Channeling Your Inner (Audrey) Hepburn – Sabrina

Throughout this series, we will be analyzing four famous Audrey Hepburn films and the looks conveyed within them. The iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s will be left for the finale, and we will commence with Sabrina.

This ‘Cinderella story’ focuses on Sabrina and the mega-rich Larrabee brothers of Long Island. When Sabrina, daughter of the family’s chauffeur, returns from Paris all grown up and glamorous, the stage is set for some family fireworks as the brothers’ fall under the spell of Hepburn’s delightful charms. I’d like to begin the series with Sabrina, as it is a style transformation story, which is a little what we’re doing here for some.

Firstly, we have Sabrina ‘pre-Paris’. While the 'chauffeur's daughter' look didn't win any hearts, I still find it quite charming.

 

Here she wears a simply patterned jumper skirt (dress to be worn with a top underneath) and a black boat-neck long sleeved top. Her hair is pulled up with a ribbon and her make up is minimal.

This would be a nice casual look for lounging around the house or grabbing tea in good company. I've ditched the undershirt for a cardigan to create a more conventionally modern look, but any would do. Save the cardigan for colder weather or night, but that hair style and dress are gorgeous for all seasons. I actually wore an outfit similar to dinner with my boyfriend and his family last night, as you can see!

When Sabrina attends the Larrabee’s party (all grown up, this time) she wears a magnificent Givenchy ball gown.

A look for more formal occasions, the evening gown features a strapless neckline and intricate embroidery and is worn with simple black heels and elbow length gloves – in true vintage party manner.

As one does not go to all too many balls in this day and age, I have emulated this look for a more semi-formal cocktail event. I couldn't find any embroidery work close to the gown after searching high and low; however I feel that this (mid-calf length?) dress would do well. It creates interest through partnered tulle and tiers while remaining consistent with the look through the simple, strapless bodice. I have left the black shoes as there was no colour print to coordinate with, for a beige scheme that I think would look great for a garden party or evening out.

A stark contrast to the last look, when Linus takes Sabrina sailing, she sports a very casual nautical look.

Here she wears a cotton madras wrap shirt with white shorts. This look almost looks reminiscent of modern rockabilly fashion. Sabrina accessories with statement earrings and nothing else, perfect for a casual look.

This look can be mimicked almost to the ‘T’ as it is so modern. It’s a very casual look to be worn around the house, to pick up the groceries or even to play some sport. I have made it a little more dressy by adding a more sophisticated white wrap into the mix, but if you own a top similar to Sabrina’s in this scene, feel free to use that. I have used a whitexgold colour scheme, staying consistent with her simple gold earrings and picking white and gold sandals.

I just love this film it’s so very romantic, you must see it if you haven’t already. I hope you enjoyed my analysis and advice. Tune in on Sunday night for my next post, titled ‘Smile of a Silver Screen Star’. I hope to be seeing you again.

Love Claire, xo.

Creation of Contemporary Classics

Welcome!

Here you will find endless musings on classic beauties of the golden age and how to channel their image into your contemporary fashion. Clothing style, make up and more will be analysed through achieving these looks. There is no end to the amount of timeless looks one can achieve through taking inspiration from classic beauties. I hope you find what you were looking for through my posts, whether or not you knew you were searching for it.

For years I have delved in to alternative fashions, learning the ins and outs of alternative fashion styles. While I did this, I picked up information along the way about quality clothing, outfit coordination, combining controversial pieces in to a casual look and so much more. With this knowledge, I believe that I am ready to begin my newest endeavour of achieving classic contemporary looks that incorporate modern and historical trends, from casual to formal wear.

In 2013, I will be studying a Dual Bachelor of Fine Arts (Fashion) and Business. Knowledge from these classes will be incorporated into coming blog posts. As of now I am on holidays with copious amounts of time to spare until my classes begin in mid February of 2013. In this time I will continuously post and filter through my large stash of vintage films to gather inspiration for these posts. I hope you enjoy what’s to come.

This is what I wore today. Forgive the colour hair, it's a filler as I am in the middle of dying my hair from bleached blonde back to my natural colour (dark brown).

I will be posting bi-weekly, every Wednesday and Sunday night (GMT+10).

Much love, Claire. xo