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~ Marilyn Monroe Books ~

~ Vintage Black and White Glass Set ~

~ Marilyn Monroe Ceramic Mug ~

“Some like it Hot!”

~ Wooden Marilyn Monroe Jewelry Box ~

Micro Plush Marilyn Monroe Blanket / Throw

~ Cute Marliyn Monroe Bedding Set ~

Long Silk Chiffon Marilyn Monroe Scarf Wrap

Cardboard Marilyn Monroe Cutout / Standup

Chic Marilyn Monroe Shower Curtain

Do you have any Marilyn Monroe Gifts to Recommend?

Please let us know in the comments below if know of any other great Marilyn Monroe gifts out there that should be on this list.  

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Without a doubt, Marilyn’s turn as Lorelei Lee in Howard Hawks’ sparkling musical comedy Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was the role that launched her into the superstar limelight. (In fact, it earned her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.) The film is full of moments that have become iconic in the years since its release in 1953, like the pink dress Monroe wears during her rendition of the song “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Lorelei Lee is Marilyn at her ditzy blonde best, playing off against clever brunette Dorothy Shaw, her performance partner and best friend (portrayed by Jane Russell). Full of silly gags that resolve themselves in a happy ending, this is a movie for people who love to laugh and want a signature Marilyn experience.  This was another classic that deserves a place on this “best Marilyn Monroe movies” list.

The Seven Year Itch

What other movies do you think should be on this best Marilyn Monroe movies list?

The post The Best Marilyn Monroe Movies that Every Fan Should See appeared first on Everything Audrey Hepburn.

 One of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, Marilyn Monroe, star of such classic films as “Some Like It Hot” and “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”, is still the subject of fascination even more than 50 years since her death. Her status as a sex symbol, her torrid romantic relationships, and life tragically cut short have made Monroe one of the most fascinating celebrities to have ever lived. For more insight into the woman behind the legend, you can turn to several books, all of which show a different side of who the world came to know as “Marilyn Monroe.”

“My Story“

• Page length: 208 pages
• What is the book about?: This is the story of Marilyn Monroe, as told by her. This posthumously published memoir gives you a glimpse into Monroe’s sad childhood, growing up, and her reaching of celebrity status.
• Text/Photo?: This book contains a good even mix of text and photos so you’ll see a lot and you’ll learn a lot too.
• Quality: The quality of the book is strong, with well-preserved and restored photos.
• Overall recommendation: This book is recommended if you are a fan of Monroe or if you want to get an up close and personal glimpse into her. The subject matter is very heavy at times, which may turn off some readers looking for a lighter read. Otherwise, most adults and older teens should be moved by this candid memoir. If you want to get know her on an intimate level then this is a must have book and is the reason why this book made it on this “best Marilyn Monroe books review”.

Marilyn Monroe: Metamorphosis

• Page length: 320 pages
• What is the book about?: This book chronicles the life and looks of Marilyn Monroe through a massive collection of photos, some previously unpublished.
• Text/Photo?: This book is overwhelmingly photo-focused with some text passages interspersed
• Quality: The binding of the book looks very strong, as does the quality of the photos they have selected for the book.
• Overall recommendation: Monroe’s status as an icon is in no small part due to her immensely photogenic self. David Willis’ book does justice to Monroe’s look (or rather, “looks”) through the pages upon pages of photos he compiles. If you want thorough photographic evidence into what makes an icon an icon, you should purchase this book.  One of the best Marilyn Monroe books out there and other reviewers agree.

Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, and Letters

• Page length: 256 pages
• What is the book about?: “Fragments” captures Marilyn Monroe at perhaps her most personal: through notes, letters, and poems, some written by hand.
• Text/Photo?: This book is primarily text-focused, with some photographs interspersed.
• Quality: The quality of the book looks generally strong. The only issue you might have is reading the writing on some of Monroe’s handwritten notes.
• Overall recommendation: This is definitely a book for the die hard Marilyn Monroe fan. If you really want to peel back the layers of Monroe’s life, no matter how haunting or bittersweet they might be, you should purchase this book.

