In further celebration of Fashion Beauty Friend Friday’s first birthday we’re going back and answering the very first set of questions. I’m excited because, of course, I wasn’t around for this monumental inaugural set; I’m happy to have the opportunity to give my answers now. Let’s get to it!
1. Which celebrities do you look to for fashion inspiration?
Christina Hendricks – an obvious choice, I know – must be one of my go-to girls. I’m always inspired by the way she approaches fashion for her unique shape. It’s always interesting to see what flatters her, what she’s comfortable in and how she translates fashion for her figure. Also, I love Marion Cotillard for her adventurous style. I’ve seen her pair colors I wouldn’t even dream of putting together and it really works. She inspires me to think outside the box. Audrey Tautou; she has a way of taking the Audrey Hepburn look and giving it a fresh, modern spin. And Keira Knightley. Her style timeline seems to mirror mine in a lot of ways. We both went for the slightly grungy boho look with over-sized scarves and chunky knits, but then we matured into something classic with maybe a bit of Parisian flair. Keira was also a big inspiration for me at an early age, when my interest in fashion really came to the fore, so there’s a sentimental attachment there as well.
Christina Hendricks, Marion Cotillard, Audrey Tautou and Keira Knightley
2. When it comes to your own personal style, what inspires you?
I think in a way I’d have to say history inspires me. There are elements from different periods of fashion that seem to have a permanent home in my own personal style. I think about Galliano and how history played a big part in the inspiration for his collections; it seems like I see fashion in a similar way. I try to look forward and take a more contemporary approach sometimes just to mix things up, but I always come back to the past. There’s a certain refinement to it that really appeals to me.
3. How do you hope to inspire your readers?
I don’t tend to think of myself as someone who has the capacity to inspire so this isn’t really something I’ve given much thought to, honestly! I guess I just hope that I’ll encourage others to look inside and understand their own personal originality, and to embrace that. But in all reality, you all are the ones inspiring me. I’ve learned a lot from my fellow bloggers, including the art of owning one’s uniqueness. I’ve learned to be confident in my own style and that some fashion rules are just sitting there, waiting to be broken. What new things I’ve contributed to the pool of inspiration around me I’m not sure. Hopefully there’s something in there!
A recent gift from my mom that I thought needed to be shared.
4. Outside the realm of fashion who/what inspires you?
Another strikingly obvious answer considering that my blog’s name is a reference to one of her films: Audrey Hepburn. I’m putting her under this question and not the first because the Audrey I so admire is the woman behind the icon we all see. I love her style, but it really has nothing to do with her style. Whenever I think of her I see the children she helped in her efforts with UNICEF, her own sons Sean and Luca, the lovely Rob Wolders who she spent her last years with, her garden in Switzerland where she felt most at home, the many handsome costars she cared so much about; and I see Audrey herself with all her insecurities and presumed imperfections. She overcame a great deal after the war and the strength she found inspires me. Her passionate desire to help others inspires me, her love of animals, her sensitivity. She was an amazing person and part of the reasons I love her films so much is that it gives me the opportunity to see a bit of her in every character and to connect with her a bit.
Other women who inspire me in my daily life: Sophie Dahl, Donna Karan and Cynthia Rowley. Sophie of course played a big part in bringing curves back to fashion in the nineties; I admire the way she always embraced her size, whatever it was. And I love her writings, her personality and just her overall style. Donna Karan is an amazing woman who’s accomplished so much and stayed true to herself through it all. And I’m inspired by Cynthia Rowley’s what’s-life-without-risk attitude. She doesn’t seem to let obstacles get in the way of her dreams. And Oscar de la Renta is her neighbor; what’s not to be inspired by?
5. Which songs inspire you?
Oh, so much music. I listen to a lot of different things and so much of it means something to me. My favorite songs are George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and Édith Piaf’s “La Vie en Rose”, but if I were to pick a song that truly inspires me I would say something by Sia, I think. She’s my favorite musical artist, so passionate and fascinating. She puts a lot of her emotions, fears and personal experiences into the writing of her music and I think it really affects the listener. I think the song that introduced me (and probably a lot of others) to her was “Breathe Me”, which was featured in the finale of Six Feet Under. It’s an amazing song and, I think, her greatest achievement. I can relate to her feelings when she wrote it and I think that’s partly why it means so much to me.
