Style Maven: Audrey Hepburn (Part 10 - On Humanity...)

As I said in my Editor’s Letter this month, if anyone wants to understand how to be truly happy in life, one should study the life and values of Ms. Audrey Hepburn—so I will make it easy for you to do so with my 10 part Style Maven series this month. In my fashion, after reading Melissa Hellstern’s book, 'How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life', one sees Audrey Hepburn as a prime example of how to overcome the self-defeating attitudes we have of ourselves, and rise to the occasion where ever you are needed. For me personally, considering Hepburn was an introverted soul, she reminds me that being an introvert, it is possible to step out of one’s comfort zone to achieve the success we desire. "We may be introverts, but that is not all that we are," I tell myself! I think she shows that there is strength in all of us (introverted or extroverted) to accomplish great successes and create a happy life, which is exactly why I preach of understanding what our unique strengths are so we can be as useful in this life as possible. She shows no matter how delicate, beautiful, or kind you are, we all have our tribulations in life, no matter how glorious we appear in the public eye. She reminds us that at the end of the day we all have to work for the satisfaction we want in life, and one cannot fret over what one cannot control. Life gets on when you do, so make it happen! I would only hope that the following posts help you to figure out how to emulate some of that effervescence Audrey possessed by adjusting how you see life through her eyes.

On Humanity: How to change the world...

Think Deeply “Somebody said to me the other day, ‘You know, it’s really senseless, what you’re doing. There’s always been suffering, there will always be suffering, and you’re just prolonging the suffering of these children [by rescuing them].’ My answer is, ‘Okay, then, let’s start with your grandchild. Don’t buy antibiotics if it gets pneumonia. Don’t take it to the hospital if it has an accident,’ It’s against life—against humanity—to think that way.”

Don’t Get Political “UNICEF’s mandate is to protect every child against famine, thirst, sickness, abuse, and death, but today we are dealing with a far more ominous threat—the dark side of humanity: the selfishness, avarice, aggression which have already polluted our skies, emptied our oceans, destroyed our forests and extinguished thousands of beautiful animals. Are our children next?”

Be Hands-On “I went with so many people telling me how harrowing and dreadful it would be to see the extent of the suffering, the death, and the despair. But I also witnessed how much is being done to help and how just a small amount of aid can assist in treating the sick, irrigating the land, and planting new crops. I came to realize that Ethiopia’s problems are not unsolvable if only the world would give a little more.”

Nothing Will Prepare You “I went through a war. Surely that made me a little more aware that some people might not know what it means to be hungry, deprivation and so forth. Never do I think of that when I see a child in Africa who is at death’s door.”

Inspire “Since the world had existed, there has been injustice. But it is one world, the more so as it becomes smaller, more accessible. There is just no question that there is a moral obligation that those who have should give to those who have nothing.”

Style Maven: Audrey Hepburn (Part 9 - On Fame...)

As I said in my Editor’s Letter this month, if anyone wants to understand how to be truly happy in life, one should study the life and values of Ms. Audrey Hepburn—so I will make it easy for you to do so with my 10 part Style Maven series this month. In my fashion, after reading Melissa Hellstern’s book, 'How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life', one sees Audrey Hepburn as a prime example of how to overcome the self-defeating attitudes we have of ourselves, and rise to the occasion where ever you are needed. For me personally, considering Hepburn was an introverted soul, she reminds me that being an introvert, it is possible to step out of one’s comfort zone to achieve the success we desire. "We may be introverts, but that is not all that we are," I tell myself! I think she shows that there is strength in all of us (introverted or extroverted) to accomplish great successes and create a happy life, which is exactly why I preach of understanding what our unique strengths are so we can be as useful in this life as possible. She shows no matter how delicate, beautiful, or kind you are, we all have our tribulations in life, no matter how glorious we appear in the public eye. She reminds us that at the end of the day we all have to work for the satisfaction we want in life, and one cannot fret over what one cannot control. Life gets on when you do, so make it happen! I would only hope that the following posts help you to figure out how to emulate some of that effervescence Audrey possessed by adjusting how you see life through her eyes.

On Fame: How to handle celebrity...

Never Be Too Sure “Truly, I've never been concerned with any public image. It would drive me around the bend if I worried about the pedestal others have put me on. And also I don’t believe it.”

When Necessary, Talk Back “How can people say Mel makes all my decisions, that he decides what I am going to play, and with whom, and where! It so infuriates me. I know how scrupulously correct he is, and how he loathes to give an opinion unless I ask for it.”

Have a Purpose “The world has always been cynical, and I think I’m a romantic at heart. I hope for better things, and I thank God the world is also full of people who want to be genuine and kind.”

