Quote of the Week

Timeless Tip: Trends

Have any of you looked at photos of your parents from their younger years lately?  If the answer is no, I suggest you take a look, it can be not only nostalgic but enlightening as well.  The 80's and 90's are not generally looked on as the Twentieth Century's most fashionable decades.  However, they were very "trendy".  Trends in fashion change monthly, if not weekly.  I am deeply sorry to break it to you ladies (actually, I'm thrilled), but trends rarely look as good as we think they do at the time.  Thirty years in the future, do we still think big hair is sexy?  One year in the future, does anyone still like crackled nails?  I really hope not, because they are not attractive.

I suggest trying to stay as far away from trends as possible.  Stay with classic cuts and looks that flatter you as much as possible.  You don't want to your kids to be looking back at old photos of you and see your proverbial shoulder padded pants suit.  Where trends may be in one day and out the next, class and sophistication never go out of style.  Being trendy may come and go, being timeless is...timeless.

Quote of the Week

Summer Style

Put away your scarves and pea coats ladies, summer is upon us.  Gone (for now) are the days of off-the-shoulder sweaters and knee-high boots; now is the time for sun dresses and peep-toe wedges.  Although summer is my personal favorite time of year to dress for, I've noticed that young ladies who once dressed with such grace in the colder months, start to slip into something a little more "comfortable" once it's warmer out.  For those who don't understand, by "comfortable" I mean slutty.  Summer is when everyone should look the nicest.  We're (hopefully) tan and all in prime summer shape.  Never let presenting yourself in a classy way come second to showing off your body.  If you dress correctly, you'll be able to show that class isn't the only asset you have going for you.  Here are a couple simple ideas to look hot in the summer without looking like you're in heat.

What's better than a nice summer dress?  They can make you feel fun and flirty while making you look beyond fabulous.  Thankfully we have the majestic Blair Waldorf, who never fails to lead by example, to show us how great a woman can look in a classy summer dress.  If you notice in the picture to the right, this dress does not show cleavage and cuts beautifully on the mid lower thigh.  Cleavage is not necessarily a bad thing, nevertheless this clearly proves that you don't need to expose a lot of skin to look sexy.  No one could say that Ms. Waldorf (if you think it should be a Mrs. then you clearly need to catch up on your GG) doesn't look absolutely stunning in this dress that perfectly displays her body while staying classy.  Bravo Blair.

Now, cleavage doesn't always mean skanky and showing a little skin isn't always unacceptable.  Here are two rules I think a lady should follow when deciding if she's wearing too much skin.

Rule 1. Would you feel comfortable seeing what you are wearing on your mother circa her thirties.  If that's a yes then you are probably okay.  If that's a no- rethink.

Rule 2. Do you feel like you have more skin showing than is covered up?  If so, change your outfit.  Chances are you look like a street walker.

Take a look at the fabulous Lily Collins for example from a wonderful Tatler spread.  The Audrey Hepburn look-alike is positively adorable in her waist high shorts and tied up flannel.  Funny Face aside, the outfit is a long way from Skanksville USA, yet shows that skin is still in!  Here is a lovely pair of high waisted shorts if you are interested, and flannels can be bought at stores like Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, or Nordstrom.  These can make a chic casual look that will work nice at any barbecue or just taking a stroll on the beach.

Summer is a time for the beach, bonfires, pool parties, and laughs.  It's a lovely time to enjoy time with your friends on a warm beach house patio.  Coats may be left at home but class definitely is not.

Wedding Dress

Roses are red, violets are blue, and a wedding dress should always be white.  What one article of clothing has the power to make any woman, be she a playmate or a pauper, feel like a princess?  However, just because all women are created equal does not mean all dresses are.  Here are a few thoughts from a true wedding dress fanatic on how to pick the most important gown of your life.

1. A wedding dress should be something that you want to wear every day of your life...but don't.  Of course no one is actually going to wear their dress every day, but some food for thought: although your wedding may be a once-in-a-lifetime day, marriage last till death do you part.  Your dress should be a once in a lifetime outfit that's memory lives on forever.  If you don't feel the most beautiful you've ever felt in your dress, chances are it isn't the right one for you.

2. Not every style is for every woman.  We all have different looks that make us beautiful.  Your friend may look stunning in a strapless sweetheart, you on the other hand may look nice in a single shoulder dress (my personal favorite by the way).  Wear the style you're most comfortable in, just because it's a wedding dress doesn't mean you have to be over the top.  If you know you look good in lace, go for lace.  If you have sexy shoulders, show them off!  By the time you pick your dress you should know what you feel beautiful in, if that isn't the case then you probably shouldn't be getting married.

