things entertaining.

Life is what you make it! So for your midweek touch of glamour, I thought I’d share a few cocktail recipes. Now if only our lives called for more evening gowns and silk!