Give Back “Whatever baggage you’re given—fame if you like—creates curiosity. People want to see you. I’m using my curiosity for the children.”

Bit-O-Inspiro 55

spéciale de la mode: Happy Thanksgiving 2014

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I was surfing YouTube this past weekend, and while looking up videos of my another of my favorite fashion connoisseurs, Simon Doonan, I came across the video below which I thought would be perfect to post today. In my fashion, Simon Doonan is hilarious with a capital H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S. Doonan was a child of the 60's, and I admire his perspective of fashion considering he grew up in London when the Swinging Sixties Movement was beginning. After window dressing for a while in London, he was invited to style the windows for the store Maxwell in Los Angeles, California.  Fast forward to 2014, and Simon Doonan has been an window dresser and ambassador for Barney's New York where his controversial window displays have gained him popular acclaim since 1986. If you have an hour or so, when you get some free time, I suggest you view his humorous  interview with Fern Mallis of New York Magazine to understand his full life story and fashion perspective.

Considering Black Friday now starts on Thursday night, in the video above, Simon Doonan uses his expert sensibility to give us gift ideas for those we love. While Barneys may not be the first store you think about buying gifts from, use his thinking to guide your shopping decisions. Once again, he is HILARIOUS! Happy shopping and be safe.

Style Maven: Audrey Hepburn (Part 8 - On Style...)

As I said in my Editor’s Letter this month, if anyone wants to understand how to be truly happy in life, one should study the life and values of Ms. Audrey Hepburn—so I will make it easy for you to do so with my 10 part Style Maven series this month. In my fashion, after reading Melissa Hellstern’s book, 'How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life', one sees Audrey Hepburn as a prime example of how to overcome the self-defeating attitudes we have of ourselves, and rise to the occasion where ever you are needed. For me personally, considering Hepburn was an introverted soul, she reminds me that being an introvert, it is possible to step out of one’s comfort zone to achieve the success we desire. "We may be introverts, but that is not all that we are," I tell myself! I think she shows that there is strength in all of us (introverted or extroverted) to accomplish great successes and create a happy life, which is exactly why I preach of understanding what our unique strengths are so we can be as useful in this life as possible. She shows no matter how delicate, beautiful, or kind you are, we all have our tribulations in life, no matter how glorious we appear in the public eye. She reminds us that at the end of the day we all have to work for the satisfaction we want in life, and one cannot fret over what one cannot control. Life gets on when you do, so make it happen! I would only hope that the following posts help you to figure out how to emulate some of that effervescence Audrey possessed by adjusting how you see life through her eyes.

On Style: How to be an icon...

Know Yourself “You have to look at yourself objectively. Analyze yourself like an instrument. You have to be absolutely frank with yourself. Face your handicaps, don’t try to hide them. Instead, develop something else.”

Less is More “Balenciaga once said the secret of elegance is elimination, I believe that. That’s why I love Hubert Givenchy…They’re clothes without ornament, with everything stripped away.”

Comfort Is Crucial “First of all, even if you had the money you wouldn't want to buy them. You spend now on one evening dress what it would have cost to buy full wardrobes for two years.”

Avoid Trends “I want to stay in fashion. But being young in spirit counts more toward looking young than dressing in a hippy style."

Style for Life “It’s the flowers you choose, the music you play, the smile you have waiting. I want it to be gay and cheerful, a haven in this troubled world.”

Style Maven: Audrey Hepburn (Part 7 - On Fullfillment...)

As I said in my Editor’s Letter this month, if anyone wants to understand how to be truly happy in life, one should study the life and values of Ms. Audrey Hepburn—so I will make it easy for you to do so with my 10 part Style Maven series this month. In my fashion, after reading Melissa Hellstern’s book, 'How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life', one sees Audrey Hepburn as a prime example of how to overcome the self-defeating attitudes we have of ourselves, and rise to the occasion where ever you are needed. For me personally, considering Hepburn was an introverted soul, she reminds me that being an introvert, it is possible to step out of one’s comfort zone to achieve the success we desire. "We may be introverts, but that is not all that we are," I tell myself! I think she shows that there is strength in all of us (introverted or extroverted) to accomplish great successes and create a happy life, which is exactly why I preach of understanding what our unique strengths are so we can be as useful in this life as possible. She shows no matter how delicate, beautiful, or kind you are, we all have our tribulations in life, no matter how glorious we appear in the public eye. She reminds us that at the end of the day we all have to work for the satisfaction we want in life, and one cannot fret over what one cannot control. Life gets on when you do, so make it happen! I would only hope that the following posts help you to figure out how to emulate some of that effervescence Audrey possessed by adjusting how you see life through her eyes.

