One of my all time favorite actors Audrey Hepburn, is probably more famous for her style than her actual acting talent (although she had both).

Here are some classic Hepburn looks to inspire your shopping.

Breakfast At Tiffanys

This is probably one of the most famous looks for Hepburn, from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s. While main character Holly Golightly would tell you that today smoking is “tres boring”, the rest of the look stands up very well to time. Calvin Klein makes a similar dress, which is available at Macy’s.

A vintage, or retro-inspired, beaded necklace like the one below from foxfirevintagejewelry.com would make your Hepburn look.

Some fancy looking earrings that are actually cubic zirconia (because when you are Holly Golightly, you cash in the expensive gifts for rent and then wear something that just looks good).

And here is a tutorial on how to get your hair to do an updo like Audrey.

Charade

Here is Hepburn in one of my favorites, the movie Charade (she starred with Cary Grant). This is the classic movie character disguise used, not something that would work in real life, so only wear this if you want to get noticed, not if you want to hide out.

Vonzipper glasses to hide behind, from streetfusion.co.uk.

A plain white scarf is tres boring, so how about this Longchamp scarf instead? A New York themed scarf as a nod to Breakfast at Tiffany’s or a Paris-themed scarf in honor of the setting of the movie Charade.

I believe this is a candid shot of Audrey Hepburn on the studio lot (see how her bicycle has her name on it?). Hepburn on a casual day.

Ignore the horrible heels, here are some white cigarette pants (I couldn’t find any blue checkered ones) from bluefly.com.

Pair the shoes with the pants and add any simple short sleeved shirt and a cool bicycle and you’ve got a fresh look for Spring (dog not included).

Another favorite photo. Look closely – she’s basically wearing a yoga sweatshirt, but she makes it look so classy. Almost makes you want to NOT like her, but it’s impossible because she’s so cute.

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What Season Are You?

This week we continue our flashback to the 80’s – when everyone was getting their colors done. I just discovered that this method of determining which colors work for you originates from a book called “Color Me Beautiful” by Carole Jackson - which spent 4 years on the NY Times bestseller list. For more information straight from the source, you should visit her website at carolejackson.com – she provides samples of color swatches that you can refer to once you identify which season suits you.

Wondering if you are a Winter? Then please read our last article called “Get Your Colors Done Part 1: Is Winter Cool For You?“

Are You a Spring?

In the last article we explained that Winters have cool skin tones and that they look good in black and bright colors. An easy way to remember this is that Winter has cool temperatures. Spring, on the other hand, is when things start to warm up – and if you’re a Spring you will look better in warm tones to flatter your complexion. If you did the paper test described in the Winter article and your face cast a yellowish tone on the paper, then you are a Spring.

Just Peachy!

Springs look great in warm colors such as coral and turquoise. See how the turquoise blouse compliments Mrs. Garrett’s skin tone?

Certain shades of green, red, blue, and pink also work well for them (think of bright Spring flowers in the sunshine). While black and white look best on Winters, a Spring can wear soft black and ivory.

Spring Gift Ideas

A gift in flattering colors will warm your Spring’s  heart. Here are some ideas for the Springs on your Christmas shopping list.

Peach Scarf

This vintage scarf is available at Etsy.

Yellow Gold

The warm tones of this yellow gold necklace suit a Spring more than white gold or silver, and the butterfly (a symbol of Spring) is also a nice touch.

Coral Converse

Perfect for the Spring man or woman on your list and available for under $30 at overstock.com.

Extra Reading:

Simon Doonan at the NY Observer has written an article about the Color Me Beautiful phenomenon that is both funny and informative, and includes an interview with Carole Jackson.

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Last week our two favorite gossip girls Blair and Serena’s friendship turned downright frosty – but here at Celebrity icing we focus more on the frosting – in other words, the delicious designer duds that almost steal the scene from all the drama on our favorite show.

Did you take our quiz yet?

