Jane Birkin.
Bonjour! It’s in unofficial April in Paris month here on StoryboardC. Where I will be letting my Francophile Flag fly Super High. 🇫🇷 And what better way to start with the Iconic Actress, Singer Jane Birkin (who actually is English born, but a reminder anyone can be French with enough Joie de Vivre Style.)
If your not familiar with Birkin and her Haute-Hippie style. Your gonna get your beginning Lesson today. Let’s get started…
Jane.
Les Cheveux (Hair): Jane’s Hair is almost as Iconic as the Hermès Bag named after her (more on that later). Her straight long tresses with Fringe Bangs, a epitome of casual 70’s chic definitely has made a comeback in the last 10 years. I even cut my own back in the day and learned my personal bang upkeep from my all-time favorite French Make-Up Artist Violette_FR. It’s so face framing and perfect for wearing your hair up or down. Here some more on the Birkin Bang if your interested HERE.
Le Maquillage (Make-Up): Jane always seemed to take the Au Natural Approach when it came to makeup with some 60’s lower lash action. I thought it would fun to a mini modern bonus to get the look for yourself:
Chanel’s Rouge Coco Baume in 914 Natural Charm. A Hydrating buildable lip balm.
LANCÔME Hypnôse Buildable Volume Mascara great overall volume mascara for top and lower lash.
The original Bronzer for that French Sun-kissed Glow. Guerlain Terracotta. Remember put it where the sun naturally hits. Forehead, Cheeks, Nose and Chin. Bring it down a bit on the neck as our necks can be a bit lighter than our faces.
BeautyCounter’s Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer will give you that ‘I wake up like this’ look Jane is known for with its sheer-coverage and sun protection of SPF 20. The formula also has a cocktail blend of black currant seed oil, peony root extract, and vitamin C to help brighten and firm over time. I personally wear shade Light and it’s perfect for weekends or everyday with with YSL Touché Eclat.
BeautyCounter’s Cheeky Cream Blush gives that natural glowing cheek color that also in a pinch can be used as a lip color. I featured Chai-Dusty Rose.
Hourglass Curator Lash Instrument (featured above) will give your lower lashes the precision attention needed to rock that Jane Barkin 60’s inspired eye look to the max.
T-Shirt•RE/DONE ’60s Slim Tee is perfect. Antique White.
Jeans•The Alina Jeans created by fellow Brit Victoria Beckham. It’s 70’s style Oversized patch pockets and perfectly nostalgic flared legs just ooze Jane.
Shoes•I know they're not French, but Swedish. But, these Hasbeen Red Peep Toes scream ooh la la.
Accessories
Basket• Before and actually after the birth of the iconic Hermès Birkin Bag, There was and is the Birkin Basket. A Portuguese crafted Fisherman’s Basket that has become Jane’s super iconic signature! Carrying everything from Groceries to Hand mirrors.
Hand Mirror•When you carry a basket might as well have a Hand Mirror, I found this lovely Antique Bamboo one HERE.
Fragrance•Jane herself never a fan of fragrance created in 2006 with London Perfumer Miller Harris, L’air de Rien. A friendly nostalgic, fragrance inspired by Old Leather Books, a chest of drawers and the scent of her Mother’s Hair to name a few. Containing a unique blend of Amber and Musks. (Grazia)
Love, C.
MARILYN.
Growing up The Misfits (1961) was one of the many Films that impacted my love for Classic Cinema and storytelling. I probably shouldn’t of been watching it;) but 1980’s parenting was pretty hands-off when it came to certain things:) Movie topics for sure.
But, this American Western had an Artistic flair to it. How could it not with John Huston Directing and Screenplay by Arthur Miller? and the legendary cast of Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift and it's supporting actors of Eli Wallach with Thelma Ritter. The Stories behind it made it even more fascinating including that it was the last completed film by both Marilyn and Gable. Gable dying10 days after it’s production finished and Monroe in 1962.
There was a vulnerability to each of their performances that I noticed while re-watching. Especially in Roselyn (Monroe), she had so many layers Real and imagined I had forgotten. As adult I understood definitely more. I know Marilyn hated this film, the personal drama of drinking, prescription drug abuse and the unraveling of her marriage to Miller. It also was a commercial failure. But, now it's considered a Black & White (The most expensive at the time) masterpiece.
I personally also enjoyed how style defined it’s leading lady and seeing Marilyn more casual. I thought it would be a perfect StoryboardC style. I hope you enjoy and hopefully watch the film. It’s available on PRIME.
Marilyn
Shirt• Filming in the Nevada Desert in a white crisp mens style shirt would be a challenge, but Marilyn pulled it off with some help from her Lee Stormer Coat too. I chose a modern classic from Ann Mashburn perfect for any of us. Icon Spread Shirt.
Jean’s•Lady Levi’s for Marilyn. A Storied History HERE and HERE of iconic vintage western wear with curves. You can pick up your own Levi 1950'S 701® WOMEN'S JEANS HERE.
Boots•In October of 1999 at Christie’s, Marilyn’s most iconic Personal Property went up for Auction. Bringing in over 13 Million which included her square-toed tan leather boots worn in The Misfits. They themselves fetched a modest;) 85 grand that were sold to designer Tommy Hilfiger.
I myself went with a little lesser price of my personal favorite cowboy styled boot that I almost bought while living in Austin, Texas. I love the simplicity of THE BILLY PULL ON IN COGNAC.
Accessories
Hat• I kept it classic with A Stetson of course and choosing the Best Made Stetson Burnet Hat.
Belt•This Emil Erwin Signature Belt in Walnut is timeless. Handmade in Nashville, Tenn. with signature care and detail. It would last a lifetime and more.
Blanket•I loved the scene of when Roselyn and Isabelle go out to Guido’s half finished house for a night of drinking and dancing with the boys. On the sofa is a Blanket similar to this ONE from Pendleton.
Sage•While the girls are driving out to the House. Roselyn marvels at the amazing desert smell of wild Sage.
Lasso•last, but not least. A smaller elegant version of a Lasso from Hermes.
C.
JULIA.
Ah! I love Julia! even though I barely know how to cook Myself. But, a girl can dream right? or at least have a boyfriend who is a Chef;)
Growing up I came from a long line of mostly Midwest Meh Home Cooks. Sorry Grandma and Mom! They always seemed to play it safe and sensible in the kitchen. Experimention was for sure pretty much unheard really except for my German Grandpa who did make the most delicious homemade bread. But, it again it was safe and far from exotic. God forbid French 🇫🇷 either.
As a kid in the 80’s, I often scrolled the TV when I was home sick and came across Julia Child. I just loved her joyful laugh and smile as she cooked the most decadent dishes. Wishing I could reach through the screen and taste what Gourmet was… There was a passion in her chopping and roasting I had never seen in the cooking around me. It was foreign and magical. It left a Lasting impression on me that I would not be reacquainted with until I saw the film Julie & Julia in 2009 as adult.
I just adored the portrayal of Julia by Meryl Stereo and the scenes of her falling in love with France and it's Food. I soon after devoured each page and delicious story in her memoir, My Life in France. I even loved reading her descriptions of preparing, cooking and eating. It made me want to try my own hand in the kitchen or it least daydream about it. To this day it’s one of my favorite books, I even recently reread it again for this storyboard. She was definitely a Tour De Force in the kitchen and I can see why people are still Loving on her to this day. Myself included.
And this March is definitely the unofficial Month of Julia in the streaming world. Yesterday I watched The Food Network’s premiere episode of The Julia Child Challenge. It’s super delightful as Eight talented Home cooks vie for a chance to study at the Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. I loved the replica of Julia’s iconic Kitchen and the big Vintage TV that Julia herself teaches from old episodes of The French Chef. I was also so impressed with myself that I knew most of the trivia they share throughout the show;) I would highly recommend you checking it out for yourself. It drops every Monday on Discovery+ as well.
And HBOmax begins streaming on March 31st, Julia. Inspired by her long-running public television series, The French Chef and the wonderful story behind it. The cast looks amazing! I have my own Oven timer set and ready.⏲️ to watch.
And In the meantime I hope you enjoy my little Julia Storyboard:
Julia.
Book• Mastering the Art of French Cooking. A cooking masterpiece published in 1961 by Knopf. Nearly taking Nine years to write, research, edit and recipe test. It’s the perfect companion into the world of Julia and French Cookery. Every French Foodie should have this on their kitchen shelves and maybe THIS PRINT on it’s wall.
Dutch Oven • Or Sometimes called a French Oven or by Julia, a Casserole for her American viewers. Its a thick walled cooking pot with a tight lid. Perfect to make Julia’s famous Boeuf Bourguignom (Beef Stew with Red Wine)
Julia’s original Le Creuset La Mama in Flame Red now sits on display in her kitchen in the Smithsonian. HERE is a similar one to add to your own Kitchen if you don't have one already. They are for sure an investment, but one you will use for a lifetime.
