Who is the Modern Day Audrey Hepburn?

Who is the modern day Audrey Hepburn? My obsession with this style icon goes beyond her life and legacy. There’s only so much I can find about Audrey’s memory before I’m forced to live in the present, so now I find myself looking for her in today’s celebrities. So who is a modern day Audrey, is it Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, Keira Knightley or Leighton Meester? If I rank these celebrities on looks I’d be in trouble because all of them have somewhat Audrey Hepburn traits, the high cheekbones, slender figure, and lets face it, they are all drop dead gorgeous. I may favour Leighton because her alter ego Blair on Gossip Girl may actually be the origin of my Audrey obsession, way back when the Gossip Girl books were first published. Leighton’s personal style isn’t really Audrey Hepburn, Blair however is exactly what a modern day Audrey Hepburn should be. Coincidentally I love all these actresses to pieces, Keira Knightley may actually rank the highest in comparison to Audrey’s film credentials, she may not be there yet, but Keira’s film choices are always classics. Anne Hathaway has been touted as a modern day Audrey Hepburn for her take on Hollywood glamour. Anne’s style is elegant and something about her just summons My Fair Lady to mind. Now I simply adore Natalie Portman, the woman can do no wrong, and I think she’s probably the one that could wear the Audrey Hepburn pixie cut best. Her films are great, and she’s definitely on my best dressed list. Everything about her oozes perfection, she’s a brilliant actress (her portrayal of Anne Boleyn had me mesmerized), and I’d kill for her wardrobe. Portman is nearly always featured in Teen Vogue, at least once an issue. So the question still remains who is the modern day Audrey Hepburn? Since I can’t fairly evaluate Leighton Meester as the fictional character Blair Waldorf I will have to make my choice from real life celebrities. In film, I’m leaning towards Keira Knightley, but if I evaluate fashion sense I’m drawn to Anne Hathaway. All these ladies know ‘how to be lovely’, but the one with the film credentials who is also an emerging style icon has to be Natalie Portman, how could I not choose the one with the taste, talent, and face for Audrey’s signature hairstyles.

Think Pink!

Although my allegiance still lies with Forever 21, Pink Ice is making it hard. Forever 21 is still the best for variety and I will never relinquish it’s title as my head band hot spot. Pink Ice has nice designs although their fabric choices are not as desirable as those of Forever 21 they are gaining speed and fast. Their website just received a major facelift, and with its new face came a new line of dresses that I love. I was contemplating learning how to make my own dresses this summer and a few of the Pink Ice dresses are eerily reminiscent of the designs I’d sketched. Some of their designs have a bohemian vibe while others are designed more for nights out on the town. As you should already know I loved the Toga top/dress, but my picks from the new designs are the Printed Knot Dress (Limited Edition, $34.99), the Band Strap Dress ($27.99), and the Cross Knot Tunic ($27.99). Pink Ice ships worldwide so if there isn’t a store near you these babies are just a click away, and they also have a point system that helps you get more out of every dollar you spend. Mark my words, this is a store to watch, and I saw its predecessor a mile away.

Où êtes-vous ? Oleg Cassini

As you well know I’ve been searching tirelessly for a pair of Audrey-esque/Jackie O reminiscent sunglasses. Well this week my search finally came to a halt. Re-emerging after Oleg Cassini’s death two years ago is a line of sunglasses released under his brand name that I absolutely positively can’t get enough of. Whether it’s the squarish oversized pair that Nicole Richie has been sporting, or those timeless classic O shaped beauties that Jackie O made famous. “I’m bewitched bothered and bewildered” by this modern yet vintage line, and it makes sense that it was released under the name of the official wardrobe designer for Jacqueline Kennedy. I adore them yes, but the thing that’s bothering me is I can’t seem to find them online, the Oleg Cassini website was no help and neither is google, so I ask again, this time in English "Where are you? Oleg Cassini". I own the two pairs mentioned above, but my habit of breaking my sunglasses has me nervous that if I ever break them I’ll never get them back. If you want them, drop me a line and I’ll whisper where I found them, they won’t be there for long so hurry up!

