Brigitte Bardot

If there is one type of style that most women want to mimic, it's the French style. One French woman who has been a style icon for decades (and is still copied by new generations coming through) is Brigitte Bardot. She's an actress, singer and fashion model who is now an animal rights activist. Herald as a sex symbol of the 50s and 60s, she was chosen as the face of Marianne (female face of liberty in France) in 1969. I can't say that I've ever seen her films or heard her music but her style, that I know.

She has a very comfortable, girly look that screams femininity. A look that celebrates being female.

Full skirts and tiny nipped in waists. The gingham print of the skirt makes this look fresh and summery.

http://www.parischerie.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/2-BB-Dancing-x468.png

I love stripes so this outfit is great for a summer holiday. And the stripes are going in the right direction with a dropped waist. Very flattering.

http://www.vogue.co.uk/spy/celebrity-photos/2011/05/18/style-file---brigitte-bardot/gallery/623245

Quite like the matchy-matchy vibe of the handbag, boots and luggage with the skirt and cardigan. This is a clean and classic look that would definitely work today. I also quite like that her boots are over the knee so a little sexy but flat so it's not trashy.

http://rdujour.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Style-Inspiration-Brigitte-Bardot-Style-011.jpg

Again, crisp in black suit and white top with statement sunglasses. An otherwise boring outfit looks alive with those quirky over-sized glasses. 

http://snohettaprototyping.com/vr/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Brigitte-Bardot-8.jpg

LOVE animal print! Always in fashion.

http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/ideas/34696/20/ultimate-style-icons-brigitte-bardot.html#index=6

Brigitte really knew how to play to her assets, this time in another super feminine dress that has a full skirt and highlights her tiny waist.

http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/ideas/34696/20/ultimate-style-icons-brigitte-bardot.html#index=8

Headbands, adore them, mainly cause they give me an extra day before I need to wash my hair. I like that she has matched her headband to her top and the color brings out the blonde hair that is very voluptuous at the back.

http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/ideas/34696/20/ultimate-style-icons-brigitte-bardot.html#index=11

A bright colored full skirt and a simple white tee, such a clean and pretty look. Definitely a staple in my summer wardrobe.

http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/ideas/34696/20/ultimate-style-icons-brigitte-bardot.html#index=14

Classic Brigitte Bardot look, Lots of long blonde hair, full beige colored lips and a smoky exaggerated eye. 

http://creativeportal.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Bardot-Hair-421x275.jpg

Catherine Deneuve

This beautiful French actress is one of my favorite glamorous icons. My favorite film with her in is called 8 Women and is a dark musical comedy that revolves around eight women during Christmas in the 1950s. Very beautiful done with some stunning costumes.

http://www.movieposterdb.com/poster/931d60aa

A truly elegant woman, she always looks like a lady who is well groomed and very much together. 

Below are some of my favorite outfits and hairstyles of hers.

I was once told that red lipstick and animal print together is only for old ladies and prostitutes. At the time I was wearing both and felt quite embarrassed to be put down so nastily. But as the image below shows, that is totally wrong. Its a strong image of a confident woman and Catherine pulls it off beautifully.

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/IjfjxOQhfZh/Arrivals+at+the+ETAM+Show/bPZGBKZKTRH/Catherine+Deneuve

I LOVE stripes! I do't know why but I adore them. If only we could all look as good in them.

http://www.coldlilies.com/style/cannes-fashion-moments-kat-and-bee-st-tropez/

Bright colour with very few accessories so that the dress speaks for itself.

http://ravepad.com/page/catherine-deneuve/images/view/978551/actress-beautiful-bikini-catherine-catherine-deneuve-deneuve

I know smoking isn't cool but...

http://images77.com/actors-2_Catherine-Deneuve.html

The humble trench coat :) Something that all my fashion icons have in common. I have a beige one but looking at these pictures makes me want to rush out and buy ones in navy and black as well.

http://strandsofpearlsapplause.blogspot.com/2012_03_01_archive.html

http://www.domashniy.ru/article/moda_i_krasota/modnye_tendencii/platki_2014_modnye_aksessuary_novogo_sezona.html

Even though I'm not great with long hair, I really wish my hair was long enough to put it into a dramatic bun like this. Also quite like the severity of the black dress with white collar.

http://www.madmoisellejulie.fr/les-croquis-dyves-saint-laurent-enfin-en-ligne/

Very much a 'don't mess with me' image. Quite like the big labels on the coat and sixties style hair.

http://susanmurrayblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/trend-watch-where-wild-things-are.html

Lately I'm very keen on masculine clothes or fashion on women so this image is beautiful.

http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG11193431/Tuxedo-jackets-Buy-Now-Wear-Forever.html

Parting shot: Beautiful women never really look old.

https://www.pinterest.com/fluffyjetaime/catherine-deneuve/

http://blogs.mediapart.fr/blog/annie-stasse/140814/les-cremes-de-

Jenna Lyons

The lady in charge of J.Crew, Jenna has a very strong appearance that, to me at least, is quite timeless. I feel that most of her outfits would suit a range of women with different ages, races and shapes. She also dresses in a way that could be really expensive or just look really expensive. Her overall appearance is always strong, polished, comfortable and obtainable.

http://lefashionimage.blogspot.com/2014/10/jenna-lyons-office-queen-of-cool.html

http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Jenna+Lyons/Front+Row+at+Public+School/0I-cYTdVDFx

http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2014/05/01/jenna-lyons-j-crew-interview

The image below shows how beautifully she can make a 'masculine' outfit of pants and blazer look very feminine.

http://fashionroadtest.com/style-icon-deconstructed-jenna-lyons/

https://www.pinterest.com/lizzykim/jenna-lyons/

http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/1049575/15-times-jenna-lyons-made-me-feel-better-about-the-way-i-dress

http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/1049575/15-times-jenna-lyons-made-me-feel-better-about-the-way-i-dress

And lastly, in evening wear that looks beautiful and comfortable.

http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/a15207/jenna-lyons-looked-perfect-at-solange-wedding/

All the sources of the pictures are below them, please click on them to read the wonderful articles about Jenna Lyons and her fashion sense.