Sia – “Breathe Me” (Live at KCRW, 2007)
What about you: what are your inspirations? I’d love to know. I also hope everyone has a lovely holiday weekend. Happy Easter!
Fashion Beauty Friend Friday was created by Katy Rose of Modly Chic. Become a member at the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group to join in the discussion! For more info on how to join read V’s Friend Friday 101: How to Get Started on Grit and Glamour.
{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
I can’t listen to “Breathe Me” without thinking of the SFU finale! So good!
That photo of older Audrey is lovely. I think embracing one’s uniqueness is something that most people struggle to achieve, but it seems you’re doing a great job at it! I think I will do this set of Q’s over at vivandlarry.com. I just joined the FBFF group last week
I haven’t actually seen the whole finale yet (I’ve only seen the first season!) but somehow it’s still what I think of when I hear the song.
Thank you so much, dear. And I’m so glad you joined the group! I love these questions, they always get me thinking and motivated to write. (:
I love the cat picture!
I have to agree wth you, especially with the first question – Christina Hendricks and Marion Cotillard are particularly inspiring. I’d have to add Maggie Gyllenhaal, too, for her less conventional approach to red carpet dressing (we also share a love of Marni).
I love Sia. ‘Don’t Bring Me Down’ is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard.
Ohh, Maggie’s a great one! There are quite a lot of celebrities with great style that I tend to overlook. I realized that with this week’s questions as I was reading other answers. Liv Tyler’s another!
“Don’t Bring Me Down” is a fantastic song! I love that about Sia, how she can create these powerful and emotional songs but then turn around and do something spunky and upbeat. She’s my go-to music for every mood.
So many LADIES in your list…I think that is quite telling. You are quite the lady yourself.
Love the photo of the cat/lion…and so true.
Thanks for your recent messages of support. Wishing you a wonderful Easter!
Thanks, V! I had to laugh, I didn’t realize until after I posted it that all the gals in the fashion inspiration picture are wearing dresses. Aside from a spontaneous dress-buying obsession a few months ago I’m really not much of a dress-wearer. Go figure!
And you’re of course so welcome. I hope you’re doing well and I hope you had an enjoyable Easter, dear! x
I really enjoyed reading your answers about all the wonderful women that inspire you, especially the ones that aren’t just about what they wear but what they do as well!
Thanks, dear! I hadn’t intended for this to turn into such a tribute post, but it seemed to take on a mind of its own. Haha.
Great post! I love all the ladies you listed, especially Christina Hendricks
Thanks so much, Kimberlee! Christina is a must, such a stylish gal!
This was such a nice read! I love your Friend Friday posts because it’s like having a cup of coffee with you, getting to know you a bit more. Your fashion inspiration picks are superb. As you know, I’ve recently just seen the 1st season of “Mad Men” and was amazed at how gorgeous C. Hendricks looks and that made me more interested in her fashion choices. She knows what fits her perfectly.
)
Inspiration is a two way road, really. If you’re living the life you want and if you are working to get the life you want to have in the future, it’s certain that you’ll inspire others and they will want to share things with you in return, which may inspire you back. It’s exciting when minds and souls touch and interact in this way. I feel so fortunate to be able to follow your blog, it’s like receiving a ticket for a beautiful and joyful ride!
Sia’s music is so incredible, I don’t own any of her albums but I listen to her music online all the time. It has something soothing and also dreamy, it makes me want to become a better me and it also makes me smile from the inside. Gershwin and Piaf are also 2 of my favorite Music choices for those afternoons of expectation and hard work.
Thanks as always for this post, you rock!
xox
Thank you for your lovely comment, dear! I love that these posts seem to create a sort of cozy virtual environment? That makes me so happy! And likewise, I’m so grateful to follow both of your blogs and all the inspiration that comes from them!
I’m so glad you’re getting started on Mad Men; Christina’s style is amazing on and off the show. And I just love how original her whole look is, with that fiery red hair and milky complexion. So pretty.