Marilyn: In the Flash

• Page length: 256 pages
• What is the book about?: “Marilyn: In the Flash” demonstrates the impact that Marilyn Monroe had on the press. For photographers, she provided an indelible look that demanded preservation. For interviewers, she provided a level of celebrity so large, they had to know what made her tick. This book captures just how Monroe’s looks and words alike were so impactful.
• Text/Photo?: This book mainly features gorgeous photos, with a small portion dedicated to text.
• Quality: The quality of this book is strong, with the impressive photography being the key attraction.
• Overall recommendation: If you are a huge fan of Marilyn Monroe, and want fantastic book of photographs that dives into her life and career, from her early years as a model to her achieving status as a Hollywood icon and sex symbol, then you should really consider getting this book.

What are your suggestions for the best Marilyn Monroe books?

Did I miss any books or do you disagree with any kooky statements I made? Please let me know in the comments below!

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Audrey Hepburn Eyes & Eyeshadow

Key Products Used in this Video:

• FOUNDATION: Stila AquaGlow Serum Foundation
• POWDER: MAC Soft & Gentle
• BROWS: Ardell Brow Kit
• EYE SHADOW: Too Faced Heaven
• LINER: NYX Matte Black Liquid Liner
• MASCARA: Maybelline Push Up Mascara
• FALSE LASHES: Quo Glamour Lashes (806) & Duo Glue 
• LIPSTICK:  Revlon Pink in The Afternoon

If you are trying to achieve an authentic Audrey look, then the eye shadow color is more than likely going to be a light if not natural skin tone color. She was typically one to let her defined line and edge work make her attention grabbing statement. There have been some who have achieved the Audrey look via more finessed contouring and shadowing. However, for a classic Audrey look, you are going to want to apply a neutral tone with perhaps some faint, well blended crease definition.

Audrey Hepburn Eyebrows

Audrey was one of the stylish experts who made full, defined, dramatic eyebrows a timeless and chic makeup go-to. A blending brush is going to be key when you want to recreate the queen of demur’s fully defined, yet somehow soft eyebrow look. By first defining the edge of each eyebrow and then softening those edges with a small but firm blending brush, you define without making your face look overly rigid Don’t shy away from prominence of your eyebrows. Be bold. Shape and blend them like Audrey would.  Check out our Audrey Eyebrow tutorial!

Audrey Hepburn Eyeliner

This is where Audrey shows her attention to detail. When you are striving for Hepburn levels of precision, a liquid liner with a fine tip or a very sharp pencil liner is strongly advised. This will allow you to achieve the precise point that extents past the line of your lid. The steady hand required for this may take a bit of practice, but the dedication to exact lines and sharp points is well worth the results.

Audrey Hepburn Eyelashes

Perhaps her most famous cosmetic technique, the meticulous separation of each individual eyelash with a pin was one of the ways Audrey Hepburn made her mark on the world of makeup. This laborious process adds an undeniable definition to the dramatic attention grabbers created by her full, shapely eyebrows and precise eyeliner. The fluttering gaze of her Audrey Hepburn eyes was part of her unique and classic silver-screen appeal.

There are very few fashionista’s who have stood the test of time, but Audrey Hepburn is undeniably one of them. Both in her youth and as she gracefully aged, she was someone aspiring stylists and makeup artists have looked to for fashion opinion and inspiration. Her simple and refined look was one that made a statement so profound, that it didn’t need to be shouted. Though she was not typically one for bright colors or crazy trends, her take on beauty is one that has clearly resonated. If you have any questions or comments on our Audrey Hepburn Eyes makeup tutorial, just drop them down in the comments below!

