Introducing style icon #2.

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, also known as Jackie O, is my style icon #2.

I can't remember the first time I encountered this lovely woman (well, not in person, but you know what I mean). I think it was a gradual process--enough history classes plus an interest in fashion just led me to her. I can't help but notice that she and Audrey Hepburn (see previous post) had very similar style. They were at their peaks at almost the exact same time and, though they created their own style for themselves, they were similar in a lot of ways in my mind. She also possesses a strong sense of grace and class, but in the more political spotlight. She was, after all, the first lady.

Absolutely love this one! I don't have the privilege of seeing this photo in color, but I can clearly see the square print, light trim and simple strand of pearls. I think that this number perfectly describes Jackie O's style--trim silhouettes, classic patterns, and of course, the signature pillbox hat! She also is donning a pair of white gloves and over-sized, black sunglasses. The white gloves give a certain ambiance to the outfit. That's quite vague though.... What I mean is, I feel like the outfit would've been missing something if she hadn't worn the gloves. It would've been missing something and, in my opinion, it wouldn't have looked as lovely. They gives the look of I-may-not-be-going-to-church-but-I-can-wear-my-white-gloves-because-I-wear-what-I-want.

Jack and Jackie in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts circa 1960. I would say that this is a more casual number--a tea length, floral, sleeveless dress. The waist is cinched, which you know I love and the neck is appropriate, which you know I love also! You can see that she is holding light rimmed, cat-eye sunglasses. I like this look because, though casual, she still manages to look elegant and glamorous. When people think of glamour and elegance, they think of diamonds and pearls, swanky parties and champagne, but here, it's the exact opposite. I think that Jacqueline Kennedy's elegance was engraved into her--it wasn't something that she was faking. She was a genuine classy person and that shows in this shot of her and her husband just acting casual.

This is the most formal look out of the three that I am presenting to you. Mrs. Kennedy wore this apricot beauty on a boat ride in India in 1962. Can you imagine wearing a silk zibeline, which is a heavier feeling silk, dress with gloves on a boat ride in Indian heat? I would be dying, so I definitely admire her for this one. I particularly like the bow that ties at the waist and the A-line skirt. You may not know this, but I am absolutely obsessed with bows. I can't even explain to anybody how much I love them. They are definitely worn with 95% of my outfits, so I love how this dress is accented with one. Once again, the white gloves are like instant elegance. Put on a pair and mind your manners and you're on your way to being a tad more posh (we can talk about what makes a classy person in my own opinion later.

Stay tuned for style icon #3! And I may start a back to school series. However, even if I don't, I will definitely be making a back to school outfit post for you.

Signed, 

Penelope P.

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Introducing style icon #1.

I'm pleased to announce my first style icon in my style icon series...Audrey Hepburn!

I fell in love with Ms. Hepburn at first sight. I really did. I know, it sounds crazy, but her slightly mysterious allure and undeniable class made a significant impact on me. At the time, I was going through some really big changes; high school was fast approaching and that summer, I was determined to reinvent myself. Watching Breakfast at Tiffany's, I began to think, "Well, if I'm going to reinvent myself, why not be like her?!" So I started my little journey to imitate the class, grace, and elegant style of this iconic actress.

Oh, the famous Oscar dress. This off-white, high neck, Givenchy beauty was worn by Audrey at the 1954 Oscars, where she won the award for Best Actress for her role in the film Roman Holiday. I love this because of the high neckline and the cinched waist to make her look quite slim. I personally am not a fan of lower necklines on myself just because they're unflattering on me, so I love how this dress covers the entire chest. The waistline is perfect as well. I think that a nice belt at the waist and a fuller skirt create for a very tailored, slim look.

Another great one: the dress from the opening scene in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Though this was a movie and she didn't wear this in real life, I think it describes her style quite well. It's Givenchy, which was a designer she particularly adored. She liked clean cuts and simple colors. Once again, the high neckline caught my eye! I also am loving all the accessories. I think it's always great to have a simple base to your outfit (white v-neck, medium length khaki shorts) and accessorize like crayyy-zy.

This is a more casual look of hers. Ms. Hepburn was very active at the beginning of the mod era, in the early 60s. Hence, the shift dress and short hair. I love this summery ensemble because once again, it's simple. Audrey was a huge fan of simple and easy, which we can clearly see by the outfits that she stepped out in. This dress doesn't overwhelm her and the stripes don't make her look wide (like they tend to make people look).

That's it! I could go on and on and on about Audrey Hepburn, but I don't want to be unfair to the other icons whom I'll feature in the next couple of days!

