a merry little Christmas

(so this post was originally intended for December 23rd, which has past... but I'm unsure of why it didn't show up here? so I'm posting it under the intended publishing date!)

church is over, all the wrapping's been done, and I'm headed out to Grand Falls for the annual Tibb's eve shindig. all that's left to do is post one last "hollywood holiday" inspiration in time for Christmas!

I watched Meet Me in St. Louis for the first time this year. I don't know why it took me so long. I've always heard it's a holiday classic, and that it made "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" famous. but I'd never seen it.

now that I have, I must say, it's absolutely delightful!

to be entirely honest, this film doesn't top my list of all-time Christmas favourites, but that doesn't mean it isn't iconic in many ways; it has Judy Garland, for goodness sakes. 

now I know what you're thinking. how can you put together a winter outfit inspired by characters in the 1900s? it's all frilly gowns and floor-length skirts. and that's true! but as Esther Smith, Judy Garland is a mixture of class and sass that is always in style. 

(see what I did there?)

(images via google)

to pull off a modern Esther look, try pairing bold stripes with dainty collars. add some turn-of-the-century flair with luxurious fabrics like lace or velvet. 

1. channel miss Esther in a prim collar & bright stripes. // modcloth

2. this spunky lady is never without a chic pair of gloves. // coach

3. folded booties are a staple with floor-sweeping gowns, or playful dresses. // modcloth

4. reference the iconic trolley scene in Esther's trademark accessory- lace! // asos

so you see, you can dress like a turn-of-the-century character without looking like you walked out of a Christmas card!

(I was going to say Dickens novel, but that was the 1800s... didn't people all dress the same before the 20s anyway?)

oh well. 

Merry freakin' Christmas!

playing: have yourself a merry little Christmas- Judy Garland

let them know it's Christmastime

today was a terrible day for humans. in a month where neighbourly love, kindness, and peace are supposed to be more attainable ideals, the last thing you expect to hear is that some sad, twisted person has purposely harmed innocent little ones. or anyone, for that matter, but children are what Christmas is all about; their joy, their faith, and the joy they bring their families. so for something so horrible to happen, especially this time of year, is is mark against humanity.
what happened in Connecticut is unspeakably sad, and I sincerely hope that somehow the families affected will find some peace in the holiday season. I don't know how, but I have to hope they will.

it seems trivial now to blog about pretty dresses or jolly movies, but I had this post planned... and I don't want to end today on an entirely somber note. I've been having a lovely week with my family and getting ever more excited for Christmas, and I hope you all are too. I still have things to be thankful for, things to look forward to, and reasons to be cheerful.

so I shall continue on with the seasonal merriment... with a movie we could all use a little more of, these days.

the most recently viewed of my favourite Christmas classics is Miracle on 34th Street. the old one. not that Mara Wilson isn't adorable, I just enjoy the old Hollywood aesthetic.

this movie has been dubbed a beloved holiday classic by many, so I'm sure if you haven't seen it, you at least know the plot. so I won't bore you with that. instead I'll bore you with why I love it; one, little Natalie Wood is adorable. two, it's chock-full of Christmas spirit. 

...that's pretty much all you need. 

and while you might think I'd focus the fashion portion of this post on the lovely Maureen O'Hara, I choose instead to pay homage to little miss Wood, as the delightful and stylish Susan Walker. 

(although Maureen as the mom is equally stunning.) they make quite a pair!

Susan is a little lady, and a chic-New-Yorker-in-training. she is always smartly dressed in prim and pretty dresses, perfectly accessorized with oxford shoes and snazzy hats. 

to get Susie's look, dress up a simple frock with expertly coordinated outerwear & accessories!

1. pick girly dress with sweet little details. // modcloth
2. Susan's oxfords look a little more grown up with heels. // ruche
3. a special topper is essential! // modcloth
4. add pattern and visual interest with festive plaid to keep you warm. // topshop
5. and of course, knee-high socks are part of a quintessential Susan outfit. // american apparel

maybe next year I'll get to watch the Macy's parade in my knee-high socks, like Susan. that really wouldn't suck.

happy 10 days till Christmas!
hug your families.
♥

happy like an old-time movie

one of my favourite things about December is the abundance of Christmas movies on tv each night. every year I discover a new favourite, and they're all so joyful!

I thought I'd continue with my little "Hollywood Holiday" feature from last year, but a little different; I want to put together cute winter outfits inspired by my favourite Christmas movie starlets. it combines my three loves- movies, fashion, and Christmas!

first up is the classic holiday film The Shop Around the Corner. some people don't consider it a Christmas movie, but all the best parts happen at Christmas, so that's good enough for me.

if you haven't seen this movie, DO IT! it's wonderfully funny and adorably sweet, with just the right amount of seasonal cheer. it also happens to be the film You've Got Mail was based on, so you know it's going to be charming as heck. it's like Nora Ephron, but classier.

aaaand I have a giant time-traveller's crush on Jimmy Stewart.

however, he is not the focus of this particular post; it's his co-star, the lovely Margaret Sullivan. she lights up the screen as Clara Novak in charming hats and cozy furs, and don't forget the trademark jumper skirt!

(images via google search)

to get a sweet, feminine look like Clara's for Christmas, add a trendy twist to classic pieces; like sheer lace to a blouse, or Clara's favourite polka dots to ladylike mary janes.

1. a green lace blouse is festive and feminine, but still modern. // ruche
2. Clara loves her polka dot blouse! pay homage in your adorable footwear. // irregular choice
3. a pencil skirt jumper is retro without being cheesy. // modcloth

4. a prim topper is the perfect winter accessory, according to this shop girl! // urban outfitters

5. a (faux) fur jacket never goes out of style. // modcloth

so there you have it! holiday wardrobe inspiration from a "lovely, average girl."
now if you'll excuse me, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town is on television...

playing: Santa Claus is coming to town- Michael Buble

what about breakfast at Tiffany's?

I went to my first holiday party this weekend! sunday was the staff Christmas night out at New Look. everyone went out for a little food and drinks. it was pretty jolly, and since the holiday festivities are in full swing, here's another outfit inspiration from one of Hollywood's leading ladies.

probably the style icon you were all expecting, up next it's Audrey Hepburn! one of my personal favourites, and one of the most iconic of them all.

while she's most certainly best known for that slinky black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's, Audrey was constantly a vision of style and loveliness. she single-handedly changed Hollywood's pin-hole view of beauty as being just the sexy bombshell type. she was a slender, doe-eyed pixie, often described and the polar opposite of fellow starlet Marilyn Monroe.

Aundrey's style is the epitome of classic glamour. sleek, elegant, feminine, and just a little playful, she wowed in everything from Givenchy ball gowns to cigarette jeans. she was all about the silhouette. Audrey often choose straight, modest necklines that emphasized the neck and shoulders, and full, flowy skirts. this was to show off her svelte figure and add drama at the same time. she was understated yet quirky, and liked sweet prints in sophisticated cuts.

Audrey was always stunning, no matter what she wore. she had so many famous, iconic looks that it is impossible to think of Audrey and not see exactly what she is wearing. she embodied true Hollywood glamour, and carried it off with effortless grace and humility. a leading lady indeed. 

instead of simply picking a string of black, Breakfast-at-Tiffany's dresses, I thought I'd draw from Audrey's more fun wardrobe for party inspiration. 

 1. Modcloth // 2. Hillbilly Filly // 3. Modcloth // 4. the Vintage Studio 

up the glam with minimal, but bold accessories- especially a statement necklace. 

I think dressing like Audrey Hepburn every day should be a personal aspiration of just about everyone. the world would be a better looking place. 

I'm sorry I've been a posting slacker. I really had planned updates for almost every day in December- cause let's be real, it's the greatest month ever-  but things have been much busier than I expected! Brando and me are taking off for London on thursday to do our Christmas shopping and enjoy Christmastime in the city. I'm pretty freakin' excited. AND this time we're staying in a real hotel, which means internet, which means you will be blessed with an abundance of holiday-themed photos while we're away. so there's something too look forward to! 

now if you'll excuse me, I have some packing + planning to do. later!

playing: Christmas rapping

c'est la vie

it snowed here in Aberdeen today. it wasn't the softly falling, nice-to-walk-in snow, but there it was, nonetheless. it's getting more wintery every day.

the cold is making it increasingly challenging to dress for outfit pictures. I don't really want to wander around alone in the bad weather then set up my tripod, remove all my outerwear, and stand freezing while people stare at me like I'm an idiot. not appealing.

but I'm hoping I'll come up with a solution soon. and for those of you who might be having more specific wardrobe issues, I have some more party wear ideas!

I thought I'd share a little inspiration from French hottie Brigitte Bardot. she was such a spirited beauty, and her look inspired modern-day fashion mavericks like Kate Moss and Georgia Jagger. also, she had great hair.

Brigitte Bardot was the coquette of the silver screen- and I don't mean just because she was French. she was Hollywood sex kitten mixed with European-farmer's-daughter. sweet and sexy at the same time, with her famous tousled mane and coy smile. 

Brigitte was best known for what little clothes she wore; she was known as "the bikini girl" and had no problems posing or appearing in the nude. but when she was dressed, she knew how to enhance her Lolita-esque persona with the clothing to match.

Brigitte knew what she liked and stuck with it. the Bardot neckline- wide, off-the-shoulder- was named for her, and she single-handedly made gingham chic with her pink checked wedding dress. the important things to remember when dressing like Brigitte are waist-cinching belts, cutesy patterns, and just enough bare skin. 

Brigitte's style matched her personality; playful, provincial, and eclectic. she was equal parts girly and sensual. but the most important thing you'll need to pull off her signature look is that feisty attitude!

Brigitte's look was more about the "French riviera" than "Hollywood bash", so many dresses one might choose to emulate her might not necessarily be season appropriate. not to fear; just throw on a trendy fur stole and some dark tights, and even florals can work at your holiday soiree!

1. Modcloth // 2. From Brooklyn with Love // 3. Modcloth // 4. Deseo vintage

things to remember about Brigitte style; minimal accessories, and flats whenever possible!

doesn't this totally make you want to be a French girl?

no?

just me then.

♥!

playing: let it snow- Michael Buble

she's a lady

things have been so crazy recently that I've neglected my "hollywood holiday" idea! I shall remedy this right now.

lately I've been kind of obsessed with Jackie O's style. it kind of started with the "J" themed party I went to last week, when I thought it would be fun to go as her. then I realized with dismay that I actually don't own any Jackie-esque dresses! ever since then I've been pining over a sleek 60s silhouette and mod mini dresses.

she's not technically "Hollywood," but she's been featured in enough films and on camera enough that I think it's ok to include the first lady in this little series.

Jackie O (who at the time of most of these photos was actually Jackie K, but we'll go with it) had an iconic style. there are few people who wouldn't recognize her likeness in a smart skirt suit and those big sunglasses. she may not have been a Hollywood starlet, but she dressed- and was admired- like one. 

qualities that encapsulate Jackie's iconic look are modern, clean-cut, and elegant. she is famous for her structured outfits, from crisp white frocks to tailored jackets. ever the classy lady, Jackie's dresses were modest and understated. no spaghetti straps and poofy skirts here. instead, high necklines, like scoop or boatneck, paired with pencil and tulip skirts were key. add pretty details like bows and pillbox hats to soften the look. 

Jackie was certainly the first lady of 60s dresses. she brought style and class to the dreary world of politics, and her loveliness was only enhanced by her impeccable taste. 

here are some ways to emulate Jackie's star style! 

1. Reinvintage // 2. modcloth // 3. Bad Cholla Vintage // 4. modcloth

add a cropped swing coat, a pillbox hat, and white accessories for the picturesque Jackie look!

oh, and make sure to curl your hair- in the 60s, bigger is better! 

now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to pine over the many glorious Etsy dresses on my ever-growing vintage wish list...

xo

just like Grace Kelly

lately one of my hobbies is to troll the internet- pinterest, specifically- for captivating photos of old Hollywood stars. the men for their charm and class, the women for their mesmerizing good looks! I'm just so inspired by the classic starlet, with her poise and polish and impeccable style.

I wanted to find a way to talk more about film on this blog, because it really is one of my passions and I'd love to share more thoughts on movies and the like. it's a big part of my life, and I love to write about it. so for starters, I'm going to share a little holiday inspiration, Hollywood style.

ohh, I could call it "Hollywood Holidays." catchy!

I'll name one of my favourite classic movie stars, talk about what makes (made?) their style unique, and share some ideas of how you can reinvent their style for your holiday party.

up first is a lady who I am agonizingly envious of for her innate ladylike-ness; true beaut Grace Kelly.

just the name "Grace Kelly" is synonymous with beauty and elegance. there's not a woman on earth who doesn't die a little inside when looking at that gorgeous face (come on now). but beyond being so darn naturally gifted in the looks department, she was a perfect picture of taste and star style.

key words when emanating Grace Kelly style are sophisticated, demure, and feminine. she was known for wearing light, airy fabrics, like chiffon, silk, and tulle. dresses emphasized her tiny waist and shoulders, so strapless, off-the-shoulder necklines, and spaghetti straps are encouraged. her look was simple, clean, and modest, but stunning at the same time.

whatever she wore you could rest assured Grace Kelly always looked like the Princess she was; enchanting. she was effortlessly classy and endlessly sophisticated. perfectly suited to her name, she was the epitome of grace.

if you want to channel Princess Grace at your holiday soiree, here are a couple ways to do it!

1. modcloth // 2. The Vintage Studio // 3. modcloth // 4. Etsy (accidentally lost the link! sorry)

a lightweight cape, tasteful shoes, gloves & pearls (of course) are necessities.

now go listen to Mika and pick out your party outfit. 

love love.

playing: skinny love- bon iver (can't stop...)