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(Video footage of Audrey Hepburn Oscar winning night)

Audrey Hepburn Oscar Night

It was Thursday, March 25th, 1954 at the RKO Pantages Theatre in New York. Frank Sinatra won the Oscar for best actor, Walt Disney took home four Oscars, From Here To Eternity won the award for Best Motion Picture, and Jean Hersholt presented Audrey Hepburn with the Academy Award for Best Actress. The moment would go down in Hollywood history as one of many fashion victories for Audrey. As effortlessly as only Audrey can do, the actress accepted her award only moments after removing her wig and costume makeup from the play, Ondine, which she had just wrapped down the street before being whisked away in her limousine and rushed to the RKO! Source Here.

FUN FACT: Audrey “lost” her award while on her way to the post ceremony press conference.  She was handed an extra one for her to hold for picture being taken.  Luckily, they eventually found where she left it.  Read about the whole story in this free google book here.

The Designer of Audrey Hepburn’s Oscar Dress

Audrey of course chose Givenchy for the occasion, her favorite designer who would not only dress her personally and professionally, but become a close confidant who she would develop a deep and connected friendship with for over forty years. A blossoming and barely known Audrey had sought out Givenchy just a short time prior to insist he transform her and her character for the film Sabrina, which he reluctantly and wisely did. That meeting of minds would prove to be the beginning of a fashion fairy tale. The duo would engage in a delicate dance of designer and doll, and an intricate tango of inspiration and muse for years to come. At times it was unclear who was bolstering who, as both the adored actress and haute designer elevated one another’s careers significantly. Audrey once told Givenchy he was like her big brother. One thing was certain, Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy shared an unequivocal courtship of charisma and couture.  Source Here.

The Oscar Dress

The Givenchy ensemble proved to be no less iconic than several others she would don in years to come. The dress was a belted A-line ballerina length masterpiece. Cream colored soft, floral lace details and Audrey’s signature straight horizontal neckline made it a classic piece which would later go on to be featured in museums. Interestingly, that particular neckline was previously referred to décolleté bateau, and was later quipped as décolleté Sabrina thanks to the actress’s preference for it. The back of the dress was something fit for a ballerina, featured delicate spaghetti strapped and a button-up back. The dress was not simply from a Givenchy collection. It was made by Hubert de Givenchy himself.

The Style

Perhaps the only thing that could make the dress prettier was to drape it on the gorgeous Audrey. Her petite frame paired with her strong broad shoulders, and toned arms elevated the dress to new standards of elegance. Paired with a slicked back pixie cut and piecey bangs, Audrey’s delicate and feminine features were showcased flatteringly. The makeup was classic and simple, a full, bold brow Audrey favored, a slightly winged eye, and deep crimson lips. Audrey was always wise in accessorizing and this occasion was no exception as the muse knew the dress could stand on its own and chose to pair it only with simple pearl earrings. The look tied itself together completely, showcasing the effortless elegance, Audrey fashioned time and time again.

The Icon

The year 1954 proved to be a successful one for Miss Hepburn. The young actress’s career was bolstering from her Roman Holiday success, Oscar win, and was already in production on her next wildly successful film Sabrina. Her friendship with Givenchy was budding, and her style and beauty were being idolized by women all across America. Although the film she won an Oscar for only earned her $12,500, it was the catalyst to her success for years to come. With her insatiable beauty, talent, modesty, and armed with one of France’s most renowned designers as her new best friend, Audrey Hepburn was well on her way to becoming an unstoppable Hollywood legend.
For more information on Audrey, her Oscar night, or her fashion influences, check out the following links.

• https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1954

The post Check out this Audrey Hepburn Oscar Dress & Oscar Ceremony Details appeared first on Everything Audrey Hepburn.

If you want to learn more about her eye makeup and eyelashes, go to this article.

What Causes Violet/ Purple Eyes?

