Style File: Elvis Presley

Menswear & Elvis | Hannah & Husband

It all started rather innocently with a discussion on the merits of a casual shawl collar. But quickly, I found myself down a rabbit hole filled the bold style choices of Skinny Elvis. I mentioned this in a recent post so if you’ve been waiting to talk Elvis Presley’s style and menswear, today is your lucky day!

When Husband and I first met, we bonded over our shared love of music that wasn’t popular among most high schoolers. But, as time went on we discovered that we both had a childhood love for Elvis. It’s possible you knew this if you follow James on twitter…

Follow @jamesaslaughter | Hannah & Husband

A few years ago, as a joke at Christmas, James’ dad brought over a life-size cutout of the king that now resides on our sun porch. I made Dexter pose with him just for this picture. (Reason #118 that a dog is superior to a toddler at this stage in my life.)

Dexter & Elvis | Hannah & Husband

So today, we’re going to talk about some of the king’s best style choices—the ones before the rhinestones and gold glasses.

First things first, if you learn nothing else from this post learn this: Stand up proudly behind your woman in a perfectly tailored jacket and know you’re killing it. Confidence is everything.

Menswear & Elvis | Hannah & Husband

Southern boys (and stylish gentlemen) monogram, monogram, monogram.

Menswear & Elvis | Hannah & Husband

If you’re going to play a miniature instrument of any kind, it is helpful to be wearing skin-tight short shorts at the time. (I’ve been trying to talk James into a pair of these ever since I saw this picture of 007 reading on a boat last week. Beach trip!)

Menswear & Elvis | Hannah & Husband

When you’re not on a beach serenading your lady in short shorts, look snuggly. It is sweater weather: the perfect excuse to get your cuddle on.

Menswear & Elvis | Hannah & Husband

If you don’t already have a lady, but you’re looking to pick one up: Pose with puppies. Also, can we talk about those shoes?

Menswear & Elvis | Hannah & Husband

I am a fan, though I could do without the socks. I have this theory that Elvis was a shoe guy. Check out the booties in the picture below.

Also, should we even talk about the coordinating outfits? If they hook up at the end of the movie, does the hollywood ending consist of closets full of coordinating outfits?

Menswear & Elvis | Hannah & Husband

I really can’t think about this too much right now. Maybe we should just take a look at the jacket that spurred the whole conversation…

What are your thoughts on the casual shawl collar? Do or Don’t?

Miss Piggy Style File

Style File: Miss Piggy | Hannah & Husband

When I was little, I would spend entirely too much time poring over my mom’s pink and white bound copy of Miss Piggy’s Guide to Life. I dreamt of big eyelashes, mud masks, and leg warmers. So in honor of tonight’s big premiere, I couldn’t resist a Miss Piggy Style File.

Style File: Miss Piggy | Hannah & Husband

First and foremost, Miss Piggy believes that maintenance is key. You have to earn those curves, but you can still look good doing it. No holey tshirt and cotton shorts for this one. Dress for the occasion! And remember, pink is always on point.

Champagne is basically the water of the goddesses, no? Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! (Maybe if more gyms had a liquor license…)

Style File: Miss Piggy | Hannah & Husband

I know she makes doing a mud mask in full eye makeup and pearls look easy, but trust me it’s not.

Style File: Miss Piggy | Hannah & Husband

In the words of Sylvia Plath, “There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.”

The proper bubble bath technique includes the latest issue of Harper’s Bazaar, a cheese tray, monogrammed towels, maids, and the likeness of your true love carved in stone and made into a fountain. Obviously.

Style File: Miss Piggy | Hannah & Husband

There is no excuse for not pulling your look together… Even when that excuse is that you live light years away on a spaceship with a group of incompetent spacepigs. Curl your hair, throw on some blush, and respect yourself!

Style File: Miss Piggy | Hannah & Husband

Here’s the thing about Miss Piggy’s look. Makeup fads come and go, but black mascara is forever.

 

Style File: Miss Piggy | Hannah & Husband

 

At 8pm tonight, we will be parked in front of ABC drinking champagne and watching The Muppets. What about you?

 

 

 

 

 

The Mary Tyler Moore Show Apartment Style File

The Mary Tyler Moore Show apartment | Hannah & Husband

When I was little, sick days meant red Gatorade, VapoRub, and television—more specifically videos of the Mary Tyler Moore show. This week, I found myself on the couch again turning to Mary Richards for support. She really can take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile. And you know what stood out this time? The Mary Tyler Moore Show apartment! The working girl’s ultimate abode and every little girl’s first 1970s house crush. So today, I thought we should talk about the six things that made her pad so dreamy.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show apartment | Hannah & Husband

1. She lived in a storybook house. Turrets + stained glass would normally denote an over-the-top Disney movie (Pollyanna, anyone?). Instead, The Mary Tyler Moore show made it the ultimate single girl pad.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show apartment | Hannah & Husband

2. Long before the days of Carrie Bradshaw, Mary Richards had a walk-in closet. To be clear, she slept on a sofa bed in the middle of the living room, but her mini skirts and go-go boots had a place all their own.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show apartment | Hannah & Husband

The Mary Tyler Moore Show apartment | Hannah & Husband

3. Before the Spice Girls chanted #GirlPower and Destiny’s Child invited all the “honeys who makin’ money” to throw their hands up, their was Mary Richards who hung an ‘M’ on her wall. This independent woman did not need a man to monogram the hand towels. She knew she was important enough all by herself.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show apartment | Hannah & Husband

4. She rearranged her furniture all the time just because she could. Growing up, my mother was a serial rearranger. The fact that my father and I have any toes left from tripping over the couch is beyond me! But Mary Richards could change the layout of her studio sitting area every week if she wanted… and sometimes she did.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show apartment | Hannah & Husband

The Mary Tyler Moore Show apartment | Hannah & Husband

5. Confession: The only shag carpet I have ever loved was in this apartment. I think my affection has something to do with the knee-level library.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show apartment | Hannah & Husband

6. Forget shattering the glass ceiling, Mary Richards had 10 foot beauties with windows and draperies to match that she leased all by herself. #winning #girlpower

I’m just going to leave this list here and assume I’m not the only one that ponders 1970s tv set design when I’m sick.

Other Style Files You May Like:

Hello, Dolly!

Lisa Douglas

Lucille Ball 

 

 

Style File: Beach Party

Style File: Beach Party #secretsofabelle
Fun Fact to start your week: When I was in middle school, I had a slight obsession with the Beach Party movies. I’m pretty sure it was egged on by a trip to Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort that later led to an all out bedroom makeover. However, in my sheltered childhood, there are two things I was too naive to realize when I was 13:
  1. They’re smoking pot the whole time.
  2. It’s really all about sex.

So now when I watch it every summer, I still swoon over the big hair and fabulous clothes–I’m just a little more disturbed by whatever those crazy kids were doing in the early 60s. That, however, will not stop me from doing a little Style File.

Style File: Beach Party #secretsofabelle

First of all, sing-alongs in the car are the best! What better foreplay than singing about a beach vacation with the one you love? And is there a woman alive who wouldn’t pay embarrassing amounts of money to know just how Annette Funicello got her hair to stay so big in the balmy beach climate? Annette Funicello should have been Southern because sister loves her bouffant. Also, and I won’t dwell on this, who else can own head to toe yellow?

Style File: Beach Party #secretsofabelle

 

Style File: Beach Party #secretsofabelle

Annette shows off some seriously ‘good girl wanting to go bad’ beachwear in these movies. In fact, I have this theory that her chest was so provocative in the first movie (see above), that they literally tied it down in the sequel (see below.)
Style File: Beach Party #secretsofabelle
Aside from the fashion, there were some real life lessons in this movie. The 2 most notable being:
1. Stand by your man… unless he tries to get you into bed before you’re ready. In that case, find an older man to make him jealous that doesn’t pose a threat but gives your new-found sexuality a confidence boost.
Style File: Beach Party #secretsofabelle
2. It is important to know at least one good defense move like “the finger.” Also, if all bad guys were Eric von Zipper’s gang, watching the evening news would be exponentially more awesome.
Style File: Beach Party #secretsofabelle
Also noteworthy, in the picture below is Deadhead. I’m pretty sure he was one of the first pioneers for preppy beachwear. Tell me those short shorts don’t look like a Michael Bastian collection just waiting to happen!
Style File: Beach Party #secretsofabelle
Beach Party is on Netflix Instant. You can thank me later.

Style File: Hello, Dolly!

I’ve had Hello, Dolly! on the brain ever since Barbra’s birthday a couple of weeks ago. The thing is, once Barbra gets stuck in my head, she is going to live there for quite sometime. For those that know me, it will come as no surprise that Dolly Levi is a personal hero of mine. And, to be honest, I think there are quite a few lessons about being a strong, independent belle that the matchmaker from New York can teach us. So here goes…

Dolly-Levi-hello-dolly-1969

 

Know what you’re good at, and work with it.

Dolly Levi: Arranger of furniture & daffodils.

Dolly Levi: Social introductions arranged in an atmosphere of elegance & refinement.

Dolly Levi: Twenty-eight and three-quarter year old store clerks taught to dance.

Dolly Levi: Expert mandolin instructions arranged. 

 

Style File: Hello, Dolly! 1969

 

When in doubt, put on your Sunday clothes.

 

Style File: Hello, Dolly! 1969

 

Always make an entrance.

 

Style File: Hello, Dolly! 1969

 

Know how to find your light.

 

Style File: Hello, Dolly! 1969

 

Don’t be afraid to get what you want.

Forget reading “Lean In,” Dolly Levi can teach you everything you need to know. Expect only the best–in food, in dress, & in men.

 

Style File: Hello, Dolly! 1969

 

Alone Time is OK

If your man decides he wants to go out & play with his friends, choose to find it adorable…

 

Style File: Hello, Dolly! 1969

 

And if, while he’s gone, you see a parade…

Then, jump right in the middle. (Dolly did it long before Ferris Bueller.) Remember, when one makes a habit of walking down crowded streets, one is never without a back-up ensemble.

Style File: Hello, Dolly! 1969

 

Finally, exercise your flair for the dramatic.

Sometimes it’s good to remind your man what he’d be missing if you weren’t by his side singing Barbra ballads every night.

 

Television’s Southern Sage

Last week, with all the unspeakable things found on the newsfeed every night, the only thing I wanted to do was curl up on the couch and watch a little Andy Griffith. I know it may seem silly, but it was just nice to escape for a little while into a time when everything seemed to make a little more sense–happy families and friends in a small town just gives me a little more faith in humanity. Doesn’t it you?

So tonight, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite lessons from The Andy Griffith Show in hopes that it warms your heart and brings a little smile to your face.

Southern Sage | The Andy Griffith Show

1.) Anytime you can, take an afternoon to picnic with family & friends.

Southern Sage | The Andy Griffith Show

2.) Parent + child bonding time is of the utmost importance.

Southern Sage | The Andy Griffith Show

3.) When someone you love makes you something inedible, sneak into the kitchen and secretly exchange the terrible something for a tastier something. Then, you won’t have to lie when she asks what you think.

Southern Sage | The Andy Griffith Show

4.) You’re never too old for a little dress-up.

Southern Sage | The Andy Griffith Show

5.) Be ready for action at all times… & always dress the part!

Southern Sage | The Andy Griffith Show

6.) Always be willing to offer your friends a place to stay when they’ve had a little too much.

Southern Sage | The Andy Griffith Show

7.) When your best gal wants to run for council, your time would best be used just making posters with your mouth shut.

Southern Sage | The Andy Griffith Show

8.) If you want to feel better about the state of the world, put the Christmas episode from the first season in your Netflix queue. (It’s episode 11.) You can thank me later.

Southern Sage | The Andy Griffith Show

9.) When in doubt, go fishin’… or, at if you’re anything like me, just lay out by the lake.

Southern Sage | The Andy Griffith Show

10.) There is no better way to end an evening than with a little singin’ on the porch.

So tell me: What television shows do you use for a little escape?

 

 

Style File: Easter Parade

Easter Parade 1948

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:

showstopper-1948easterparade-secretsofabelle

One: Wear something outlandish and find very large accessories.

face-1948easterparade-secretsofabelle

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.”

fella-umbrella-1948easterparade-secretsofabelle

5.) Have key pieces in your wardrobe that are ridiculously over the top. Might I also suggest practicing your “What? This old thing?!”

lawford-coat-1948easterparade-secretsofabelle

6.) Wear hats–hats & furs. I’m sure you know this, but some things bear repeating.

wear-hats-1948easterparade-secretsofabelle

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!

judy-fred-1948easterparade-secretsofabelle

Style File: To Catch a Thief

Style File: To Catch a Thief  |  Secrets of a Belle

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.