Women Wednesday

I have a slight obsession with clothes and often find myself searching European blogs for style ideas. One lady that I stumbled across is Ines De La Fressange. She's a French model, fashion designer and perfumer. She's so casually chic and put together in a way only the French can do. She seems to have an almost careless attitude to fashion as if she just threw on what was available and it just happens to look good on her. The reality is more than she knows what suits her and as a result she has a working formula to avoid her outfits wearing her.

http://lilylemontree.blogspot.com/2010/05/style-icon-ines-de-la-fressange.html

I used to hate blazer and the way they looked on me, now I can't get enough of them especially if they are in velvet. I own a vintage brown velvet one but would love an forest green version like above or even a sapphire one.  As long as there's a pop of color, the look can't be boring.

http://www.style.com/peopleparties/celebritysearch/person1423/slideshow?loop=0&iphoto=12&play=true&cnt=4

Everyone need a classic black dress and the above dress is quite timeless. The make up and gloves make it look a bit more exciting but the cut along with the stockings and flats are timeless and classic. I think everyone woman should have a perfect little black dress that suits them from their 20's through to their 50's. 

http://www.style.com/stylefile/2008/12/ines-de-la-fressange-has-pink-credit-cards/

I have mentioned my love for over the knee boots and I adore the texture and color of these ones. 

http://rdujour.com/index.php?s=Ines+de+la+Fressange

I own a few bowed blouses but am too afraid to wear them in case I look too 'librarian' or silly. Ines makes it work very well and I think I may just haul my blue one for work tomorrow. I also have quite a few berets and think they look so gorgeous on a pretty women. However I often don't wear them in fear of looking like I'm trying too hard or costumey (not sure that's a real word but it gets my point across.) 

http://www.myblackcherry.com/2011/10/parisian-chic-by-ines.html

Blazer, straight legged pants and a belt to define the waist. Very feminine and classic and can be dressed up by good quality leather shoes, handbag and some striking jewelry.

http://sissiehrstrom.blogspot.com/2011/04/ines-de-la-fressange-suosittelee.html

The white and navy combination always works and looks great regardless of age or shape. I think too often people fall back onto black clothes and bad quality can show through in a all black outfit. Navy blue is very flattering to all women and worn with white or cream, looks crisp.

Women Wednesday

Olivia Palermo, this is a wardrobe that I'd love to have. She always looks put to get together and chic. Doesn't matter what the occasion or weather, she gets it right each and every time. I don't think I've ever seen her on a "Oh No" list at all. 

I think one of the main reasons that I like her so much is that she is pretty but not out of this world pretty. Also her outfits are often easy to try and copy in our day to day lives. So here are some of the outfits that I'll try and mimic in the upcoming chilly weather:

http://okmagazine.com/photos/olivia-palermos-best-street-style-moments/photo/1000673386/

Fake fur looks comfy and expensive. I like a casual look like this, its not too casual that its boring or messy. 

http://okmagazine.com/photos/olivia-palermos-best-street-style-moments/photo/1000673387/

It would probably never occur to me to put a hat on in the snow but this looks great! I am also feeling the need to invest in a pair of flat over the knee boots for this year.

http://www.lenapenteado.com/2012/11/the-8-best-flat-shoes/

I'm usually a color person and will wear stacks of colors all together but there is something very chic about an all black outfit.

http://pins-place.com/2012/11/page/2/

I've noticed that she often wears shirts buttoned to the top under cardigans or sweaters. I've shied away from this because I've worried that I'll look a bit frumpy. The above picture makes me change my mind about it. It has a very clean and pristine look about it that's still comfortable and warm.

http://www.pinterest.com/chefdori/style-crush-olivia-palermo/

Love this! Knitted chunky scarf and double breasted jacket with leg slimming flares, all in lovely shades of brown :)

http://wantandafford.com/category/celebrities/page/3/

I don't really have the legs for leather pants but if I did, then this would be my winter uniform.

Woman Wednesday

I know this isn't a real person but Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf is stunning. I love the twist on a preppy style and the fact that she always looks ladylike, despite what she gets up to.

Since it's Autumn (or Fall) here in South Africa, I'm showing all the colder weather trends that I adore from her.

Patterned stocking and lace dress

Long gloves and a patterned scarf peeking out of a jacket. Also like the way the shoes match her bag, I do the same thing.

Hair accessories! I love changing my hair but never seem to know what to do with it. Alice bands and hair clips solve that problem.

A cape and a beret together is quite sweet and chic. Not sure this will go down well at work though :)

Trench and a beret. Enough said!

Jewel colours always look better in colder weather.

Last word from Blair:

Women Wednesdays #2

If there was a wardrobe that I'd love to raid, it would be Charlotte Casiraghis!Full name is Charlotte Marie Pomeline Casiraghi, the second child of Caroline, Princess of Hanover and granddaughter of Grace Kelly (the ultimate Hitchcock Blonde). And royalty to boot as she is fifith in line to the throne of Monaco.

Very chic, very french and very old school movie star.What's not to love?

* all images are from pinterest*