Isn’t Sia marvelous? I have her latest two albums, but her earlier stuff is amazing too. I’d love to see her live sometime; she was playing a free show at a bookshop in Chicago once a few years ago but I missed it. After that she kind of skyrocketed here in the States and I don’t think she plays any small shows like that anymore. Ha!
You *definitely* inspire me! In fact, I’m printing this quote right now (well, at least as soon as running the printer won’t wake up the whole family!) and putting it on my own inspiration board:
…some fashion rules are just sitting there, waiting to be broken…
I love, love, LOVE that, so thank you for it…and have a great weekend!
Aww, thank you so much! That just made my day. (: Hope you had a great weekend as well, love!
History definitely always inspires me too!
I’m glad I’m not the only one! Gotta love history.
I personally love the touch of all vintage and sophisticated styles for all the ladies you picked Casee….I do not have personal favorites but I always look up to ladies such as Audrey Hepburn, Nicole Richie and a lot more….I do not really follow a specific style or trend but I always make sure I get to experiment once in a while…
Love this feature and great answers…
Kisses
Sweet
PensandLens
@mistytewest
Thanks so much, Sweet! Nichole Richie has great style, too. I don’t typically follow celebrities for their fashion, either. I think if I were to look some up for fashion inspiration it would be these gals, but most of the time my style is my own. (: And you’re right, it is good to experiment! Sometimes I like looking to others for inspiration because it helps me try things I wouldn’t have thought of before.
Love that song!!! It definitely reminds me of the Six Feet Under finale, which had me in tears the whole time (that show was so amazing). You are so completely inspirational, I just have to tell you. You are an amazing writer, and every time I read your blog I come away learning something new, gaining knowledge…the list goes on. You picked some gorgeous women as your inspiration.
xo
You are such a sweetie! Thank you so much for this comment, dear. It makes me too happy for words. And you’re an inspiration to me as well. Your blog is always a delight to visit, so cozy and down-to-earth but always fabulous. (:
Im sorry I didnt participate in this weeks FF, I love this set of questions! I was just so caught up in work/easter week that I forgot! (oops) I love all your answers, your style icon answers, galliano, Hepburn! yes please. I am also in love with the coat Christina Hendricks is wearing. Have a nice weekend!!
I know the feeling! I was actually awake until about 3:30am working on this one because I ran out of time during the week. That coat on Christina must be one of my favorite things she’s worn! So pretty. Hope you had a great weekend and happy Easter, dear!
Wooooonderful picks, I have big big biiiiig girl crushes on Hendricks and Cotillard- I think they are just sooooo elegant, fresh, and timeless. Oh the loove.
So great that you mentioned Hepburn’s work with Unicef. I actually just left a comment on “Those Graces” re: her work there. I love watching her in movies, she is just full of magic that lady. BUT really what I found so profound and why I mention her work at Unicef anytime she is mentioned is b/c my dad worked w/ her at Unicef and he was so impressed by her real passion and her firm but gentle way of making a point. She was really beautiful in so many ways.
Thank you, dear! They’re too of my favorites, Christina and Marion. They’re both gorgeous and have such lovely personalities, too! It’s so cool that your dad worked with Audrey at Unicef! I’ve always wondered what it must have been like to interact with her and really see her working in those environments. She has such a monumental spirit.
Casee! Your blog is so different!! (Good different). I love audrey tautou, i wish i was that waify… and in the modern lot, i even love rachel bilson, she makes casual look so beautiful, and in fact my favorite compliment of all time was “you look so much like rachel bilson”. which is untrue, but i’ll take it.
and for me..keira knightley in that dress from atonement..perfection.
I love sia, but you should try listening to adele, try ‘daydreamer’ first.
Your blog has come out so nicely, i just couldn’t handle it with the studying (formerly known as the layered pancake). now i tumbl, its so much easier, haha. xx
Sheena, dear! I’ve missed you so! Thank you for stopping by. Rachel Bilson is a great choice, she’s so pretty and has such a real style. I’m sure you do look like her! Oh, and I have heard a bit of Adele – adore her! – but I don’t think I know “Daydreamer” so I’ll look that up.
I definitely understand; blogging seems like a simple enough thing when you start out but it really demands a lot of time. I’ll be sure to follow you on Tumblr – I’m ‘lovelyfix’ over there. (:
Perfect Perfect Perfect!!!