Style File: To Catch a Thief  |  Secrets of a Belle Style File: To Catch a Thief  |  Secrets of a Belle

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…

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 had a miss. Here are a few examples. 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 had a miss. Here are a few examples.

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.

Style File: To Catch a Thief  |  Secrets of a Belle

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…

Style File: To Catch a Thief  |  Secrets of a Belle

Style File: To Catch a Thief  |  Secrets of a Belle

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?

 

 

Style File: Holiday Inn

Holiday Inn, 1942  |  Secrets of a Belle

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…

Holiday Inn, 1942 | Secrets of a Belle

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.)

Holiday Inn, 1942 | Secrets of a Belle

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.

Holiday Inn, 1942 | Secrets of a Belle

Holiday Inn, 1942 | Secrets of a Belle

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…

Holiday Inn, 1942 | Secrets of a Belle Holiday Inn, 1942 | Secrets of a Belle

Holiday Inn, 1942 | Secrets of a Belle

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.

Black Face controversy from Holiday Inn, 1942 | Secrets of a Belle

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.)

Louise Beavers in Holiday Inn, 1942 | Secrets of a Belle

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.”

Holiday Inn, 1942 | Secrets of a Belle Holiday Inn, 1942 | Secrets of a Belle

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!

Holiday Inn, 1942 | Secrets of a Belle

So Happy Presidents’ Day! Will you be watching Holiday Inn? If so, please remember to celebrate in style!

Style File: Myrna Loy

Style File: Myrna Loy | #SecretsofaBelle

I’ve heard there are two sides to every woman, and Myrna Loy is the perfect example of that fact. Before she was dubbed ‘the perfect wife’ in the 1930s, Ms. Loy was often cast as ‘the exotic.’ And who are we kidding? Don’t we know that the best wives always have an exotic side? So today, let’s take a few cues from Myrna, shall we?

Lessons to be Learned from ‘the Exotic’ Myrna Loy…

Style File: Myrna Loy | #SecretsofaBelle

Lesson #1: If you have a back worth showing off, show it!

Style File: Myrna Loy | #SecretsofaBelle

Lesson #2: It pays to be a bit eccentric, in dress & in action. In short, don’t be afraid to wear crazy-cool outfits and play with tinsel-wearing reindeer… does that sound like the *perfect* day, or what?

Also worth noting: The *gorgeous, funky* head wear in this picture! Don’t you just *adore* it?!

Style File: Myrna Loy | #SecretsofaBelle

Lesson #3: That whole ballerina-chic fad can be really fantabulous if you play your cards right.

Style File: Myrna Loy | #SecretsofaBelle

Lesson #4: Every woman should own a white coat… It can (and will) instantly transform you into a classic beauty that looks uber regal.

Style File: Myrna Loy | #SecretsofaBelle

Lesson #5: Always remember: there are 2 sides to every story… 

Lessons to be Learned from ‘the Perfect Wife’ Myrna Loy…

Style File: Myrna Loy | #SecretsofaBelle

Lesson #6: Take your adorable puppy with you. No, I am not endorsing a doggy purse for your trips to the grocery store. I would say that a pet worth showing off is a well-trained, well-bred sort of dog like Asta… take him on trips, take him on walks, just don’t take him to dinner with you.

Style File: Myrna Loy | #SecretsofaBelle

Lesson #7: When traveling, carry cute luggage. That hat box has some serious style.

Also worth noting: Every woman should have a silk robe. A stylish belle should have 2 or 3.

Style File: Myrna Loy | #SecretsofaBelle

Lesson #8: If you are going to curl up with a book while on vacation, look good doing it. No sweats & Snuggies please; stick to a well-planned outfit and drape with a beautiful throw like this Tartan. 

P.S. I’m pretty sure that leather bound isn’t 50 Shades of Grey. Pick your reading material carefully.

Style File: Myrna Loy | #SecretsofaBelle

Lesson #9: Surround yourself with dashing companions.

Need a little more inspiration? Perhaps a martini or 3? Check out this post.