I’ve already begun bracing myself for the onslaught of false compliments and dodgy “Oh! You cut your hair!” comments I’m bound to receive over the Christmas weekend. It’s alright, not everybody needs to love my shockingly different hairstyle, and when people ask me what “made you do it,” I could easily (and awkwardly) talk about dealing with grief and the ensuing emotions that impress the need for a fresh start. And sometimes I do talk about that. But superficially? I’ve got to say. I’m not sure I would’ve been able to sit there in that black vinyl chair watching long strands of hair tumble to the ground if it wasn’t for the beautiful and courageous crop-haired ladies who’ve gone before me.

So let’s start with the actresses above. I’ve always thought these ladies above were so fresh, fun, and really super cute. Not so much on the sexy front, which is fine by me, because I like to think of myself as happily “just cute.” So, they made me wonder, is the pixie cut right for me? Concerned about my body type being able to pull off such a minimal style, I decided to nix it. I just don’t have that much courage yet, and being unable to make that step actually made me really appreciate these trailblazers even more. Maybe after a bit of time with shorter hair, making the step to pixie might be easier than I think.

pictured above and linked to sources: Jean Seberg, Mia Farrow, Audrey Hepburn

Lacking the courage to go all the way to a pixie cut, I looked to the short, curly styles of these actresses I’ve always admired. A little body would be nice for someone with a curvier figure like mine. So, you guys! I actually got a perm. The lady at the salon was so relieved when I described the end product I was looking for. She said after looking at her appointment book that morning, she was really concerned I would walk through the door (maybe gum chewing and rainbow eyeshadow wearing?) asking for a big ’80s style or something. Oh goodness, no! Not for me. Give me Liz, I say!

So that’s the long and short of it. Elizabeth Taylor is now my style icon. Late ’50s and early ’60s Liz, that is. And I don’t even mind needing a perm to make it happen. At first I was a little worried about having a similar hairstyle to the frumpy lady sitting in front of me at church. But friends, I really don’t think I need to worry about being frumpy at almost 26-years-old and as someone interested in fashion and design. The point is- if you want to try a certain style, just try it! That’s my motto, anyways. Does looking young and thin always have to the the yardstick we use to measure beauty? Not for me. I just wanted to feel fresh, sassy, and excited again. Have fun. In the end, it’s really just hair.

pictured above and linked to sources: Deborah Kerr, Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor

It's been a while since I've settled down with a good book. Now that our fireplace has made its debut for the season, I've been feeling the urge to read, read, and read some more! But the silly thing is, the prospect of picking up a book again after so long away from printed pages is pretty similar to reintroducing a starving person to food. Better start small and light. Wouldn't it be fun to giggle your way through a vintage dime store horror novel? I'm thinkin' YES! And the funky cover illustrations look mighty tantalizing.

I've rounded up a few of the books behind these pretty covers. Isn't the first title a kicker?!

• Never Kill a Client
• Picture of Death
• The Least of All Evils

images via Valentino Vamp

Admittedly, I don't know much about the real Steve McQueen. I do know that many of my guy friends aspire to be like him, and any of us are quick to watch a movie starring him. Him. Boyish, yet sophisticated. Kind of silly, but so stunningly serious. What a man. I'm pretty sure many times when we gather 'round to watch a movie like The Thomas Crown Affair, we're really just hoping for his effortless charisma to transfer to us through the screen. Cinematic Osmosis.

Well, it's a fact of life that none of the guys can be Steve McQueen, and there's isn't a lady among us who can be with him either. BUT! We could live in his house, you know. No really! Let's start pooling our monies, okay?

The guy probably didn't have much to do with decorating his house, except for maybe a few consultations about how he would use the space, and what colors he enjoyed. Who knows? Maybe he just said he wanted it to look cool, baby, cool. I mean, it couldn't have been that difficult to design a home that reflected the so piercingly obvious aesthetic of Mr. McQueen. Or would it? Perhaps it was a real high-pressure job. Okay, designer, it is up to YOU to encapsulate the essence of 1960's cool. Now go!

Ah well. I wouldn't mind living there, that's for sure. But it sure would be a lot nicer if this guy was still sitting right there on that sofa. (After he put the gun away, that is.)

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