Signed,
Penelope P.


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What makes a style icon?

As my previous post on Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, touched on her personal style a bit, I'd like to delve more into the topic of the style icon. I personally believe that a style icon is someone who stretches the "boundaries" of style more than the average person. A style icon is the person that doesn't conform and wears what he or she wants to wear, regardless of the trend or not. They do this and manage to look fabulous.

I have several style icons in mind to share with you all, but how in the world will I be able to put them in one post? I don't think I will, so I introduce to you my style icon series! No less than every other day, I will make one post per icon including a mini profile, photos of memorable, iconic outfit ensembles, and what I think of each ensemble. Why am I doing this might you ask (haha, or not)? Because I feel like it and I think it'll be fun to share with y'all who I think has had a grave impact on the fashion industry over the years.

Feel free to offer up your opinions!

Signed,
Penelope P.

Is anyone as excited for the Prince of Cambridge as I am?!

At 4:24 PM London time Monday, July 22nd, the future King of England was welcomed graciously by millions into the world. I'm American. I have no royal ties whatsoever, but I am overjoyed by the birth of this baby boy! I have been following the Royal Family of the UK very closely since Prince William and Duchess Catherine announced their engagement in November of 2010. I remember getting up at 5:30 in the morning on the day of the wedding in April of 2011 to watch the regal (I mean, hello?) event take place. I was absolutely mesmerized by the dress, how beautiful Westminster Abbey was, and by the fact that before she was Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, she was Kate Middleton, an ordinary woman from Newbury, Berkshire. The Duchess definitely serves the young women of today as a positive role model.

I think the Duchess of Cambridge has provided the world with a sense of grace and class. She seems so go about life in such an organized, elegant fashion, but she still is, in my eyes at least, human. I think that so many people are under the impression, subconsciously, that the Royal Family are not human because they're royal! I've found that people tend to think this about celebrities as well (well, the Royal Family is a family of celebrities). They think that celebrities and royals are so perfect that they can't possibly be just like them. Of course, they have different responsibilities than we have and live drastically different lives, but inside, we're all the same. When I was little, I had my fantasies of becoming a princess and living this lavish life, but now I see how ordinary the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge actually are. They're people just like you and I, and that's why I think that girls should look up to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. She's real, honest, and makes sure that the fame doesn't get to her as it has gotten to many other people.

All in all, I think I will always look up to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, because she's transitioned from common person to royal with grace and poise, all while keeping her true self in the light of fame, which 99.9% of people love (I have never heard of a person who doesn't like her and I can't imagine why they would.).

Long time no blog!

Hey everyone!! I'm really sorry that I haven't been blogging lately. I've been busy preparing for school and transforming my life and I have been clearly slacking very badly on blogging. I feel bad not blogging because it is something that I like to do, but school does take priority over anything else, so that's just something I'm going to have to adjust and work with as I go along.

Just a little update on what I've been doing lately:

• SAT/PSAT prep work! - I re-take the PSAT (which is also the qualification test for National Merit Scholarships) in October and I'm trying very hard to get a better score than I did last year. This means lots of tutoring and memorizing and studying etc.
• Chinese! - I told you guys a while ago that I was trying to learn Chinese and I'm still trying! It's also a lot of work.
• Summer work! - I cannot believe that I have as much summer work for school as I have. I have work in five out of my six classes and I have to read four books. It doesn't seem like much when I say it, but when you're as busy as I am, it's hard to find the time.
• Working out! - I set a goal for myself to be able to run two miles by the end of summer (which for me is August 29th. That is when pre-season starts.) and I've been going to the gym six days a week to work on that. I'll make sure to do a post on goals because I think that goal setting is a very important aspect to life. 
• Beach! - I went to the beach with some friends for my friend, Priya's, birthday. We had loads of fun and I got a tan, which is really nice because I was beyond pale before I left!
• Work! - I've been working a lot lately, i.e. babysitting. Back to school shopping is always a burden on me because, going to boarding school, I need a lot of stuff. My parents try to instill in me the value of a dollar and they make sure that I work hard for what I have, therefore, I buy a lot of the things that I want/need. I also feel a lot better buying my own things because my parents have a lot of other things to buy for my siblings and for themselves, so I make sure to work very hard for my money.

That's pretty much it! Once again, I'm sorry I haven't been blogging at all, but you can see why. I hope to be blogging more in the next couple of weeks and I'll definitely keep you guys posted on the things that I buy for school (I plan to get some super cute stuff!). 

Signed,
Penelope P.