Copper Mold•Julia loved Copper! Pots, Pans and even Molds. Any French Chef would agree that Copper distributes Heat perfectly. I chose this Oversize Antique Paris Copper Mold after watching her demonstrate a Improvisation Meal on The French Chef via PBS.
Peg Board•Julia and her husband Paul had installed Peg Board in each of her many kitchens including her most famous one on 103 Irving St. in Cambridge, Mass. Painted blue to wonderfully display her Copper Pots, Pans and many Gadgets. Paul even used a permanent black marker to create a silhouette of each one and where they should go. Pretty genius right? You can get your own HERE or any Hardware store and Home Improvement Store.
Stand Mixer•Julia never one to add extra work if not needed nor if it would compromise a recipe. She herself had a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer on her counter. Julia’s was a classic black, but I chose one in Teal. Yes, they're pricey, but you can get a refurbished one HERE at half the price. Julia recommends it too.
Mortar and Pestle•You don't need one the size of your head as Julia shared she got in My Life in France. But, they're perfect for grinding spices and crushing nuts among other things. HERE a classic white marble one.
Chef’s Knife•I’m actually not going to pretend I know anything about this… Knive’s scare me. But, I do know that Julia loved a Good Chef’s Knife and I picked a lovely one from her Beloved E. Dehillerin of Paris. And Hand wash them! I learned the hard way.
Cutting Board•I chose this lovely round ONE. Perfect for cutting and chopping. And yes I'm sure it could be used for Americans version of a Charcuterie board. FYI After all my Julia research, I realized A Charcuterie literally translates to a Pork Butcher Shop. It’s a place you go not just a board with summer sausage, brie cheese, crackers and olives that us midwesterns like;)
Serving Tray•Always at the end of the French Chef Julia brings her meal to the Dining Room. And this ONE seemed perfect even if Julia detested sponsorship. She probably would of covered up the brand name with Tape like all the rest:)
Accessories
Patch• L’ECOLE DES TROIS GOURMANDES (The school of the three Hearty Eaters) Designed in 1952 by Paul Child for Julia’s Cooking School with fellow Chef’s Simone (Simca) Beck and Louisette Bertholle in Paris teaching Anerican Students. It later was still worn on the French Chef and now seen on American Halloween Costumes from Children to Adults every year;)
Dish Towel•Who doesn't feel more like Jullia with a kitchen towel tucked in your apron. If your looking for Vintage French ones, HERE is the place even though later on in Life Julia preferred Terry Cloth. My Favorite inexpensive one for year's has been Ikea’s Striped Red Hildegun Dish Towel with that handy loop for hanging. I'm sure you might have them as well!
Pearl’s•Last, but not least… A signature strand that gave polish to her Iconic Crisp Blue work shirt. HERE is a classic set via Sotheby’s.
More of Julia…
My Life in France •Like I mentioned above. This is is one of my All-time favorite Memoirs. Written with her grand Nephew Alex Prud’Homme, it is beyond lovely and makes you feel as if you were along for the Julia and Paul Child life adventure. What a legacy.
France is a Feast •To know Julia, you must know Paul. Paul was amazing photographer and artist. This photographic journal of his work and inspiration is a perfect companion to their story.
Julia Child’s Second Act•It’s like the Part 2 of My Life in France chronicling Julia’s journey into the world of Television Cooking. So, good.
Julia •Released in the Fall of 2021, a wonderful tribute to Julia’s life and passion. A great introductory course into the woman that made cooking cool. Available for streaming on prime.
I hope you enjoyed my peek into Julia. This was such a joy to create and my most ambitious Storyboard yet with all the research. Thank you for reading and it wouldn’t be right closing without…
bon appétit
cynthia
Steve.
You don’t find Steve’s much these days, that “King of Cool” era seems to have sailed.. But, I do remember as a kid My Dad and my Mom’s Brothers oozing that Tough & Timeless Style. So, recently at work trying to find the perfect guy counterpart to my plethora of Female Storyboard’s, my co-worker/friend Robert suggested Steve McQueen. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Robert himself reminisced about how as a kid in Cali, he excitedly remembers going to see Bullitt in the Theater and being so entranced by Steve’s character and his epic car chase through the Hilly Streets of San Francisco and the Bay Area (I do remember my Dad reminiscing as well ). So, my Friday Film-Style research date was on.
