Letter From the Editor: Adventure and Africa

cover

For as long as I can recall, adventure and Africa have been inspirations to me. Starting at a young age, I began obsessing over Egypt and South Africa–two places on my bucket list to go–so, it is natural for me to love a “safari” theme week on VIP *wink* BUT what spawned the idea was a photo shoot spread in Glamour magazine. See the scan-in below for the details about the photo shoot.

SCAN0057

I saw this “Four Steps to Safari Chic” in Glamour and immediately had nostalgia. Ah…khaki, white, and leather hued–it does not get more basic or more wonderful *wink* My mom loved it when I (as a kid) borrowed things from her closet and dug holes in the yard pretending I was an “archeologist” *wink* Shhh. Don’t tell her, but I still borrow things from her closet–like the skirt I wore in this week’s Weekly Whistle

Another BIG inspiration for this week’s theme was The African Queen (1951). Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart (two of my FAVORITE actors ever) are such a dynamic duo in this movie + even though Katharine’s wardrobe is soiled in most of the best scenes–she still looked amazing and safari chic.

And…last but not least, my music inspiration for this week *drum roll* Toto’s “Africa” was an obvious choice *wink* It is definitely one of my favorite (and slower songs) from the 80s. “Africa” makes me wanna’ take a road trip.

BEHIND THE SCENES:

Trying to get down from rocks on a muddy hill was not the easiest thing to do in booties *wink*
Trying to get down from rocks on a muddy hill was not the easiest thing to do in booties *wink*
No changing booth? no problem. We switch belts in the middle of the park
No changing booth? no problem. Just switch belts in the middle of the park *smile*
...And when the photographer catches us...we cannot help but flash a smile *wink*
…And when the photographer catches it…flash a smile *wink*

IMG_9735

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Advertisement

Letter from the Editor: Women Who Wear the Pants

IMG_9982

In an interview with Barbara Walters in 1981, Katharine Hepburn explained that she put on pants 50 years ago and declared a middle road between the expectations of women and men. “I have not lived as a woman. I have lived as a man. I’ve just done what I damn well wanted to, and I made enough money to support myself. And I ain’t afraid of being alone.” What powerful words those are! I love Katharine Hepburn’s blunt, humorous, and independently fiery personality. Only having been married six years out of her life, Katharine showcased that women do not need a man to be successful. She also showcased that we can rock suit pants better than men *wink* 

March is Women’s History Month. Looking back at all the marvelous women who have contributed to our growth as a society makes me feel pretty wonderful and proud to be a woman. There is no doubt that we are often downgraded, but many of us wear the pants–and that is from where this week’s “Menswear” theme stemmed.

In the 8th grade, I had to read the biography of Marie Curie, a physicist famous for her work on radioactivity and twice a winner of the Nobel Prize, over the summer. I remember sulking and dragging out my reading of the book–I am sure that I also whined to my mother–but when I finally started reading, I was immediately inspired. Marie Curie stepped out, unknowingly risked her life, and made an impact on history and science. *fist in air* Girl power! Are we strong? Yes! Are we beautiful? Yes! Are we intelligent? Yes! Are we influential? Yes! 

IMG_0045

I think God made a woman to be strong and not to be trampled under the feet of men. I’ve always felt this way because my mother was a very strong woman, without a husband.

–Little Richard

IMG_9981

Now, of course, I had to pick a girl power song for this week *wink*  Check out the awesome jam below from Bikini Kill, a feminist rock band from Olympia, Washington.

Who is your favorite woman in history? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comment section at the end of this post.

IMG_0070

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Three Ways to Wear Thursday: BluKatDesign Upcycled Tie Necklace

IMG_0030

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

Ah–the weekend is almost here…almost! I am in dire need of a radio-silence trip to some place exotic…but that will have to wait *wink*

For this week’s Three Ways to Wear Thursday, I am taking BluKatDesign’s upcycled tie necklace and showing y’all three different (and FABULOUS) ways to wear it–from the office, to dinner, to girls-day-out, this necklace is a VIP must-have spring accessory. You can get your own HERE. *gasp* Can you believe it?!

A scene from Woman of the Year (1942) starring Katharine Hepburn. Still showcasing her killer menswear style *wink*

Outfit 1: Weekly Whistle

Truly embracing the menswear element of BluKat's necklace, I paired it with this lovely outfit on the blog yesterday. Get all the fab details here.
Truly embracing the menswear element of BluKat’s necklace, I paired it with this lovely outfit on the blog yesterday. Get all the fab details here.

