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.

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.

MY LITTLE PARISIAN STYLE.

The Mythic Catherine Deneuve.

March 27. 2020

Ah the Parisian Style Myth, a true puzzle of imagination vs. reality that I’ve enjoyed deciphering over the years in finding my own personal style.

Catherine Deneuve above definitely encapsulated that Parisian magic myth to me. Perfectly coiffed and understated.

It’s what I strive for, but I realize my own style reality over the years has evolved into a mix of Deneuve’s lady-like with a huge big dose of boyish Inspired “charm”.

Below is my own my tried and true French Formula Uniform Favorites, Thanks to the Gallic Greats (And some Adopted Parisianness) over the years.

Brigette Bardot. Though she is more known for her trademark Smokey Eyes and Natural Lips though I’m sure she must of dabbled in Red Lipstick ♥️.

LA ROUGE RED LIPSTICK.

My first red lipstick, besides stealing my Mother’s was the now discontinued Chanel’s Runway Rose. A perfect beginners red at15 years old. Subtle and demure with that childish hint of pink. Ha! Yep I used the word demure;)

But, oh how I loved that Red! It felt so french each time I applied it, probably mostly before French class;) I can still smell that trademark chanel rose scent.

Now 30 years later, I’ve had thousands of reds to replace that beloved first one.

As adult I gravitate towards Mattes for long wear and It’s still my no.1 go-to for my everyday little Parisian style. Here’s just a few of my favorites:

ROC (ROCK) THE RED:

My Current staples are these guys for staying power and boldness. NARS Heat Wave, a perfect orangey red for summer. YSL’s Rouge Pur Couture, slim matte in Rouge Extravagant. Sephora Collection’s cream lip Stain In No. 1 Always Red. Last, but not least the one I always go back to… MAC’s Ruby Woo.

Now your turn what’s your favorite Red’s ? Do tell…

Francois Hardy. Oh she rocked them and of course my Favorite Francophile Jackie-O.

OVERSIZED SUNNIES.

I’ve had a nearly life long love affair with big shades since coveting my own Momma’s plethera of pairs since the late Seventies. And when I was old enough to get my own, I took it to whole new legacy level;)

I’ve had more pairs then I can count and most of them unfortunately have been lost along the way. I still mourn their passing. But, these ones below have come to save the soleil day:)

Let me introduce you to Sasha. Her square, boldly beautiful silhouette had me at my first try-on. I dream of a whole basket full of these by my front door. And yet even if I just have one pair, the price ($95) is right if they do go missing like the ones before them.

Jean Seberg. Though expat from Iowa, her legendary boyish style charm from the 1960 French film Breathless still endures her to the most ardent Parisians.

 LA MARINIÈRE AND ITS SISTERS.

THE MARINIERE/BRETON SHIRT.

Its been a favorite of mine over the years with all its different variations of stripes or sleeve length.

One can’t go wrong with a Men’s tailored shirt designed for active French Sailors back in the day or the creatives/style icons like Gabrielle Chanel, Pablo Picasso and Brigette Bardot that adopted this classic staple into their own personal style.

My favorite brand is the original St. James version HERE and HERE. If you need one for yourself:)

THE SISTERS.

Over the years I’ve called some accessories, Sisters. Those essential components or a companion to a certain Piece of clothing in my uniform that can’t be missed;) Like Denim and a good Tote.

DENIM.

Oh Denim, Us Francophiles love you.

And that boyfriend Jean style that pretty much the French Femmes have invented. Nothing like a Men’s cut jean, a little loose with a nice easy ankle roll.

I know it’s been a favorite of mine since high school. But, this PAIR currently has me daydreaming of a stroll up and down the Champs Elysee;)

TOTE.

Even though the Tote (to carry) is a pretty much American thing. Thanks LLBean. The French do love their simple totes especially with a crossbody strap to navigate there way around the Metro and the streets of Paris.

I myself love them as I can carry all my essentials including my writing stuff with me at all times. My current favorite is Clare V.’s Annie Tote in Black with her signature desert suede stripes of Navy and Red.

Audrey Hepburn. Another expat that made the world desire the iconic French Ballet Flat.

BALLET FLATS.

Now you see them everywhere. A staple for any classic girl, but this was not always the case until dear Brigette Bardot in 1956 made a serious request that the famous Ballet Shoe maker, Repetto of Paris would consider creating a city street version and The Cendrillon ballerinas were born.

My Personal favorite is the lesser known Théâtre ballerinas. Just like Repetto’s authentic pointe ballet slipper they created walkable version with that lovely square toe and classic folds.

Though when I do go to Paris and even when I daydream usually wear these alternatives HERE.

*Oh I hope you enjoyed this petit style story from March in the initial covid lockdown.

Love, C.