Bullitt, a action thriller released in October of 1968 was no disappoint. It was such a pleasure to watch Steve Mcqeen as SFPD Detective, Liet. Frank Bullitt. He was such a damn good actor and while watching him chase those bad guys with his classic cool and calm manner. I was so impressed that his chill vibe never left him on the screen and how his Style perfectly reflected his character even down to his paisley pajamas.
I can see why Robert and my Dad loved it so much. Now I hope you will enjoy my little Steve Storyboard style breakdown. * Below I added the original trailer to get you in the mood and you can even watch the Film for yourself over on HBO MAX streaming. Vroom. Vroom:)
Steve.
Sport Jacket • After a late night at the Hospital, Bullitt changes into his iconic wardrobe. Costume Designer Theadora Van Runkle definitely took a lot of inspiration from Steve McQueen’s personal wardrobe throughout the whole film and his Sport Coat was numero Uno. The original Brown Houndstooth with suede elbow patches was a classic of his in daily life as well.
I chose a Orvis Lightweight Highland Tweed Sport Coat in Brown that has that same vibe and more on a police detective budget:)
Trench Coat•It’s all about the layers for those cool San Fran Sunday Mornings when the film was made. Steve’s knee length light khaki Raincoat probably is a Classic Aquascutum London. I chose a modern version with classic details from A.P.C.
Turtleneck•Even Bond took a nod from Bullitt on the merits of a good navy cashmere Turtleneck. His original was a Ballantyne, but with so many I options I picked Sid Mashburn’s Fine-gauged Turtleneck Sweater.
Trousers•I feel like I'm channeling my Grandmother by using the word Trousers:) But, thats what he wore and very well if I might say so myself.
His original Charcoal grey flat fronts with a narrow cut in the legs were late 1960’s perfect. I found q similar pair via Saks from Brunello Cucinelli.
Boots•He loved his Brown Suede Boots and the Hutton Playboy Chukka was a perfect match and still is for any guy with Style.
Accessories.
I did leave out the gun, but if your curious it was a snub-nosed Colt Diamondback. He was a detective after all. But, other accessories do have a place here:)
Sunglasses• Oh the Persol’s even if your not a style guru, its common knowledge that Steve loved his Italian designed Persols on and off the screen. He wore the Classic 649’s in Bullitt, but I chose the classic 714 folding pair from The Thomas Crown Affair in Light Havana and Blue Polarized Lens.
Watch•Mcqueen loved watches and luxury ones at that. Often Actors of that time would wear their own accessories and he chose a more functional one. The New York watchmaker Benrus Series #3061. It’s similar to the Field watch created for American GI’s in Vietnam.
Aftershave•Before Johnny Depp put Dior’s Sauvage on the map. There was the 1966 version Eau Sauvage that Mcqueen splashed on his rugged face and it supposedly was one of the first to drive women wild with a special ingredient. HERE.
Car•My Last, but not least. The Car! and their actually was two 1968 Green Ford Mustang GT Fastback’s Bought by Warner Bros for Steve. You can read about it HERE. What a ride and chase even if your not a car enthusiast like I am.
Other Notes:
Cathy (Jacqueline Bisset) Bullitt’s Girlfriend had some wonderful Acting and style moments as well and her own Driving scene. Worth watchIng for that as well. *Her Yellow Shirtdress was to die for.
And Just Curious who is your favorite Actor Style Icon? Do share!
Until next Storyboard… C.
DIANA.
I just recently watched Spencer and I was inspired to create a look opposite of Director Pablo Larraín vision…which I was not a fan of at all. It was if he Left the real Diana on the floor of the queen’s Sandringham estate. The “a fable from a true tragedy” of the film in my book was Kristen Stewart's portrayal and that darn wig she wore. Whoa, I know I'm being a bit snarky, but I just can't help it. I adored Diana and spent most of my lifetime (even watching the1981 royal wedding at 7 with my Mother at the crack of dawn) admiring her. She was indeed a complex woman with the most contagious personality and Spencer did not capture that at all. Enough said and let's get to the fun part.
I chose one of my Personal fave looks of Lady Di from when I was a kid and now a big reminder Diana was just a “kid” herself. Only 21!
Diana.
Sweater•or a Jumper as the Brit’s say. This iconic Sheep Sweater in Diana Red was originally worn in 1980 during her engagement and made a second act in 1983 for a Polo Match. Designers Muir and Osborne of Warm & Wonderful re-released in 2020 to huge fanfair. It even got a shout out in Season Four of The Crown.
It’s definitely Diana playful with it's rows of white sheep with that trademark black one. Many say the wool jumper contained a message, but I personally think it was just for fun. You can read more HERE about this legendary sweater.
*I also abstained from featuring the collar and black tie for a more casual modern interpretation.
Pants •It’s Polo people so I went with Nili Lotan’s Celia Straight Leg Jeans instead of Diana’s traditional white painter pant dungaree’s. I think she would of approved. These would of looked lovely on Diana’s 5’ 10” inch frame and translate well to any of us if your brave enough to wear white jeans which I’m not;)
Shoes•A nod to Diana's lifelong love of Ballet. I chose Repetto’s Brigitte ballerinas pointed V-Cut in Black. Better then heels roaming around a Polo field:)
Accessories.
Clutch• I looked high and low for her quilted floral patterned clutch. No results, might have to design my own someday:) But, I did find this early Lady Di Handbag during the epic search maybe for another storyboard?!?!
I did thoughtfully choose a Chloe Alphabet Pebbled Leather Chain Clutch Bag in Black instead. Diana was well known for her Clutches. The perfect way to conceal the royal cleavage from the ever prying eyes of the paparazzi as she exited cars.
Sunglasses•In her early years as HRH, she loved some oversized Aviators even white ones showed up a few times. But, I went with Ray-Ban CATS 5000 CLASSICS similar to ones that day at the Polo Match.
Earrings•She loved her gold accents. I found some Missoma Small Double Hoops at a moderate price. Diana often loved wearing trend jewelry as a alternative to the decadent crown jewels. Not unlike her Daughter in Law Catherine today.
Fragrance•This woodsy Floral, Houbigaut’s Quelques Fleurs l'Original Eau de Parfum was a early staple, even worn on her wedding day. I now can just imagine it wafting behind her as she mingled with the Royal Polo set.
Brush•The Mason Pearson of course. I can't do a Diana Storyboard without mentioning her British blonde feathered locks that had millions of young women globally asking for the Lady Di Cut. I even wanted it in 2nd Grade:)
I hope you enjoyed my 2nd Storyboard. Hmm now let’s guess who's next? I bet you can't. In the meantime, what was you fave Diana Look? loved to know!
C.
REAR WINDOW.
Rear Window.
It was one of my all time favorite films as a kid. I just thought Grace Kelly’s Character Lisa Fremont was just about the coolest thing. Her impeccable wardrobe (thanks to the legendary costume designer Edith Head) and that ONE scene of super suspense (I don’t want to ruin it for you if you haven’t seen it yet) sealed the deal. And still does.
Here is my modern picks with a big heaping dose of classic inspiration to recreate Grace Kelly’s casual iconic style from the last scene. I hope you enjoy it as much as I loved creating it!
Shirt•In the Film she wears a Red button-down Oxford. I chose blue- the Ann Mashburn’s School Girl Shirt to put a new spin on it. It’s a more fitted version of a menswear classic button down. Perfect for rolling up the sleeves and tucking it in. Grace I'm sure would approve.
Jeans•Grace’s version were definitely a true indigo. I decided to go with Madewell’s Classic Straight Jeans in Cristoforo Wash: Selvedge Edition. Perfect for cuffing and adding a little down to earth.
Shoes•Penny Loafers of course. I decided to go with G.H.Bass Flat Strap Weejun’s in Brown instead of the classic Burgundy to bring out the stitching in the Jean cuff.
Accessories
Twilly•Hermès Danse Pacifique Twilly tied to the belt loop instead of Grace’s matching shirt tie. A nod to the real Grace with her love of all things Hermès.
*So, what is a Twilly anyway? A neck-tie like scarf created in the 1930s as a “little sister” version to the classic Hermès Scarf. And it can be styled in a million ways like a bracelet around the wrist, a hair tie or even on your very own Kelly bag:)
Pearls•Though in the last scene Grace wears no accessories, I did add some classic pearl earrings as a nod to her lady-like wardrobe throughout the film. Tiffany Signature Pearls.
Magazine•Last but not least in details, the 1953 Harper's Bazaar Beauty Issue that Lisa (Grace) replaces the High Himalayas travel book with after Jeff (Stewart) dozes off.
♥️
*No Affliated Links. Just for fun.