Go back to the previous post to find out Which Gossip Girl’s Style Suits You.

Are You a Vanessa, Blair, Serena, or Jenny?

Spotted: Sweet Shortcuts to Gossip Girl Style…

Jenny

When it comes to black eyeliner and social climbing, Jenny likes to lay it on thick….

Here’s a how-to video from Smashbox make up artist Hank Hoffman.

A little bit couture, a little bit rock n roll

Here she is in a Missoni dress, but you can honour Jenny’s budget roots by shopping for this look at H&M instead…

Vanessa

Vanessa has that whole boho thing going on. She dresses like a free spirit; however, if you look closely you can see that a lot of thought actually goes in to her outfits, which suits her character. Often she is wearing more bangles and necklaces that a carnival fortune teller, and has the big earrings to match.

Vanessa wears designers like Catherine Malandrino – affordable compared to the other Gossip Girls’ clothing, a Malandrino dress can be purchased for $300 (check out her sale page for even better pricing). Of course, a real-life Vanessa would also be able to walk out of thrift store with an entire outfit for less than $50… (less than $20 if you get lucky!).

Serena

Generally Serena looks like you wish you would look if you rolled out of bed wearing the same clothes from the night before… tousled hair, and thrown-together outfits, with skirt lengths and footwear inappropriate for daytime. Recently, she’s cleaned up her act quite a bit so picture the same look only with clothing fresh from the dry cleaners (and it looks like she finally found her hair brush – it only took her two years…).

Okay, I’m being a bit hard on her – I have to admit, I’m jealous – I miss the days where I didn’t feel self conscious in mini skirts and heels. This look definitely has an age limit – if you dress like Serena during the day and you’re under 35- you’re edgy; if you’re over 35 you’re something else… not sure what…

Blair

Oh, Blair. Not everyone can pull this one off. Many of us would end up looking like a sunday school teacher or a time traveler from 1985. You can get a similar look by shopping at any store that caters to older women (Ann Taylor Loft for example). Of course, this only works if you’re not actually already old. Just add a headband, or scarf-choker, and presto! At best, if this style appeals to you, I would recommend that you shoot for the ’sexy librarian’ look – that might work. Don’t forget to add some pretty (and preppy) jewelry, like the bracelet below.

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Take this quick quiz to find out which Gossip Girl style is perfect for you…

Are You a Vanessa, Blair,

Serena, or Jenny?

.

1. How would you describe your relationship with your mom?

a. She’s not a big part of my life any more.

b. She has very high standards but I’m going to live my own life.

c. She is worried that I will repeat the mistakes she made in her life.

d. She is so busy with her career that I often feel like she doesn’t even notice I’m around.

2. How would you describe yourself?

a. I’ve grown up a lot over the last few years – I’m a better person and my relationships are healthier.

b. I feel like I can achieve anything once I set a goal for myself. I’m also much more independent and in control of my life than I was a few years ago.

c. I’m pretty much the same person I was a few years ago – I’m never satisfied with my situation, I always want more – and I’ll do almost anything to get what I want.

d. I’m smart, confident, and a hard worker but unlucky in love. Things are improving: even if my relationships still never seem to work out, at least I know I’m on the right track.

3. Describe what you would wear to an important job interview.

a. The hottest designer’s interpretation of business wear: possibly a bit over-the-top, but very expensive. I would put a lot of though into the shoes and purse as well.

b. I tend to feel most comfortable in black.

c. I would wear something appropriate (not too revealing, slightly conservative) and then accessorize with a funky necklace and earrings.

d. It doesn’t matter where I’m going – every outfit includes a short skirt and high heels.

Add Up Your Score

Question 1

A – 1, B – 2 , C – 3, D – 4

Question 2

A – 3, B – 1, C – 4, D – 2

Question 3

A – 4, B – 1, C – 2, D – 3

JENNY

(if you scored 0 to 5)

VANESSA

(if you scored 6 to

SERENA

(if you scored 9 to 11)

BLAIR

(if you scored 12)

Stay tuned- next week we’ll show you some inspired styles for each Gossip Girl…

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This week celebrityicing compares two famous and iconic American boys: John F Kennedy Jr and Nick Simmons.