3. White white white!  A timeless wedding dress is white!  Intertwine your originality through the style.  Maybe a sexy low or lace back, as Brides.com says is en vogue at the moment.  Perhaps an exquisitely long train to set yourself apart from the other brides of the moment.  Something that is quintessentially classically you.


4. Last but certainly not least, remember who is going to see your dress.  It may not be in the Smithsonian for thousands to see, but this is the dress that your daughters imagine wearing on their wedding day while growing up.  This will hopefully be the dress that your granddaughters will say you looked beautiful in while looking through old pictures.  It's not only your timeless look, it's theirs as well.

Don't feel pressured when picking out your wedding to dress to find the perfect one.  Of course you want the perfect dress, but it will come to you.  A wedding dress should be just like finding your husband, when it's the right one you'll just know.

Quote of the Week

Icon Alert: Carrie Bradshaw

In the late ninties, Darren Star introudced the world to one of fashion's elite.  She taught us lessons in life, love, friendship and couture in the most fabulous of ways.  Whether covered in Cavalli or egyptian cotton, she captivated millions, using her Manolo Blahniks to "Carrie" us away.  New York's most iconic sex columnist, Carrie Bradshaw, has become a household name whether in the Upper East Side, Paris, or just off the Jersey Turnpike.  Ranking number 11 on Bravo's 100 Greatest TV Characters in 2005, Carrie Bradshaw was also named The Guardian's Icon of the Decade in 2009.  "Because we had all heard Carrie's stories in our own girlfriends, and recognized something in her of our best selves", says The Guardian.  The paper expressed their icon status praise by saying Carrie liberated young women, showing them it was okay to explore their sexuality.  Unlike traditional roles in shows with a male and his beautiful love interest, Carrie showed women that the lady can be the hero, and doesn't need a constant love to be fabulous.  I couldn't agree more.

So, what makes Carrie an icon?  Using a fashionable phraseology Carrie related to us in all aspects of life.  Through unbelievable wordplay and designer clad dialogue, she helped 20-somethings ease into their thirties, single women transition into relationships...and back out of them, and closeted teens turn out as fabulous men.  In her words:

Her Parisian fashion was always trés bien

On Fashion: "The fact is, sometimes it's really hard to walk in a single woman's shoes.  That's why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun", Carrie knew a about shoes, actually she had about a $40,000 education on them.

On keeping a man hooked: "I revealed too much too soon.  I was emotionally slutty".  In other words, don't be an emotional whore, it's as annoying to men as a real whore is to women.

On Breakups: "Maybe you're only allotted a certain amount of tears per man, and I've used all mine up".  That is, don't waste your time pining after a man who broke your heart.  The best we can do is put on our big girl shoes, and strut holding your head high to who's coming next.


On Family: "The most important thing in life is your family.  There are days you love them, and others you don't.  But, in the end, they're the people you always come home to.  Sometimes, it's the family you're born into and sometimes it's the one you make for yourself".  I could try to elaborate, but why fix something that's perfect?

On Friends: "No matter who broke your heart, or how long it takes to heal, you'll never get through it without your friends".  Remember, relationships could leave a hole in your heart, but friends are the glue that make it whole again.

En Vogue: "When I first moved to New York, I bought Vogue instead of dinner.  I just felt it fed me better".  I can't improve on that.


Most importantly, Carrie taught me never to settle.  Why waist time on an Aiden, or a Berger, especially on a Petrovsky.  These men are all just your "Mr. (Almost) Right", your post-it, and your creepy old man.  Princes come in go in fairy tales, but a Big is always there (whether you like it or not) in real life, they just have to get in their shining town car and find you.

Quote of the Week

Pintrest

For those of you who aren't familiar with the site, Pinterest is a new website that is basically dedicated to being fabulous.  As flashy and commercial as Facebook and Twitter have become, Pinterest is nothing of the sort.  First of all you have to be invited, which I love.  Exclusivity is what keeps the glamour in and the trash out.  So once you are in, you can start creating your own boards.  They can be about anything you'd like from fashion to literature to food, anything!  Once you have created your boards you can start following people; don't worry it isn't creepy to follow people you don't know.  It is just a way to get more amazing pictures to be able to pin to your virtual board.  It's amazing.  Then have at it; be warned though, once you start hours can go by without noticing, it's trés addictive but well worth it.  So if you like the blog or just like to Pin, feel free to follow Modern Timelessness' new Pinterest.  The link is below and fear not, I plan on keeping it all things fabulous and chic.  Also if you want an invite to the site, feel free to comment with your email and I would be happy to oblige with a virtual invite.  Otherwise you can just go to Pinterest, click "Request Invite" and wait a few days until they get back to you.

Enjoy pinning!

Link: http://pinterest.com/modtime/

Word of the Week

Simply
Use instead of: very, just, really
In context: He's just too boring for me.
     Replace just: He is simply too boring for me.
Goal: Try replacing at very, just, and really at least once each this week.  See if saying simply will give the sentence a more delicate and blasé feeling.

Quote of the Week

Iconic Oscar Fashion

Congratulations to all of the Oscar winners!  My biggest disappointment was that Bridesmaids didn't win Best Original Screenplay, although I do adore The Artist; I highly recommend both!  A HUGE congratulations to Octavia Spencer and Meryl Streep.  For a list of the rest of the winners, take a look at Perez Hilton's website.
Everyone's giving opinions on who was best dressed on the red carpet which I love to hear.  Most actresses looked absolutely stunning as they sashayed through the media blitz.  However, I would like to pay homage to the most iconic women and looks of the night.  Anyone can put on a beautiful dress and be called "Best Dressed", but very few can produce looks that will be admired for generations to come.  So ladies and gentlemen (probably exclusively ladies), here is my list the most iconic looks of the 84th Academy Awards.

Gwyneth Paltrow- No one put it better than she did when saying, "This is my Jackie O moment".  A big statement for the previous Oscar winner to make, but I could not agree more.  The one shoulder white Tom Ford gown itself was gorgeous, and her hair and makeup were beyond flawless.  Add in a sleek white cape that fit perfectly and could not have been pulled off by any other woman on the carpet that night and yes Gwyneth, you do have a Jackie O moment.  I'm sure this won't be her last either.

Angelina Jolie- I may not be Angelina's biggest fan, but she is growing on me, and last night she grew to new heights (pathetic pun intended) in her black slitted Versace gown.  Who is ever going to forget the slitted dress?  The Queen of Red Carpet royalty reminded us why she's on top and gave all of her subjects something to marvel at and try to replicate for years to come.

Jessica Chastain- A new comer to Hollywood's elite circle of Oscar Nominees, Jessica made sure to leave her mark.  Hopefully her loss to cast mate Octavia Spencer can be softened by the fact that American's voted her best dressed on the red carpet at Sunday's event.  Donning a gorgeous Alexander McQueen gown and having what I believe was the best hair and makeup of the night, Chastain made sure that we knew how much of a Hollywood powerhouse she can be on and off of the screen.

Viola Davis- In a time where so many African American women refuse to go au natural when it comes to their hair, I was so relieved when Viola graced the carpet with her presence.  Dressed to the nines in a breathtaking green Vera Wang frock, Viola was a picture of pure radiance.  She's so comfortable in her own skin (and hair), a trait that anyone no matter what ethnicity can deeply admire

Michelle Williams- Red was not only the color of the carpet, but it was also the color of many celebrities dresses, and no one wore it better than nominee Michelle Williams.  Her stunning coral Louis Vuitton enhanced her blonde pixie cut perfectly.  I believe it was super model Twiggy who made the pixie cut so popular in the 60's, and I won't be surprised if platinum pixie with a red sundress is one this summer's biggest looks.





So there are my choices!  Do you agree, or think that there were any other iconic looks on Sunday's red carpet?  As legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent once said, "Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it", he couldn't have been more right.

Quote of the Week

"They say it is better to be poor and happy than rich and miserable,

but how about a compromise like moderately rich and just moody?"

-Princess Diana

Timeless Fashion: Little Black Dress

"One is never overdressed or under-dressed in a little black dress"

-Karl Lagerfeld

She makes everything look effortless

From collection to collection we see fads come and go.  One day feathers in the hair are in, the next they are out (thank goodness, they belong on hats not in ones hair).  There is one fashion staple that transcends the laws of seasons, and that ladies is the Little Black Dress.  Coco Chanel first put a simple black dress in a Vogue photo shoot  When thinking about timeless garments there is nothing more classic than a simple LBD.  In accordance with Mr. Lagerfeld, it is the dress that can never be over or under done.

What is so alluring about the LBD is it's shear versatility.  Whether you purchase yours from Bergdorf Goodman or Forever 21, it can always look chic and classy.
Note the "can" in the previous sentence.  Although it is extremely hard to trash up a LBD it can be done.  Do not be one of the girls who's idea of a "little" black dress emphasizes the little so much that their pikachu is out and about after two stiletto strides.  Also, as cute as cut outs can be, to much is extremely trashy.  The dress, even if you are attempting a one night stand while wearing it, should cover your yahoo with at least six inches to spare and should never show more skin than it covers.

Casual stroll, casual dress

LBDs can be worn in most any situation with the right outfit accents.  Little black dresses can also be worn out casually.  Dress it down a little, go a little less intense on the makeup.  Although I cannot stand flats, a nice pair could work with the right length dress (if I were a woman I would sleep in heels though so I am quite biased, it's just the gay in me though).  A nice bracelet and loose curls could make your LBD the perfect day time delight.

Feel free to wear one to work.  If worn right it can show that you are a powerful woman who doesn't feel the need to completely cover up but also doesn't have to show off too much to move up in the world.  Maybe pair it with a petit blazer or simple pair of leggings.  Don't feel awkward if it shows a little cleavage either.  Women have breasts for two reasons: to feed children and for power over straight men.  If you are not a nurse feeding your child then don't let them go to waste.  Again, you don't have to show off to much to be taken seriously, but you are a woman and don't feel afraid to embrace it.
The most obvious use for a LBD is as a gorgeous cocktail or night dress.  Dressing it up is really a personal style question, but I suggest taking a minimalist approach.  Let the dress say that you know you are a sexy, confident woman who doesn't need bells and whistles to show that she's fabulous.  Play up your eyes in the makeup department, a beautiful smokey eye rarely fails a girl.  If you're looking to make a statement (and why shouldn't you), pair the dress with a bold stiletto. The perfect heel can take you from funny face to it-girl in a second; never be afraid to look more exciting than the other girls at the party.  Remember, boring people rarely make the history books.  I would also add some sort of jewelry, either a pair of earrings or a necklace, again it's personal choice.  And don't be afraid to show off your face in all of it's glory with an up-do (personally my favorite genre of hairstyles).
I don't know if Coco Chanel knew what she was starting when she put her design in Vogue (she probably did though, I mean it IS Coco), but I do know that it was the start of something brilliant.  Few fashion trends can make such an impact on so many generations of women.  When purchasing your little black dress(s), remember that this is going to be a staple article of clothing.  This dress is a blank canvas, and the way that you decorate and see yourself in it is the way you are painting yourself to society.  Make sure you look the way a woman should look, classy and sophisticated.  Don't let Chanel's vision of elegance and class fall at the hemline.

Word of the Week

Divine
Use instead of: nice, cool, good, pretty
In context: Your dress was so pretty last night!
    Replace very: Your dress was absolutely divine last night!
Goal: Use divine in one sentence when complimenting someone this week; when you do it elongate the "I" to add an touch of sophistication.

Quote of the Week

Fabulous Fiction: Breakfast at Tiffany's

If any work of literature can inspire class in the modern woman, it has to be Truman Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's.  For those of you who are unaware, the book is what inspired Audrey Hepburn's most iconic role ever as Holly Golightly in the 1961 classic film.  Although both are fantastic works of art, Capote's novella gives a different, slightly darker look into the life of Miss Golightly.  Although both are the same story, they are told in very different lights.

Set in the 1940's the story is the epitome of New York elegance.  I mean, how could it not be?  The café society (of which Holly Golightly is a member of) was comprised of only the most intriguing people of the most fantastic cities.  The 40's were such a chic time; the parties were elegant, the vocabulary was refined, the fashion was...perfect.  Women knew how to act, and I don't mean being the perfect wife.  Women understood the art of being a woman; how important it was to dress, walk, talk, and hold oneself as a beautiful confident woman.  When they perfected this, all their wishes were nothing but a bat of the eyelashes away.

Audrey Hepburn as Holly

Although the novella takes place in such a fascinating time period, it's Holly Golightly that is the real reason every modern woman must read this book.  As in the movie, Holly is the essence of glamorous.  Even as a glorified hooker (Capote stated that she was not an escort but more like a modern geisha) she is one of the classiest characters to every grace literature.  Holly has the perfect balance of elegance and mystery about her that keeps every reader and character enthralled.  Even the gay narrator is infatuated with her.  Then again, what gay wouldn't be?  She is composed yet outspoken, dreamy yet in control, tainted yet perfect, and fabulous.  Did I mention that she's fabulous?

