Pocket squares and bow ties

Cary Grant, of course.

There is a whimsical, entrancing world that I am often drawn into. It is full of clothes and accessories and materials and fashions – peep-toes, strands of pearls, floral patterns and shirt dresses. NO! I’m talking about suit jackets, ties, flannel, and white button-downs cuffed at the elbow. Yes, I’m talking about men’s fashion.

I am a girl. I like dressing like a girl. But I think men’s style is indcredibly interesting and exciting. It is a strange addiction.

Exhibit A: I peruse Esquire and GQ online. I always feel quite odd when I go to these sites because I have to bypass the photos of Minka Kelly and Christina Hendricks,with headlines suggesting who-knows-what about unmentionable things. But these sites have how-to’s like The Well-Dressed Rebel (a guide to breaking the rules), and How to Wear Jeans. Not stuff I need to know, but still.

Exhibit B: GQ has a section called “Style Icons,” and created a fashion tribute to Paul Newman. Who do classically stylish women have to imitate, seriously? There are few ladies who were really bold and original in their time, I feel like.

Exhibit C: Bow ties and suspenders, yes please. The ties are great tied or untied… see photo of the lovely John Krasinski.

Exhibit D: Men’s runway fashion, much like women’s is weird. There is plenty of weird clothes out there.  And male models (again, much like female ones) freak me out. And STILL it’s fascinating! To keep things humorous, though, here’s a how-to-turn-your-boyfriend-into-someone-else-with-clothes blog.

Nautical

Audrey

I once heard Audrey Hepburn described as “the perfect woman.” I tend to agree. What didn’t she do?

-she danced
-she was an award-winning actress
-she sang
-her children speak well of their mother
-she was a humanitarian
-she was humbly beautiful
-she was both sweet and strong
-her speaking brought out the beauty in French and English alike
-she starred opposite  Hollywood’s great leading men of the era
-she was a style icon

Though it’s difficult to pick a favorite, I love the movie Charade (1963) [spoiler], in which she stars with the dashing Cary Grant. Of course Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Roman Holiday, The Nun’s Story, Wait Until Dark, The Children’s Hour, Paris When it Sizzles, My Fair Lady, and How to Steal a Million are all fabulous. I have yet to see others like War and Peace and Love in the Afternoon.

I could go on!

This poem is supposedly not, as was rumored, about Audrey Hepburn. But it could be:

Time Tested Beauty Tips 

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge you’ll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.

Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm.

*Poem: Sam Levenson

Charade

"How do you shave in there?"