Sadly, JFK Jr’s plane crashed tragically in 1999, so he is no longer with us (although our crushes on him will live forever).

A Life Built on the American Dream

The original Kennedy, Joseph (John F Kennedy’ father), still held the tenacity and ambition of his Irish immigrant family – making his fortune in banking and the film industry. Gene Simmons came to the US with his mom Florence (a holocaust survivor) from Israel and built his fortune in the entertainment industry using raw talent, ingenuity, and excellent business and marketing skills.

Controversial Dads/Grandads

According to time.com, Franklin D Roosevelt called Joe Kennedy (JFK Jr’s grandfather) a ‘crook‘ (although indirectly). According to wikipedia.org, Al Franken (now a US Senator) described Gene Simmons (Nick’s dad) as “the most awful person I’ve ever met” during a 2002 interview.

Famous Family

The Kennedys and the Simmons are the closest thing Americans have to the royal families of European countries. The average person is very familiar with their lives, which are covered in the media in detail. They are affluent, exciting, inspiring, and -most importantly – photogenic.

US President John F. Kennedy, First Lady Jacquie Kennedy, daughter Caroline Kennedy, and son John F. Kennedy Jr make up the most famous first family of the United States of America and belong to one of the most famous, wealthy, and influential US families (“the Kennedys”).

Rock bassist, vocalist, actor and successful businessman Gene Simmons, girlfriend Shannon Tweed, daughter Sophie Tweed, and son Nick Simmons make up one of the most famous rock n roll families (perhaps a close second to the Osbournes?).

Surprisingly Vulnerable

Despite all of the advantages that good looks, wealth, and popularity bring –  both JFK Jr and Nick Simmons seem(ed) to be rather flustered by the attention and even embarrassed by their situation. (JFK Jr grew out of this so perhaps will Nick Simmons.) The tousled hair, eye-rolling, and awkwardly long limbs during the post teen years help purvey this image of course.

Professional Pursuits

John F Kennedy Jr was a talented actor but was discouraged by his family and studied law instead. He also founded the magazine George. Nick Simmons is also an actor (he plays himself on a reality TV show about his family) and creates comic books.

Tall, Dark, and Handsome

Here at celebrity icing we get style inspiration from our favorite stars. To get the JFK/Nick look above:

Meaningful Necklace

Swim Trunks

speedousa.com

Tousled Hair

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Happy Birthday to Me!

People born between August 22 and September 23 are Virgos. While some people say we’re persnickety, picky, even prudish, perfectionists – we know that we just like to do things right the first time. Virgos are great planners because they are great at paying attention to the details. And, while you might find us to be hyper critical of everything (and quite possibly every one), keep in mind Virgos are usually the hardest on themselves…

Virgos are a little bit nerdy…

Virgos are also plucky – Pee Wee Herman is back for a limited engagement in November at the Music Box in Hollywood (latimes.com) and there is also talk of other Pee Wee projects in the works… .

and a little bit rock and roll…

Or, in the case of Joan Jett, virgos are a LOT rock and a LOT roll! Apparently Kristen Stewart is set to play Joan Jett in an upcoming movie… which is hard to picture at the moment due to her portrayal of the weak, annoying character she plays in Twilight. I’d like to see Joan Jett appear in the Twilight series instead – she could set Edward straight! And I’m betting she’d totally go for that werewolf character (can’t remember his name – is it Sam?) – he’s way hotter than stone cold, Victorian Edward.

Virgos write it all down…

Agatha Christie

William Rice Burroughs

D.H. Lawrence

Henry L. Mencken

Agatha Christie

You can read a great article about Agatha Christie, described as “what Steven Spielberg is to American cinema. What Stephen King is to the horror genre” by Yoshinori ‘Todo, at criminalbrief.com.

…and can be, perhaps, a bit creepy

H.G. Wells

Stephen King

Mary Godwyn Shelley

Mary Shelley wrote the original Frankenstein story when she was 19 years old and is also the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft (considered by many to be the very first feminist).

Virgo Style

Earrings

Necklaces

Rings

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This week Celebrity Icing is starting a new series of posts about how your astrological sign can influence your accessories. And, in true Celebrity Icing style, we have celebrities to back up our story! First up, Aries -

Aries Star Style: Shannon Doherty

You may not like every Aries you meet, but you will certainly not forget them. Aries let those horns on their heads lead them to all sorts of trouble. They can be impulsive but they can also be great leaders, too – it just depends if they use their powers for good, instead of evil.

DARING DROP EARRINGS MAKE AN ARIES IMPRESSION

Aries love to travel. They send out a vibe that they are ‘going places’ and their natural energy can light up a room. Aries may not be attention seekers but they definitely draw attention to themselves. If everyone in the room is going to be looking at you (and talking about you afterwards) you might as well look good, right? Bold accessories complement the Aries character. Chunky necklaces and rings, big earrings, and bright colors are all perfect for you if you are an Aries…

-

BOLD HOOPS ARE THE PERFECT ARIES ACCESSORY

Later this month, we will feature some famous Taurus fashion. If you have any suggestions for who you would like to see, please submit the names in the comments below!

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What kind of earrings suit your hair, your face, your personality?

Chandelier Earrings

Or, as I’ve always called them, dangly earrings – look great if you have your long hair up, like Jennifer Lopez does below.

The earrings she’s wearing fit right in with her dress to give her an overall look that says glamour gal all the way. She looks like she’s having a great time, too, and sincere laughter is always the best accessory!

They also work well if you have longer hair that might hide a smaller pair of earrings (and then, what’s the point?)

Marilyn Monroe, oops I mean, Drew Barrymore looks positively naughty here with her tousled hair, disheveled-looking dress and kittenish smirk. The earrings complete the look perfectly. Long earrings also lengthen her round face and big hair so that she doesn’t end up looking like the mother-in-law from Everybody Loves Raymond.

Studs

Small earrings will work with long hair if the ears are visible.

Also, you don’t want to over-accessorize: if you are wearing a big necklace you probably shouldn’t wear big earrings, too. The picture of Cate Blanchett (below) is a perfect example. I’m not a big fan of the necklace choice but it does sort of suit her and that’s the point after all – jewelry should express your personality.

Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings are a great, young look – as seen here on Hilary Duff and Rhianna. They work well with long hair (pulled back) as well as very short hair. Avoid wearing large hoop earrings if you aren’t as fresh-faced as these girls, unless you are working out of a tent at the local carnival telling fortunes, of course…

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The best accessory at the Oscars is one of those gold statues (only if you actually won it at the show, don’t try to sneak in an old one…). However, if you weren’t nominated, or you were up against Slumdog Millionaire in a category, hopefully you went with one of these winners instead:

Big and Bold

Angelina Jolie’s large green earrings and matching ring were a great match to her simple, elegant black dress. Rumors spread that she was wearing Kryptonite but actually the gemstones were Jealousoff. Even more rare, this gem prevents Jolie from being overwhelmed and possibly injured by mass jealousy when she enters crowds.

Even if you don’t need Jealousoff,  big and bold accessories with a simple dress can never hurt. On the other hand, if you are wearing a big crazy froufrou dress (think Sophia Loren) or a dress with distractingly unfortunate details (Jessica Biel or Reese Witherspoon) then you will want to keep your jewelry simple.

Vintage

Penelope Cruz wore an off-white dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt that she said she had purchased used several years ago. No details about who the previous owner was, but I’m guessing it may have been a wedding dress. Cruz looked amazing and her inextravagant and practical choice (she just pulled it out of her closet) is refreshing and makes us like her even more. It’s nice when the super rich don’t flaunt their excessive wealth in the average persons face during difficult times.

Whoopi Goldberg apparently wore antique jewelry which was also a nice touch.

Here is some affordable antique and vintage jewelry that we like:

Butterflies

Both Miley Cyrus and Sarah Jessica Parker felt butterflies on their stomachs last night… You can accessorize a bug-less dress with these vintage 50’s butterfly baubles instead for a similar look:

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Hockey Player Pavel Bure coined the term ‘cougar’ when he was playing for the Canucks in Vancouver, BC Canada. He used it to decribe the older women who would hit on the hockey players at the local bars. There are lots of definitions of the word out there and varying age thresholds (from 30 to 40). Basically, the term ‘cougar’ is used to describe a mature woman who is out on the prowl for younger men. In some definitions, she needs to be a particular age; in others she needs to be divorced and rich. Some descriptions paint cougars as desperate, old barflies who are easy to pick up; others paint them as attractive, experienced hunters who quickly go for the kill when they detect ‘fresh meat’.

What I find annoying is often all women over 35 who are enjoying a drink at a bar with a girl friend are labeled ‘cougars’ when this is just not true. Many of us are happily married, in relationships, or single by choice.

As a musician in a local band, I tend to find myself out late at night and so here are some tips about how you can avoid being called a cougar if you aren’t one:

5 Things to Avoid If You Don’t Want to be called a Cougar

1. Cat Images

All cat images evoke the cougar. You could be wearing a panther pin on your sweater or have a kitty cat on your purse, either way people will make the jump to cougar if you are even close to cougar age and if you are spotted in a potential cougar hunting ground.

Here is all the cougar you need and it comes in its very own jewelry box! Earrings, a pin, and a necklace – cougarrific!

2. Animal Print

The road to cougardom is paved with leopard print. Actually, any animal print falls in to this category. Beware of zebra and the dreaded cow prints – you’d think these would because they are not cat-related but I’m sorry to say they are not. While we’re on the subject of animalia: think twice about wearing leather pants (particularly if they come with a matching jacket), feathers, or fake fur.

3. Fancy Drinks

If you’re in a fancy cocktail bar or restaurant then this doesn’t apply – but you’re not likely to be called a cougar if you are surrounded by other people your own age, are you?

If you find yourself in a much younger crowd, drink what everyone else is drinking unless you want to annoy the bartender or just stand out. Nothing says ‘newly divorced on a boyhunt’ than the liquid courage of a margarita, glass of white wine, or martini in a standing room only sports bar full of college boys playing foozball and drinking pitchers of beer.

Of course, when I say this I’m not implying that you should enter any chugging contests or beer pong tournaments, either. Unless you want to, of course…

4. Cleavage

If your ladies are pushed up to the point that your chin hits them when you talk, you might want to accept the fact that they are not anyone’s secret any more, let alone Victoria’s!

5. Big, Clunky Jewelry

Leave your diamonds at home, especially if you bought them from the Home Shopping Channel. Another good tip: if you can imagine Peggy Bundy putting it on, it’s probably wise to take it off! Actually that applies to all accessories and clothing…

Of course, there are actually cougars out there – and there’s nothing wrong with that, either; but…

Cougars be proud!

Take over the term and wear it as a badge of honor so that it can’t be used as an insult anymore! You can use the list above to pump up the volume on your cougar mating call.

Wear Whatever You Want

And, if you’re not a cougar but the above list describes you perfectly? You can just let everyone think you’re on the prowl and let them wonder why you never make a move. Let the boys who like to use the term as an insult go home with some insecurities for a change…

PS: I regularly break every rule above (except the leather pants rule) and I’ve been called a cougar twice (to my face).

What about you?

Do you consider yourself a cougar? Do you think of the term as an insult or a compliment? Have you ever been called a cougar? Did I miss anything off the list? Let me know!

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