On Fulfillment: How to make the most of it...

Distinguish Between Lonely and Alone “I’m an introvert…I love being by myself, love being outdoors, love taking a long walk with my dogs and looking at trees, flowers, the sky.”

Get a Therapist “There are people who blow their tops, and people who don’t. I am told it is bad to bottle it all up inside you, but then if you blow you have to go around apologizing…I suppose I should just let it out my ears.”

Practice Acceptance “The greatest victory in my life has been to be able to live with myself, to accept my shortcomings and those of others. I’m a long way from being the human being I’d like to be. But I've decided I’m not so bad after all.”

Find A Peaceful Place “[Switzerland] is the absolute opposite of the life I led working. I was to a great extent left in peace. The Swiss press doesn't care what you do.”

Live Simply “It’s going to sound like a thumping bore, but my idea of heaven is [having] Robert and my two sons at home—I hate separations—and the dogs, a good movie, a wonderful meal, and great television all coming together. I’m really blissful when that happens. [My goal] was not to have huge luxuries. As a child, I wanted a house with a garden, which I have today. That is what I dreamed of.”

Have Faith “I am no longer a Christian Scientist, but I believe in something—in the strength, maybe, of the human spirit.”

Be Needed “My mother always impressed upon us, you have to be useful, to be needed and to be able to give love. I think it’s even more important than receiving it.”

à la mode: The New Now

If you haven't got them memo yet, this fall is all about deconstructed minimalism. The below spread styled by one of my favorite Vogue Fashion Editors, Lucinda Chambers, from UK Vogue which was in their August 2014 issue shot by Patrick Demarchelier. I appreciate Chambers personal style, and an editor's personal style is always indicative of the sort of aesthetic approach their fashion stories are usually constructed. When one does a Google search of Chamber's street looks, I have noticed how Chambers combines unique pieces to create a cleverly unexpected look that makes sense in a mad hatter sort of way. As we all know, the Mad Hatter was a genius in his own right, and I think that is what the looks in this spread exude. In my fashion, I love a look where each piece of the sum is interesting all by itself, but the ensemble of those pieces culminates into one ultra unique, creative and appealing look. My mind travels to the days when I used to watch Power Rangers and the Rangers would combine each of their individual colossal assault machines into one "Megazord". Even though each Ranger was strong and talented in their own regard, when they came together they were a real force to be reckoned with. Remember your clothes are your armor that prepares you for the public, so in that regard, I say pay close attention to the work of Lucinda Chambers in UK Vogue if you need a look that makes a concise aesthetic statement. 

                

Style Maven: Audrey Hepburn (Part 6 - On Friendship...)

As I said in my Editor’s Letter this month, if anyone wants to understand how to be truly happy in life, one should study the life and values of Ms. Audrey Hepburn—so I will make it easy for you to do so with my 10 part Style Maven series this month. In my fashion, after reading Melissa Hellstern’s book, 'How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life', one sees Audrey Hepburn as a prime example of how to overcome the self-defeating attitudes we have of ourselves, and rise to the occasion where ever you are needed. For me personally, considering Hepburn was an introverted soul, she reminds me that being an introvert, it is possible to step out of one’s comfort zone to achieve the success we desire. "We may be introverts, but that is not all that we are," I tell myself! I think she shows that there is strength in all of us (introverted or extroverted) to accomplish great successes and create a happy life, which is exactly why I preach of understanding what our unique strengths are so we can be as useful in this life as possible. She shows no matter how delicate, beautiful, or kind you are, we all have our tribulations in life, no matter how glorious we appear in the public eye. She reminds us that at the end of the day we all have to work for the satisfaction we want in life, and one cannot fret over what one cannot control. Life gets on when you do, so make it happen! I would only hope that the following posts help you to figure out how to emulate some of that effervescence Audrey possessed by adjusting how you see life through her eyes.

On Friendship: How to build relationships for life...

Be Loyal “She embraced everyone as an acquaintance, but very few people were admitted to her inner circle. She had the ability to keep people at a distance without being in the least bit rough or unkind. Her magnetism was so extraordinary, though, that everyone wanted to be close to her."—Stanley Donen

Love Much “I think he loved me and I loved him. I think it’s rather different. I think it’s better than being in love.”—AH on William Wyler

Listen Well “Audrey really cared and really listened. Most people don’t. If you really listen, it’s because you really care. I don’t listen to half of what I hear—but Audrey did.”—Doris Brynner

Laugh Often “Most people think of Audrey Hepburn as regal. I like to think of her as spunky…She was a cutup, she was a clown. I think that would surprise people who didn’t know her. She could always make me laugh between scenes…she was a comic.”—Gregory Peck

Be Genuine “Audrey sensed very early in her life and career that self-worth based on fame or beauty is very short-lived, and so she remained forever herself—realistic, aware, and caring.”