If we're starting at the beginning on the road to refinement, Breakfast at Tiffany's is the perfect place to start.  There is no more polished character than Holly Golightly.  The novella itself is a staple in American literature.  The more we learn, the more sophisticated we become.  What better way to become elegant than learning about it from the best?

Verbal Eloquence

If I think of fabulous women from different time periods I think of Audrey Hepburn and Carrie Bradshaw.  An icon and a sex columnist, both of whom are trés sophistiqué.  Besides knowing the importance of a stiletto, these women all have one thing in common that made them the women we think of today- they knew how to speak.  Easy right? We all know how to speak, so we should all be sophistiqué as well.  It really does sound as simple as clasping a Tiffany bracelet.  Unfortunately, just because we KNOW the words we should say doesn't always mean we will say them.  A good vocabulary can come in handy in more ways than one.

Let me first pose a question, have you ever been taking a stroll (perhaps down 5th Ave or the Champs-Élysées) and heard a woman going off on her cell phone?  Is there anything that is more unpleasant to the ears than having to hear someone relentlessly cuss in public?  The answer is no.  If you are one of these women who is yelling at their boyfriends in public I request that you stop, because you look rather trashy.  No one likes a potty mouth.  Yes we all cuss on occasion (albeit I'd rather I didn't), but let's keep it amongst friends and in closed quarters shall we?

A multifarious (look that baby up, I did) vocabulary can also make you seem far more informed about a subject than you actually are.  Yes, if you can pepper your conversations with fantastic words then you can hold your own in an array of different conversations.  Be warned though, just because you sound sophisticated doesn't all of a sudden make you an Einstein, so don't go to overboard and know your own conversational limits.

Lastly, a chic lexicon is just pleasant to the ears.  The right words in the right places can make a huge difference.  It's quite annoying hearing people overuse words such as: like, sick, mad (it's an emotion, not a variation of very), cool, uhmm (dreadful time waster), and words of that nature.  Instead, why not spruce up your conversation with lovely adverbs and interesting adjectives.

I know it can be hard to think of new or less popular words to use in conversation, so I would like to help.  Every day I shall be posting a new word of the day, kind of like those adorable calendars our grade school teachers used to keep on their desks.  Try integrating them into your vocabulary each day and I suspect that you will be sounding more eloquent as each day passes.

The Icon

Lindsay Lohan, Marilyn Monroe, Paris Hilton.  Three blondes, two walking scandals, one icon.  Can you pick the real Chanel from the knockoffs?  If, A. you didn't understand my previous reference, or B. you did not choose Marilyn Monroe, we have a lot of work to do.  Let's begin, shall we?

An icon is someone who you look up to, like an idol but on a larger scale.  We have many idols; my mother, my father, Anna Wintour, Britney Spears, I idolize all of them.  However I have one icon; the one person who I try to channel in my day to day happenings.  An icon should inspire you; you should be able to hear one of their quotes and say, "Yes, I see that as well".  Never underestimate the importance of having someone you've never met to look up too; even when you've done wrong you will always have them to help guide your way sans judgement.  When you figure out who your real icon is you should be able to know instantly, almost like there is a connection.  I believe that everyone and their true icon share similar personality traits.  That's just my whimsical thinkings about the universe, maybe you agree though.

An icon should be more than just a pretty celebrity.  Anyone can be pretty with the right amount of makeup and the right heel.  No, an icon is not just a pretty face, but a pretty being.  They should be someone who is admirable in all aspects of life, from how they face adversity to how they the cameras.

I proudly admit that my personal icon is none other than Audrey Hepburn.  Maybe it's because we are both brunettes with petit figures, but I've always felt a connection to Audrey.  I could probably write ten different posts about the flawless actress, but I'll spare you (for the time being).  However, I will say that I have learned a lot from Miss Hepburn.  Her quotes speak to me,her virtues are admirable to me, and her simplistic yet elegant style inspires me more and more each day.  I don't know when it happened, but I just knew that Audrey Hepburn was the one person (besides my lovely mother and father of course) who could teach me the most about life, and we've been attached at the slender hip ever since.

Not everyone is an Audrey Hepburn.  There are other amazing women and men who are absolutely iconic in their own right.  It's up to each and every individual to pick decide the one that they want to look up to.  Sometimes a person can change who their icon is (however I can't see Audrey and I splitting up anytime soon).  In this time when so many people are looking to over tanned, over sexed, and over exposed tabloid fixtures for their fashion sense and entertainment, I suggest looking to the past when thinking about who you see as iconic.  Classics just never go out of style.