Outfit 2:

IMG_0054 IMG_0071 IMG_0066 IMG_0048 IMG_0063

Dress: Express | Belt: J.Crew | Shoes: Johnston & Murphy | Necklace: BluKatDesign

Outfit 3:

IMG_0031 IMG_0021 IMG_0027 IMG_0045 IMG_0042 IMG_0022

Blouse: The Loft | Skirt: J.Crew | Heels: Michael Kors, Belk | Bracelet: Luke & Lyla Designs | Necklace: BluKatDesign

IMG_0070

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Weekly Whistle: A Twist on Katharine Hepburn’s Menswear Style

IMG_9994

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

Wednesday! Ah–I did not think this day would ever get here! I have been excitedly awaiting this week’s Weekly Whistle, so that I could finally reveal this super fabulous ensemble! 

Katharine Hepburn in Sylvia Scarlett (1935) wearing men’s apparel. P.S. For 1935, I love the risks that were taken in this film! The acting, the plot, some of the scenes–all spot on! Plus…Cary Grant is in it *wink* Oh, Cary…darling *wink*

Inspired by the one-and-only Katharine Hepburn, I took a more modern twist to her awesome menswear style. Rather than pairing suit separates, I put classic black, pin-striped trousers and a blue, vintage-style button up together to create the basic look. To accessorize, I slipped into a pair of red stilettos, used a men’s necktie as a belt, and tossed on a tie necklace by BluKatDesign. This look is perfect for us ladies looking to mimic Katharine the Great’s style + it is great for us ladies looking to up our fashion game at the office *wink*

IMG_9981 IMG_9993 IMG_0002 IMG_9995 IMG_9979 IMG_9991 IMG_9984 IMG_9980 IMG_9983

Shirt: J.Crew | Trousers: J.Crew | Heels: Steve Madden | Necklace: BluKatDesign

IMG_9988

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Beauty Tues: Inspired by Katharine Hepburn

IMG_0082

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to Beauty Tues. 

This week for VIP Beauty Tues, I have been inspired by Katharine the Great–aka Katharine Hepburn. 

Katharine Hepburn is best known for her menswear style in the fashion world; however, there is not a lot of chit-chat about her makeup. The VIP decided that needed to change *wink* Katharine’s minimal makeup look is one that I see becoming an everyday favorite of mine because it is simple, quick, and the products are pretty basic. *yay* There is nothing I love more than makeup that is short, sweet, and to the point. 

Get the details below + a few makeup tips and share your “Inspired by Katharine Hepburn” makeup look with me on Facebook here or by mentioning @AbbyHathorn on Twitter and IG

One thing I have noticed in stalking Katharine Hepburn's style is that she focused a lot on contouring, especially at the cheeks. So, I used Lancome's Blush Subtil Palette in 359 Framboise Flirt to achieve that look.  Basic Contouring Tip: DO NOT USE THE SAME BRUSH FOR EACH COLOR--major no no. Invest in good contouring brushes--Sephora actually has a special brush set here.
One thing I have noticed from stalking Katharine Hepburn’s style is that she focused a lot on contouring–especially at the cheeks. So, I used Lancome’s Blush Subtil Palette in 359 Framboise Flirt to help achieve that Katharine-Hepburn-inspired look.
Basic Contouring Tip: DO NOT USE THE SAME BRUSH FOR EACH COLOR–major no no. Invest in good contouring brushes–Sephora actually has a special brush set here.

Keep the eyes simple.  I used Make Up For Ever's Pinky Beige (Iridescent) shadow all over and added a bit of infuses to the outer crease of the lid with Too Faced's Innocent.
Keep the eyes simple.
I used Make Up For Ever’s Pinky Beige (Iridescent) shadow all over and added a bit of emphasis to the outer crease of the lid with Too Faced’s Innocent. For liner, I took Laura Mercier’s Stormy Grey Kohl Eye Pencil and created a subtle line right at the edge of my lashes. Basic Tip: If you have light eyes like me, this helps to “open up the eyes” giving a fresh-face look. Also, I finished off the eyes with Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara.

Last but not least--LIPS! Y'all know how crazy I am about lip color *wink* So, I of course love the small punch of coral. This shade is Fleur De Feu from Guerlain.
Last but not least–LIPS!
Y’all know how crazy I am about lip color *wink* So, I added a small punch of coral to this makeup look using Fleur De Feu from Guerlain.

TAH DAH! A VIP makeup look inspired by one of my favorite actresses and style icons, Katharine Hepburn! Be sure to come back tomorrow to see my twist on Katharine the Great's fabulous menswear ensembles *wink*
TAH DAH! A VIP makeup look inspired by one of my favorite actresses and style icons, Katharine Hepburn! Be sure to come back tomorrow to see my twist on Katharine the Great’s fabulous menswear ensembles *wink*

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn