Style Inspiration:Kim Novak in Bell,Book and Candle

 

 

Even though it just started getting truly hot here in Hollywood, my mind is on fall. And the biggest inspiration for me right now is Kim Novak in the film Bell,Book and Candle. Capes,cowl necks and some perfect capri cigarette pants are the perfect take on a modern witch in this 1958 classic.Her use of basic silhouettes and strategic color showcase her beautiful face and leave this film looking very stylish and modern.The thing you will notice is that her clothing is very modest but also very sexy...less is more,if you will. For example a boat neck top hides the cleavage, but showcases the collarbone and brings your focus up to her beautiful eyes. I've also noticed that a well fitted boat neck is every woman's friend regardless of cup size.The costumes in this film were done by Jean Louis of Marilyn Monroe "Happy Birthday Mr.President" dress fame. He also did some great dresses for Marlene Dietrich in the 1960s, but it's Marilyn's dress that everyone remembers the most.The one thing you should take from this film is that a good fit goes a long way. You don't need a lot of items to look polished,just the right ones.Its really a building block wardrobe with some fun pieces, like that amazing leopard cape (shown above). 

Morbid Fashion Inspiration

This whole month I've been on a hunt for some 1940s peasant style clothing. I couldn't for the life of me figure out where this came from. It's not really my style, but I have been wanting it so badly. Then I figured it out. The Death Hag in me wants it. I want the Carole Landis death outfit. Call me shallow, but how great is that outfit? If you read the death report, the shoes are gold even! I know I'm a jerk for it, but that image will forever be in my brain. I blame the copy of Hollywood Babylon in the family library. Ruined me for life. 

sexy in a turtleneck.

                                        Proof that it's not what you wear,but how you wear it.

                            Ps.these kinds of sweaters are cheap cheap cheap right now-stock up!

She had style, she had grace.

Grace Kelly just knew what to do.

The Pink Palace-Style Inspiration

From first glance there was nothing subtle about Jayne Mansfield. Her home "The Pink Palace," however is a legend unto itself. A true Aries girl, Jayne stuck to a signature color palette of mostly pink and red.But on top of that she was as outrageous at decorating her home as a drag queen on acid. God, I love this woman. It really makes me sad that this place has been torn down. It was definitely one of a kind, to say the very least.

Dearly Departed @ Larry Edmunds

Saturday was record store day, but I went to a bookstore. Larry Edmunds bookstore to be specific. They are now the official launching point for the Dearly Departed Hollywood tours, which are all about Hollywood and death. It was awesome to see the presentation from Scott Michaels, the founder. His brain is so full of Hollywood trivia that all I can do is listen and learn. I bought two DVDs from him and have already watched both-they are great and are highly recommended by me! Check out his website Findadeath. And if you are in the area of Hollywood Blvd check out Larry Edmunds, they have a huge selection of hard to find books on the entertainment industry as well as Hollywood in general. They are also the place to go if you are looking for vintage movie posters or glossy 8x10's . It's a great store run by nice people, and the Dearly Departed family is equally amazing.

Magic Castle

So, you aren't really supposed to take pictures inside the Magic Castle, so this is all I could do. The basement and the outside...but it was amazing! I love Invisible Irma, and she thrilled us by playing everything from Billie Holiday to Lady Gaga, with a little Queen thrown in for good measure. The magic was hilarious and skillful. The whole place is a beauty to stare at for hours, and I can't wait to go again. They had amazing fries with truffle oil and their gin gimlet is lethal. Something I learned while at the Magic Castle was that they are responsible for the dancing ghosts at the Haunted Mansion, hence the sign in the top picture. It was a great way to start my birthday weekend!

Open Sesame!

I'm going to the Magic Castle tomorrow! This is a total dream come true! I've wanted to go from the moment I heard about Invisible Irma and the secrecy of the place, so excitement doesn't describe the way I feel right now...it's more like Christmas Eve and I'm five-but squared. I will be sure to take lots of pictures (if I can?).

Love is in the Air!

I just adore Valentine's Day, which is funny because normally I hate gooey stuff and I'm not one for chocolate...but there's something about cards and hearts and the color red that get me so happy inside. I'm making my Valentine's Day game plan right now, procrastinator to the fullest-and I am really excited. I'm thinking flirtinis (like last year), red lipstick (like always), and a whole bunch of red. Now I just need to decide on a movie. I'm thinking classic Hollywood, with some nice old fashioned romance, but also a nice plot so as not to torture my boyfriend! Any suggestions?

Moscow Mule

A few weeks ago I went to the Cicada Club (a whole different post entirely), and it was amazing. The building was beyond gorgeous, and so were the people. But where I really fell in love was at the bar. Max, the belligerent bartender is a true artist! I read the menu a few times before I settled on one of the older cocktails on the menu, The Moscow Mule. Invented in the 1930's , The Moscow Mule was the drink that got people in Los Angeles drinking vodka. A perfect combinations of ginger, mint and lime it really aims to please. Max uses fresh ginger, but you don't have to. Try it and you will see what I mean, it's my new signature cocktail that's for sure!

The Moscow Mule:

(recipe courtesy of the famed Cock n Bull in Hollywood)

1 1/2 Ounces Vodka

8 Ounces Ginger Beer

Juice of 1/2 Lime

Pour Vodka into a chilled mug. Add ginger beer to fill mug. Add lime juice. Decorate mug with a slice of lime. *Max also used a sprig of mint and a small slice of fresh ginger, it was lovely so I wanted to put it out there. However this is the original recipe, so maybe see which you prefer.

Covergirl

Since I've gotten my library card renewed, I've been renting a lot of classic movie DVDs. Last week I saw "Covergirl," starring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly. What a great film! The costumes, the music, the dance numbers, not to mention Miss Hayworth and the always dashing Mr. Kelly. If you love old Hollywood, see this movie. It's a visual treat-I want to live in it. Here's a sneak peek of the opening scene.Such beauties!

Sunday at Griffith Park

Today we went to Griffith Park and it was beautiful. I highly suggest it. Best view of the city hands down. I cannot tell you how many times me and my sister Karla have tried to go here, only to be turned away because it was closed. So, I'm grateful that I finally got in. Here's the first half of this post. I'll definitely be posting more pictures of the trip tomorrow.

Vintage Dreams

I went to the Hollywood History Museum today over on Hollywood and Highland and now I'm obsessing big time over all things vintage....I just want to go back in time and scoop up some of that Old Hollywood glamour, when a name change and a dye job transformed you into a star. I'd even settle for some nice vintage furniture or clothing. I suppose I'm going to have to go to the Farifax Flea Market this Sunday and try my luck. But until then, I'm definitely going to be pouring over some images from the golden years of Hollywood. Enjoy the beauty and glamour, cuz they just don't make them like that anymore.

All images courtesy of Google Images