May 20, 2009

The essence of pure elegance

There are certain things which instantly and undeniably convey grace, charm, beauty and sophistication. Time honoured ingredients that entice, allure, soothe and inspire. An unfathomably well tailored evening dress, slickly crimson hued nails, the unmistakable glint of diamonds, a signature perfume weaving its dazzling scent across your skin, perfectly coiffed hair, a stemware glass of something wildly chic to sip slowly over the course of an evening, your date – looking strikingly like Dean Martin – in the background waiting to take your hand and twirl you across the dance floor.

In the photograph below of model Jean Patchett sporting a Jacques Fath frock, one finds each of these ravishingly lovely elements and is struck by the desire to embody elegance the way it used to be. It’s the sort of style that somehow, perhaps only in the land of daydreams and mile high wardrobe budgets, I strive to achieve on some level a little every day.


1. Jean Patchett, 2. A TOUCH OF SHALIMAR, 3. Nail polish / red, 4. The warming {Click on a link to see a larger version of a particular image and/or for photographer information}

Who are your muses of vintage grace and beauty? What components translate into unconditional elegance for you?

6 comments:

  1. Hi Jessica!
    For me it has to be Grace Kelly and her cool, almost understated glamour. Everything, in a word, I'm not - unfortunately! (Though I do try!)
    Love the post,
    Nora:)

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  2. audrey hepburn has always been one of my ladies of style and grace!

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  3. Hi Nora and Elena, thank you very much for your comments. I think both of your choices of representatives of vintage elegance are excellent.

    I can never seem to pick just one vintage defining starlet, model, etc, instead I seem gravitate towards those who wore certain fashions and hairstyles. But that said, Rita Hayworth is an eternal favourite of mine. She had such a playful, sultry, alluring style that could be both bombshell and sophisticated.

    Big hugs to you both, my dears, and happy Thursday wishes!
    ♥ Jessica

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  4. Definately having the colour of your drink match your dress!!

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  5. @ Miss Raybe, indeed, that is such a subtle yet gracefully lovely touch. Thank you for pointing that pretty touch out.

    Wishing you a splendid weekend,
    ♥ Jessica

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  6. Sorry, darling, slight typo! It should read "Miss Rayne", please chalk it up to a two headache that seems to want to linger on for some reason ;)

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