The mechanics of naturally occurring purple eyes are due to pigmentation issues resulting from varied expressions of genes with albinism mutations. Some people with Albinism have purple eyes. Eyes with low levels of pigment appear blue, and in some extreme cases of albinism, eyes appear red. Purple eyes due to albinism occur when the individual has just enough pigment to straddle between red eyes and blue eyes so that light reflecting off the irises appears violet or purple to observers. [1] This confluence of genetics is very rare and occurs in less than 1% of the population. [2]

Purple eyes are not caused by “Alexandria’s Genesis (AG).” AG is a mythical condition created by an author in the late 90s. However, due to the power of the internet, there are numerous pages, sites, and articles discussing the condition and its back story without citing to any reputable sources. [3]

For people who do not have naturally occurring purple eyes, it is possible to use contact lenses to obtain them. For static image presentations, image editing software can help provide violet eyes too.

Elizabeth Taylor Eye Color – So did she have Natural Purple Eyes?

Elizabeth Taylor did have a genetic mutation, but it resulted in her thick eyelashes, not her distinctive, signature eye color. 4 Her eyes were a deep blue color that could be made to look purple through make-up, clothes, lighting, and film processing techniques. Her career began in the early days of color filmography, so the procedure for manipulating film also led to some distortion of eye color before audiences watched the final product. [5]

How did Elizabeth Taylor enhance the appearance of violet/ purple eyes?

There were three key strategies to creating the appearance of purple eyes. The first strategy was the use of make-up. Taylor’s eye makeup was most frequently drawn from the palette of blues, purples, and grays and applied in blended or smoky looks, so there was a significant amount of makeup framing her eyes. By sticking with that palette, she enhanced the ability of cameras to catch the purple reflection from her eyes.

The second strategy was in her clothing and wardrobe selection. Many of her outfits revealed shoulder, collar bone, and decolletage so that there was minimal interference from her clothing with her makeup palette and eyes. When she did wear clothes that concealed her shoulders, they were frequently in gray scale which also minimizes competing reflection or in red, blue, or purple which would assist with reflecting violet / purple hues in her eyes.

The third strategy was in the lighting used on set and in photo shoots. By manipulating the amount of magenta and cyan light waves shining on the subjects through filters and gels, it was possible to enhance the appearance of particular colors such as Elizabeth Taylor’s purple eyes.

Elizabeth Taylor was skilled in flaunting her features

In conclusion, it is unlikely that Elizabeth Taylor had an albinism mutation in her genes that gave her purple eyes. She did have a very striking set of blue eyes, and through multiple strategies was able to provide the appearance of having purple eyes.

The post Elizabeth Taylor Eye Color – Did She Really Have Natural Purple Eyes? appeared first on Everything Audrey Hepburn.

Dress #1 – The Wedding Dress Audrey Hepburn Never Wore

Audrey Hepburn was engaged to James Hanson in 1950 and 7 years after the ravages of WWII. At that time, Audrey was in Italy acting alongside Gregory Peck in The Roman Holiday film. Few people today are aware of the difficulties she endured due to the Allied artillery shellings and the famine the Dutch suffered.

In those seven years, there were a lot of changes in Audrey’s life. One result was her decision to cancel her marriage to her fiancée, a rich Englishman, James Hanson. Even though her wedding gown was ready to be worn after being designed by the famous Fontana Sisters, Hepburn put her wedding off by stating, “The demands of their careers would keep them apart most of the time”.

The wedding was cancelled and the gown was hanging in the shop of the Fontana Sisters in Rome. Audrey asked the sisters to give the dress to a beautiful Italian girl who would never be able to afford such a dress. The sisters carried out Audrey’s generous request, and Amabile Altobella had the wedding gown of her dreams as a gift from Audrey.

In 1944, the Fontana sisters were famous for their designs of romantic ball and bridal gowns’ designs. The fabric of the gown was a bridal satin in an off-white color like so many bridal gowns of those days. The long-sleeved design was simply adorned but luxurious looking. A bow at the front center of the waist was the only decoration on the dress. The gown length was down to the ankles and slightly longer at the back. The neckline design was a Bateau that was similar to the wedding dress she wore in Funny Face.

Dress #2 – When Audrey Married Mel Ferrer

Audrey Hepburn’s first walk down the marriage aisle was on September 25, 1954 when she married the actor Mel Ferrer. The wedding dress she wore was a Pierre Balmain design which flared, tea-length dress adorned with a bridal satin sash. Audrey’s style in gowns and dresses often included a high neckline and her wedding dress was no exception. The unique high neckline of this wedding dress was in the shape of a stand-up Peter Pan collar. The ballgown sleeves and elbow-length gloves added a touch of sophisticated elegance to her fashionable wedding gown. A floral crown was the perfect finishing detail of her wedding day outfit.

When Audrey and Mel married, the ceremony took place in the City Hall of a small town on a lake shoreline. The first ceremony was followed by a wedding ceremony the next day in the church detachment. Only their closest friends and relatives were in attendance. The Swiss police were careful to prevent a single stranger from attending.

Even though the couple announced that they were leaving for their honeymoon in Italy after the ceremony, they secretly returned to their home to celebrate alone.

Dress #3 – When Audrey Married Andrea Dotti

In 1969, Audrey married for the second time to an Italian psychiatrist, Andrea Dotti. The town hall wedding took place in Morges, Switzerland. The dress Audrey wore was designed by the famous Hubert de Givenchy who also designed those many iconic pieces Audrey wore in her movie roles.

Her dress was a simple design in pale pink with a mini-dress length. As so many of Audrey’s dresses were high necked showing her gorgeous swan-like neck so too was this one with a funnel neckline. The long sleeves of the dress ended in a ruffle along with gloves to add to the formality of the occasion. Her accessories for the day were a modest pair of white ballet flats and white tights. A matching headscarf finished off the totally unassuming look for the day.

Dress #4 – Audrey Hepburn’s Wedding Dress in Funny Face

Hepburn’s wedding dress in Funny Face set the scene for generations to come’s classic and stylish dresses. The graceful combination of tulle and bridal satin in white was to be worn by many a bride.

Every bride loves the idea of dancing at her wedding and the style of a tea-length dress like Hepburn’s was the choice of many for that reason. The dancing pair of Audrey and Fred Astaire may have appeared pristine and graceful, but, in fact, mud and slippery grass blighted them. After waiting twenty years to dance with Fred Astaire, Audrey joked about the experience by saying all she got was mud in her eye.

Another style element of the dress was the beautiful Sabrina neckline and with a lovely veil added to the ensemble that created an exquisite and dainty look by Givenchy perfect for any wedding day. Features of this classic ’50s style dress included a full skirt of many tulle layers and tight bodice.

If you’re planning a vintage ’50s or ’60s themed wedding, Audrey’s 1957 Funny Face gown would be perfect. It may be a vintage design, but it certainly wouldn’t look out of place on today’s catwalk. For more bride’s dresses similar to Hepburn’s visit Cutting Edge Brides Online.

Where to get an Inspired Audrey Hepburn Wedding Dress

Wedding Dress Fantasy (also check cutting edge brides up above) can bring you back in time with a gorgeous bridal gown created with luxurious bridal satin and inspired by Audrey Hepburn. Your wedding dress can be fully customized according to your wishes. The gown can be created with or without a train, high neckline, in any color or with other options you may want.

Audrey Flaunts Gorgeous Givenchy Design at 1954 Academy Awards

The most popular dress of the 1954 Academy Awards is believed by many to be the French designer Hubert de Givenchy’s creation worn by Audrey Hepburn. This was the first of a lasting professional association. Following that evening, Audrey wore Givenchy designs for seven of her movies and often wore his clothes off-screen as well. The dress for the evening was one with a white floral pattern. Its tight belt emphasized the fabulous slim waistline of Audrey’s.

The post Audrey Hepburn Wedding Dress Photos, Ceremonies, & Dress Replicas appeared first on Everything Audrey Hepburn.

Elizabeth Taylor Eyes – Strategic Eye Makeup Tutorial

Important Eye Makeup Products Used:

• • Fake Lashes #1: Ardell Duralash Flare Individual Lashes – Medium Black
  • Fake Lashes #2: Ardell Duralash Flare Individual Lashes – Short Black
  • Adhesive: Duo Eyelash Adhesive
  • Gel Liner: Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner 24h – Black
  • Liquid Liner: HourglassCalligraphy Liquid Eyeliner – Ebony
  • Eye Shadow: theBalm Meet Matte Nude Eyeshadow Palette
  • Eyelash Curler: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers
  • Mascara: Lancôme Hypnôse Drama – Excessive Black

Firstly, Elizabeth Taylor was incredible at doing her makeup. While starring in one of her most beloved films, Cleopatra, she created her look. Taylor released this information to Michael Kors in an interview for Harpers Bazaar magazine. As a matter of fact, she revealed that she always did her own makeup for films. The most familiar look that this Hollywood star would sport is a relatively natural line of eyeliner, a light shading of her lower waterline with the same colors used on her eyelid, and a few coats of mascara. Truthfully, her thick lashes created such an effortlessly glamorous look even when she wore no makeup. As a matter of fact, in her earlier films, such as National Velvet, she did not wear any makeup at all.

There were a couple of other interesting techniques that Elizabeth Taylor used. For instance, while doing her makeup, often she would use icy silvers and cool toned grays to make her violet eyes appear deeper in photography. In her more dramatic looks, Elizabeth often used a thicker line of black eyeliner and smudged it out for a slightly smokey look that looked effortless. In every makeup look, Taylor never neglected to add a touch of color to her lower lashline, balancing out the eyes.

Lush Elizabeth Taylor Eyelashes – A Genetic Mutation ?

We know that Elizabeth was stunning without a trace of makeup, but why is that? One of the most prominent reasons was a rare genetic mutation that caused her to have two layers of eyelashes. This condition allowed for some massively thick lashes without mascara and thus allowed her to skip the makeup in many of her films. This mutation is known as distichiasis, which means that new lashes sprout from below the lashline. Elizabeth Taylor eyelashes (being a genetic mutation) is fascinating, as it involves a mutation in the FOXC2 gene, the same gene also responsible for many heart abnormalities. Unfortunately, this means that the genetic mutation could have even contributed to her passing from heart failure.

It is important to recognize that her breathtaking beauty was not entirely something to envy. Some of the unfortunate side effects included visual obstructions due to excess lashes in the line of vision. Stray lashes often grew into the eye, and many with this condition opt to have the extra lashes removed. This aspect of the condition is particularly interesting because Elizabeth even mentioned that she “almost lost an eye” in her early twenties from stray lashes. When Elizabeth Taylor’s mother, a former actress, found out about this condition, she quaintly said: “well, that does not sound too bad.”

Elizabeth Taylor Eye Color – Did she really have violet / Purple Eyes?

Elizabeth Taylor Eyebrows

Something that is also fascinating about Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic eyes is her eyebrows. In this era, it was not uncommon to have thick brows. Elizabeth was born with thick, “raven” hair that complimented her dark lashes and perfect brows. The brows and eyelashes are the main components of the face that protect our eyes, so it’s important to note that another functional part of her face is graced with such beauty. The eyebrows are known to be “the curtains on the windows of the soul,” indicating that your brows are just as important as the eyes (you would know this if you ever have looked up “funny pictures of celebrities without eyebrows.” Changes their face completely.) Regardless, Liz’s brows were most often worn slightly arched with a rounded shape. She most likely started the original trend of full eyebrows that Cara Delevingne brought back in the recent years.

In closing, Elizabeth Taylor is a remarkable icon that has left an incandescent mark in the American film industry with her controversially colored eyes and rare but coveted beauty. There are very few women in this world who became as famous as Elizabeth did in her era. Her incredible beauty was truly just a cover for all of the talents she held. Elizabeth Taylor eyes put present-day speculators into confusion, told the story of many characters, and captivated the hearts of America. Elizabeth Taylor will be remembered as a violet-eyed legend.

Hope you enjoyed this article on Elizabeth Taylor Eyes.  Please share your comments and suggestions below!

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