Grecian Goddess

Take a page out of Aphrodite’s book, though the toga was actually formal attire for Greek men just like the kilts of Scotland, women wear it better! Show off your tan taut skin, toned shoulders and beautiful collarbone in a one-shoulder ensemble. I love this 2008 trend, think Katherine Heigl’s stunning crimson Escada dress at the Oscars, or more recently Carrie Bradshaw’s giant hibiscus dress in SATC, not to mention it’s one of the top wedding dress trends of the year. Whether it’s your swimsuit, a top or an asymmetrical gown, think TOGA! I obviously couldn’t promote togas without shamelessly hinting towards my favourite style icon. Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (or in any other movie for that matter), who wouldn’t want to throw a shindig dressed in a bed sheet after watching this beauty carouse around a room like she was floating on air. I’ve got my eye out for one-shoulder pieces all around town, I most recently ordered a purple top from pinkicestore.com and I love it, I can wear it to a club as a dress or to dinner as a top.

P.S. Let me know if you find something I’d like.

Michelle Obama's $99 Dress

So it apparently costs $148 at White House/Black Market stores, while it’s offered on the Donna Ricco web site for only $99 or at Nordstrom for $98. I understand that people are shocked that the woman doesn’t squander her money, but good style can be done on a budget. I happen to love Donna Ricco and knowing that the possible next First Lady doesn’t spend her money frivolously is a big plus. At least you know your tax dollars aren’t going to paying for Chanel couture (not that I wouldn’t buy it if I could afford it). I think the fact that Senator Obama’s wife was seen on “the View” wearing such a budget friendly frock is a sign of practicality as well as style. Anyone can look good with a stylist and a lot of money, it takes a style savvy woman to shop on a budget and find something great. Obviously people agree because my source tells me the dresses are flying out of White House/Black Market stores, currently SOLD OUT on the Donna Ricco Website, and only available for pre-order on the Nordstrom site. It’s called the “tank leaf print dress” and it seems like she’s trying to tell us something considering the pun; she’s the prospective First Lady who purchased her dress at a store branded “White House” (*wink*wink*). I know I don’t usually talk politics but the more I know about Barack and Michelle Obama the more my faith grows in the leaders of the U.S.

I Love Your Funny Face

People always ask me why I call myself Funny Face and my response is usually, to quote the movie that started it all “I have no illusions about my looks, I think my face is perfectly funny.” To explain further Funny Face happens to be my favourite movie (Gap stole the dance sequence from the film and fused it with AC/DC in an ad series for the skinny black pant two years ago). Maybe it’s because I idolize Audrey, or maybe it’s because it’s subject matter falls into the categories of fashion, magazines, and intellect. Starring Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn there is nothing remotely bad about this movie. Audrey plays Jo Stockton a manager of a bookstore in Greenwich Village turned ‘Quality Woman’/Model in Paris. It’s a Cinderella story with some of the most romantic locales of Paris in its backdrop. Funny Face combines sight seeing, fashion and music with film, it’s cultured, it’s witty, and the fashion collections are still gorgeous, even if it was filmed over 50 years ago.

Lou Lou Magazine: "Win a VIP Chick Trip"

I’d been contemplating putting this up wondering if advertising it would reduce my chances but I’ve come to the consensus that good Karma wins out over any probability calculation. It’s Week 3 of Lou Lou Magazines “Win a VIP Chick Trip” Contest; an 11 day Contiki European Tour for you and three friends, total prize valued over $15,000. The Grand Prize winner will receive a $1,500 Lady Dutch wardrobe and a three piece set of xcaseXL luggage from Heys International, and each of their friends will receive a $500 Lady Dutch wardrobe and three-piece set of xcaseXL luggage from Heys International. All you have to do to enter is go on louloumagazine.com>Deals&Contests>Contests (or click the image above), find the icon of the week on either Beauty Trends, Celebrity Look, Beauty Lookbook, or Fashion Lookbook web pages click the icon and fill out the form online. Invite your friends to enter for extra entries and keep going back to enter each week, there are only 5 weeks left, new icons go up every Friday, you must be a Canadian Resident over the age of majority. Sorry if you live in the U.S. and I got you excited, that’s how I feel every time there’s a contest in Teen Vogue that I can’t enter, I'll be sure to stay on the lookout for contests that are open to U.S. Residents too.

Contest Closes July 24, 2008,Good Luck!
Note: The page list that the icon appears on changes weekly, just like the icon location check the contest page for the updates list.

Accessory Necessities

With every season comes new accessories and with that the task of choosing the ones that work for us. Here's my mock up of a few of my favourite things for summer, consider them as important as water and sunscreen. As if my wallet collection wasn't complete this season decided to teach me once again, that I can never have enough of any accessory, no matter how many I already own. I've been seeing the piano hinge wallet (1) everywhere and like the wallet addict I am, I couldn't resist buying one. Now it seems Forever 21 is taunting me with its variations on this beautiful compact wallet. They have them in vinyl, basket weave, metallic, floral, and reptile styles to name a few and the variety is driving me crazy because, I want them all. Of course with that new wallet comes the urge to buy a new purse. I’m adoring the carved handle clutches (2), the wooden handles and the floral or tribal print fabric just screams summer! Taking a step down from the accessories that house our lives are teardrops (3), these earrings add a certain polish to any ensemble, they're a tasteful combination of modern style and vintage elegance. Teardrops finish off a look with timeless taste and a punch of glitz, what more could a girl ask of an accessory? Moving down the list to my last item is an accessory that was inspired by one of the most well known female super heroes ever; Wonder Woman. Reminiscent of the accessories Lynda Carter wore in the tv series are my new favourite style of bracelets. Whether you choose to wear them on one or on both arms, cuff's (4) are Hot; they're elegant and feminine, yet they exude power and confidence. Check out shopstyle.com for the accessories shown above and with the satisfaction garnered from spotting this season’s trends I’ll be ready and waiting to select another set of favourites for the fall, but until then my job here is done.

...A Lipstick Jungle

So in the event that you didn't get my subtle hints nudging you to the bookstore to get the Lipstick Jungle novel by Candace Bushnell I feel compelled to express how much I adore it. I couldn't put it down, and it may have been the sheer nerve of the women, or the fact that I myself want to be Nico O’Neilly (tv character, Nico Reilly), but this book is good. My mother always said ambition is a wonderful thing, it may be the only thing she told me that I took to heart so I take it seriously. If you didn’t already love Candace Bushnell for being the brains behind the entire idea for Sex and the City you will after reading this. It’s smart, sexy and empowering, everything I perceive its author to be. The three main characters Nico, Wendy and Victory have the kind of ambition that can’t ever be extinguished, and I happen to love them for it. Bushnell takes the old Spice Girls mantra “girl power” corporate with successful women whose ambition makes you believe that they can succeed in anything.

I'll Move to Rockferry

Okay so I know my mandate above says tv, movies, books, and fashion but there's something that's not one of those things that I have to make my feelings known about. I think it’s safe to say that everyone loves music, those of us who are tone deaf included. Besides the fact that I love the song "Mercy" (you may have heard it in the Grey’s Anatomy Season Finale) and that this album has been touted with the silver medal on Flare Magazine’s "Summer Soundtrack" list this album has a lot more to say than "pick me up". Yes, when I'm driving in my car I'd probably rather hear tracks that I can belt out like Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love" or Usher's "Love in this Club" but there’s something about Duffy's debut album "Rockferry" that is so soothing. I can't think of a record that I would rather listen to while getting my much appreciated vitamin D intake or while I'm relaxing at home. Duffy's fusion of her soothing vocals with her Motown like sound has an infectious vibe that has me just about ready to call this one of the best summer albums. She’s reminiscent of Amy Winehouse, minus the drugs and the rehab. Every girl that's ever had a guy that give her too little too late should love "Delayed Devotion", in Duffy’s words “don’t waste your money on syrup and honey because [she’s] sweet enough”. Whether you buy the album, download it, or stream it, just give it a listen.

The Sex Was Even Better the Second Time Around…

For those of you who have seen it and especially for those of you who haven’t, Sex and the City was better the second time around. I went to see it a little over a week after my first viewing and I’m still raving about it. Cinderella’s glass slipper has nothing on Carrie Bradshaw’s(… I mean Preston’s) blue satin Manolo Blahnik pumps. The film was funnier and sexier in round two, after seeing it once I found you were able to laugh more and take it all in with more perspective, with more attention to every article of clothing and every word being spoken. It just keeps getting better; it’s something to savour after all the tv series’ reruns. I laughed, I cried, I clapped and my world is a better place since this movie has officially entered the vault of my favourite movies of all time. All I’m thinking now is if it was so great in round two I can’t wait to get it home with me. Saying that this movie is a must-see is an understatement: it’s more like a half of your life’s missing if you don’t see it kind of movie. So if you do nothing else this summer, watch it at least once and possibly a couple more.

Good Etiquette is Improper Etiquette

Bad Girls Really Do Have the Best Manners...
Time to brush up on your etiquette ladies, well not so much clean it up as get it dirty. I’ve just returned from my mini vacation to Jamaica, and while I was there I took a little time in between the goings on and brushed up on my reading. Now at first glance I thought the book I’d chosen would be a little raunchy and nothing to write home about, but for those of us who use our vivid imaginations when we read, this book is as graphic as pornography. I thought its two hundred and sixty pages would be a bit of light reading; they were anything but. Heavily doused with sexual innuendo and raw sexuality this book is not for the faint of heart or the conservative. It’s called Improper Etiquette by Janice Maynard and its three separate stories about three women who stumble upon a lovers’ guidebook written in 1949 on how to snag-a-man, by Miss Matilda, they find that the more things change the more they stay the same. We may all think that a book written in 1949 about female etiquette must be totally outdated and have no relevance to us, the women of today, but Miss Matilda shows us just how wrong we are. I found the book amusing, and exciting; it was deliciously sexy and a very guilty pleasure. It was indeed one naughty handbook, especially Miss Matilda’s theories on alternative uses for saran wrap.

Trend Watch: The Three S’s

Stockings

Prior to the premiere of the show that makes my world a better place, also known as Gossip Girl, I had started on a collection of pantyhose/stockings. By the time Gossip Girl showed up I had a couple from Betsey Johnson and I must say I absolutely adored the things, and then to my delight my favourite character on the show, Blair Waldorf started sporting my new favourite wardrobe piece. I’d been searching endlessly for the perfect pair of lace stockings, and good news I finally found them! And the brand that manufactures my favourite pair of stockings is (drum roll please…) Hue, these beauties go for $8 a pop, a steal for such perfection. The Hue Tonal Floral Lace Sheers style #3427 are my pick, they have just the right amount of lace and the right amount of sheer. I’ve also fallen in love with the Lily of France thigh highs, boasting lace detail at the top they’re my sexy fix for any occasion even if it’s just me alone in my room checking out how hot they make my legs look. Check Macy's, Bare Necessities or Amazon.com.


Scarves

These delicious little things are everywhere in bright yummy colourful shades. My rule for the season is to get as many as you can. If you’re looking for a couple stop by Forever 21, there so many different styles and colours to choose from you’re bound to find something you like. I have my eye on their H81 Silk Scarf in Teal, but since I live in Canada and the only Forever 21 we have is downtown Toronto I’ll be coveting it for at least another week. Who knows when I finally get down there I might decide to pick one up in purple, yellow and red as well. It’s 100% silk and $8.90 each there’s no reason why I shouldn’t get one to match every colour of the rainbow.


Sunglasses

Okay so its summer and even though I have a really bad habit of breaking at least one pair of sunglasses a summer I can’t help myself from going out and looking for another perfect pair. Besides the fact that last summer I bought about 4 of the same frame sunglasses in different colours from Kenneth Cole Reaction and all but one ended up breaking on me I refuse to give up on this staple to my summer wardrobe. Right now I like them oversized, with thick plastic frames. While I’m fixating on the 80’s purple square frames seen above I’m still on the lookout for the perfect Audrey-esque round frames that fit my high cheekbones.

The Sex was good. Nay the sex was GREAT!

Our favourite female foursome hit the box office this weekend in style (as if they could do anything else). I went to see it the first chance I got and I loved it! Taking a show with such stature and such a high reputation to the big screen was no easy test, but they did it and they did right. Sex and the City is a hit: just the right combination of sex, Manolo's and friendship! Now I don’t want to give anything away so all I’ll say is the ending was kismet. For those of you who haven’t seen it, shame on you and get out there now and “Get Carried Away”. I was bursting with pleasure as I was transported back into the world of those four beautiful women. It had its laughter, its tears, cosmo’s and a heavy dose of sex and fashion. With Samantha’s insatiable appetite, Charlotte’s adorable perfectionism, Miranda’s cynical outlook on life and Carrie’s quest for love in the big city the film was destined for greatness. There were times I was worried about my favourite foursome but in the end everything was as it should have been. I fell in love with Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha all over again. I envied their friendship the whole way through, and after watching them in their final debut thought to myself, it’s friends like those that make your life. You’d expect nothing less than an tantalising fashion prescription from these women of New York who have nurtured the inner fashionista in all of us for the last ten years. It was the perfect goodbye to the women of Sex and the City who will live on in each of us; after all they each represent a different part of every woman’s persona.