Once again you prove that we are indeed two peas in a pod! I absolutely love Christina Hendricks! I love how she embraces her curves. To me she is all women and I love that.
And of course we canalways agree on how amazing Audrey is!
I love how you look to history to inspire your personal style! I never thought about it that way, but it makes so much sense!
And I can not believe that we both love Sia’s “Breath Me” and Édith Piaf’s “La Vie en Rose”!! Oh wait I can!! lol Those ae two of my favorite songs! Although I have to look into George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” but I have no doubt that i will love it.
Awesome work hon!
You’re so sweet! Thanks, Stephanie. I love how much we have in common! And I completely agree with everything you said about Christina. And of course I love how similar our taste in music is! Totally easy to believe considering that we’ve proven ourselves to be long lost blog-sisters.
Rhapsody in Blue is an instrumental jazz number from the 1920s. You can hear it here. I can’t remember when I first heard it, but it’s just always been in my mind. It just feels so delightfully vintage and American!
If there was any doubt in my mind that we are long lost blog-sisters, it was eliminated as soon as I heard Rhapsody! It is everything I love and more!! You were so right about it, Jazzy and beautiful. IT being from one of my favorite era’s made me love it even more!!.
Downloading ASAP!! hahaha
Ahhh, yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed it as much as I do. It instantly takes me to a magical (and very stylish) time in history and I just feel like getting all dressed up and going to some fancy party. (Except that I never have fancy parties to go to – minor detail.)
I can really see your style just by reading this post, with strong women, & film , I love it. Audrey Tautou has such an adorable style. I also enjoyed this beautiful song. Happy Easter dear!!
Thanks, Madison! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post – and the song! It’s hard to dislike, I think. I hope you had a lovely Easter as well!
As always, I loved reading your answers to these questions. I love your pick of Christina Hendricks for #1- I think it is so fantastic to see someone who knows exactly how to dress her body. I aspire to get to that point where I’ll know exactly what works for me and what doesn’t. As for your answer to #3, I think you should think of yourself Casee as someone who has the capacity to inspire people because you already do (and I know I’m not the only who thinks so)! The way you’ve taken your blog and shaped and crafted it to make it exactly what you want it to be, all by yourself, is so inspiring. And the way you thoughtfully and carefully write each one of your posts is inspiring. In short, Casee, you are one inspirational lady, and if you didn’t know already, I look up to you!
P.S. Lovely song choices, btw. I hadn’t heard of Sia before, but I’m listening to her song right now and I love her voice.
Nnenna, thank you so much. Your comments always inspire me and they play a big part in motivating me on the blog. We’ve talked before about how it can be easy to grow tired or burned out, to fall into a bit of a rut, and it’s comments like this that really pick me up and set me back on the path I want to be on. So thank you, dear! (:
And I’m glad I could introduce you to Sia! She’s a revelation, that gal.
I love the confidence Christina Hendricks has, and she is so lovely!
Aww, what? You don’t give yourself enough credit. I *know* that people are inspired by you. I love that you are YOU, and your honesty is very refreshing. I’ve always thought that honesty is one of the best policies but for some reason it seems a lot of people have trouble with it. I think when they come across people who have blogs like yours it can be very inspiring for them
She is! I tend to love her fashion sense on Mad Men the most, but her street style is charming. Red carpet looks come in last; I don’t always feel like stylists give her the best dresses for her figure but I know she’s said in the past that it’s hard for her to find designers in her size.
Thank you so much, Jen! I definitely feel like honesty is important in every aspect of life, but from a blogging standpoint being honest and just putting yourself out there offers a candid intimacy that will make the reader feel like you’re very accessible as a blogger. I personally don’t tend to read celebrity blogs anymore because sometimes it’s easy to feel like you’re talking to air. It’s no fault of the bloggers, just that they don’t have the time to respond to each individual comment so you sort of start to feel like it’s a one-sided relationship. But if you write honestly and from the heart it makes the blogger-commenter circle feel a bit more cozy. If that makes any sense?
ADORE that Sia song…chills each time I hear it!! Wonderful post! I love your honesty.
Thanks so much, Lisi! Sia is magical and this song in particular seems to showcase both her talent and her emotions so well. (: