Style

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.