Style Maven: Audrey Hepburn (Part 5 - On Family...)

As I said in my Editor’s Letter this month, if anyone wants to understand how to be truly happy in life, one should study the life and values of Ms. Audrey Hepburn—so I will make it easy for you to do so with my 10 part Style Maven series this month. In my fashion, after reading Melissa Hellstern’s book, 'How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life', one sees Audrey Hepburn as a prime example of how to overcome the self-defeating attitudes we have of ourselves, and rise to the occasion where ever you are needed. For me personally, considering Hepburn was an introverted soul, she reminds me that being an introvert, it is possible to step out of one’s comfort zone to achieve the success we desire. "We may be introverts, but that is not all that we are," I tell myself! I think she shows that there is strength in all of us (introverted or extroverted) to accomplish great successes and create a happy life, which is exactly why I preach of understanding what our unique strengths are so we can be as useful in this life as possible. She shows no matter how delicate, beautiful, or kind you are, we all have our tribulations in life, no matter how glorious we appear in the public eye. She reminds us that at the end of the day we all have to work for the satisfaction we want in life, and one cannot fret over what one cannot control. Life gets on when you do, so make it happen! I would only hope that the following posts help you to figure out how to emulate some of that effervescence Audrey possessed by adjusting how you see life through her eyes.

On Family: How to nurture those you love...

Love Your Mother Anyway “My mother was not an affectionate person. She was a fabulous mother, but she had a Victorian upbringing of great discipline, of great ethics. She was very strict, very demanding of her children. She had a lot of love within her, but she was not always able to show it.” 

Forgive Your Father “Having my father cut himself off from me when I was only six was desperately awful. If I could have just seen him regularly, I would have felt he loved me. But as it was, I always envied other people’s fathers, came home with tears, because they had a daddy.”

Believe in Miracles “Like all new mothers, I couldn't believe at first he was really for me, and I could really keep him. I’m still filled with wonder of being able to go out and come back—and find he’s still there.”

Be Present “The fact that I've made movies doesn't mean breakfast gets made or that my child does better in his homework. I still have to function as a woman in a household.” 

Teach Your Children Well “Never let yourself grow up believing that…anybody is any different from anybody else…we’re all the same.”

Style Maven: Audrey Hepburn (Part 4 - On Love...)

As I said in my Editor’s Letter this month, if anyone wants to understand how to be truly happy in life, one should study the life and values of Ms. Audrey Hepburn—so I will make it easy for you to do so with my 10 part Style Maven series this month. In my fashion, after reading Melissa Hellstern’s book, 'How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life', one sees Audrey Hepburn as a prime example of how to overcome the self-defeating attitudes we have of ourselves, and rise to the occasion where ever you are needed. For me personally, considering Hepburn was an introverted soul, she reminds me that being an introvert, it is possible to step out of one’s comfort zone to achieve the success we desire. "We may be introverts, but that is not all that we are," I tell myself! I think she shows that there is strength in all of us (introverted or extroverted) to accomplish great successes and create a happy life, which is exactly why I preach of understanding what our unique strengths are so we can be as useful in this life as possible. She shows no matter how delicate, beautiful, or kind you are, we all have our tribulations in life, no matter how glorious we appear in the public eye. She reminds us that at the end of the day we all have to work for the satisfaction we want in life, and one cannot fret over what one cannot control. Life gets on when you do, so make it happen! I would only hope that the following posts help you to figure out how to emulate some of that effervescence Audrey possessed by adjusting how you see life through her eyes.

On Love: How to get what you deserve...

Be Willing to Get Hurt “Sabrina was a dreamer who lived a fairy-tale, and she was a romantic, an incorrigible romantic, which I am. I could never be cynical. I wouldn't dare. I’d roll over and die before that.”

When Flirting Be Subtle “There’s never any need for any woman to ogle a man. Oogling only puts the men off. It scares them away. In fact, the faintest flutter of an eyelash should be enough.”

Mind the Male Ego “I thought a marriage between two good, loving people had to last until one of them died. I can’t tell you how disillusioned I was.”

Know When to Walk Away “Your heart just breaks, that’s all. But you can’t judge, or point fingers. You just have to be lucky enough to find someone who appreciates you.” 

Know What to Look For “The kind of man I’m attracted to can be tall or short, fair or dark, handsome or homely. Physical good looks don’t necessarily appeal to me just by themselves. If a man has that indefinable quality that I can only call ‘warmth’ or ‘charm,’ then I’ll feel at ease with him.”