A Dash of Wisdom ♥

What could be more beautiful than a dear old lady growing wise with age? Every age can be enchanting, provided you live within it. ~Brigitte Bardot

Women get more unhappy the more they try and liberate themselves. ~Brigitte Bardot

Beauty and femininity are ageless and can't be contrived, and glamour, although the manufacturers won't like this, cannot be manufactured. Not real glamour; its based on femininity. ~Marilyn Monroe

I don't mind making jokes, but I don't want to look like one. ~Marilyn Monroe

I want to grow old without facelifts. I want to have the courage to be loyal to the face I have made. ~Marilyn Monroe

She was the girl who knew how to be happy even when she was sad. And thats important -- you know. ~Marilyn Monroe

"This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about." ~Marilyn Monroe

We should all start to live before we get too old. Fear is stupid. So are regrets. ~Marilyn Monroe

Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it is better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.~Marilyn Monroe

I was always thought to be "stuck-up". I wasn't. I was just sure of myself. This is and always has been an unforgivable quality to the unsure. ~ Bette Davis

Living is like tearing through a museum. Not until later do you really start observing what you saw, thinking about it, looking it up in a book, and remembering -- because you can't take it all in at once. ~Audrey Hepburn

I am an introvert... I love being by myself, love being outdoors, love taking a long walk with my dogs and looking at the trees, flowers, the sky. ~Audrey Hepburn

You can always tell what kind of a person a man thinks you are by the earrings he gives you. ~Audrey Hepburn

Why change? Everyone has his own style. When you have found it, you should stick with it. ~Audrey Hepburn

On a different note, I have a facebook fan page now!! Very exciting development, non? I suppose I am doing this a bit early on in my blogging career, but hey, why put off until tomorrow what you can do today? If you want to make my day, you can just hop on over there and fan this blog's page! Thank you, sweetheart ♥

~Southern Belle

Fur coats in June?

And other such ramblings. :) Maybe a few grievances too, but I will try to keep those at a minimum...

1. I just borrowed some amazing style, beauty, and chic living books from the library: French for Le Snob {a book filled with French words and their meanings... you know, so you can sound sophisticated and throw them into your conversation. ;)}, From Clueless to Class Act {An etiquette book for the modern woman; it is very helpful so far}, High Society: The Life of Grace Kelly, how to have style {this style book is great because it shows you makeovers of different women with their various focuses like how to have style on a budget or how to have style and reinvent yourself or how to have style in the evening, etc. This is a beautiful resource I could spend many happy hours looking at it and reading.}, Here She Comes... Beauty Queen {Oh, I love this book! It is about old-fashioned beauty pageants and it is just darling. It makes me fall in love with vintage hairstyles, dresses, and, of course, tiaras all over again!}, The "Lucky" Guide to Mastering Any Style {This is practically a style dictionary. I think it is just gorgeous and a must read for any fashionista}, What to Wear for Every Occasion {Another classic by Nina Garcia, this is a lovely book with the most gorgeous fashion watercolors by Ruben Toledo.} Oh, I am having so much fun basking in the sun with a lemonade and reading these classics!

2. These beautiful ballgown just beg to be shared:

Can I say stunning? Although a blue ribbon on a wedding
dress is quite unusual, here, it works beautifully.

I'm sorry, but if you aren't inspired by that, I really don't know what to do O.o

Love.

Ooh... so mysterious.

"I'm gonna hit you with my dress!"

So, lovely.

This one is so rock n' roll, yet very vintage. It is... scary. 

Although its funny, the first word that comes to my head is absolutely yummy :)

The most stunning photo ever. I. am. in. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.

3. As I mentioned in my previous post, I went to England!!! It. was. INCREDIBLE. I have no words to describe one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. Yes, I finally went, and it was brilliant. :) The cobblestone streets, castles, cathedrals, and culture astounded me, and I felt so at home there. {however, I am sure the natives would disagree; I didn't really blend in... ;)} I really want to go back, but this time not as a tourist, but as a resident. Yes, I am so in love, that I want to go back and live!  All right, I admit, Buckingham Palace was a disappointment. :P Ever since I was little, I have been dreaming of magnificent castles, and I was not impressed with buck house.  Seriously, since so many tourists go there, you might try and let them see more, or at least make it a little more imposing, lavish, and spectacular. All I saw was the outside of a big house, and to put it frankly, it got dull after the first five minutes. However, everything else was lovely. Well, all right, the weather could have been improved; I wasn't expecting it to be so cold! Brrr.... yes, I was wearing summer clothes. :P I mean, it was almost June! Does it ever get warm? Other than that, everything was charming, picturesque, historical, and absolutely thrilling. My favorite part? Ooh! That is really hard. :( I think it might have been St. Paul's.... I am absolutely in love with its stunning beauty. What a wonderful place to worship God! I could spend hours there exploring. You know, gaping at all the splendor surrounding me and wondering what kind of people have walked those halls before me.... it sends shivers down my spine. :sigh: Everything does in England.  I also tried a macaroon while I was there! It was really good, and tasted like coffee. {I got the chocolate flavor, but somehow it turned about to be more coffee like} There was so much to do, and so little time, but at least I can now say that I have been to the glorious land of the Brits.

4. When I got back home, I was not expecting it to be cold like good ol' Britain. But, I wore my luxurious fur coat in June! Oh, it was so cold.... :P Now, however, it has warmed up quite nicely and I have done away with my winter wardrobe :)

5. For the first time in my life, I went to a baseball game. My word, it was so.... ..... ..... unlike anything I had ever experienced. I really enjoyed it, and I met so many fascinating people; I actually can't wait to go to another one O.o Don't worry, I won't turn into a sport fanatic.... I have only acquired a healthy appreciation of baseball!

6. Reese Witherspoon who happens to be drop dead gorgeous, and a stunning actress....

The hair... the make-up... the beauty! {next few photos from online makeover}

One word: VINTAGE! 

Nice and natural :) She is a mom of two kids {I think...}, and
I love how she once said that although she was a glamorous
actress, to her kids, she was just embarrassing old mom!
So kids get embarrassed of their celebrity parents, too?

This has such personality :)

<3

Anyone watched the movie? Uh, I really don't know
its name... watering elephants or something :P Obviously I didn't see it!

Now, I have to go back to the tasks of life.... have a wonderful day! 

Much love :)

Annabel Lee

It was many and many a year ago,

In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know

By the name of ANNABEL LEE;

And this maiden she lived with no other thought

Than to love and be loved by me.

I was a child and she was a child,

In this kingdom by the sea;

But we loved with a love that was more than love-

I and my Annabel Lee;

With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven

Coveted her and me.

And this was the reason that, long ago,

In this kingdom by the sea,

A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling

My beautiful Annabel Lee;

So that her highborn kinsman came

And bore her away from me,

To shut her up in a sepulchre

In this kingdom by the sea.

The angels, not half so happy in heaven,

Went envying her and me-

Yes!- that was the reason (as all men know,

In this kingdom by the sea)

That the wind came out of the cloud by night,

Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.

But our love it was stronger by far than the love

Of those who were older than we-

Of many far wiser than we-

And neither the angels in heaven above,

Nor the demons down under the sea,

Can ever dissever my soul from the soul

Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.

For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams

Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;

And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes

Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;

And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side

Of my darling- my darling- my life and my bride,

In the sepulchre there by the sea,

In her tomb by the sounding sea. 

By Edgar Allen Poe
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh, here's a handkerchief, dear. I'm sobbing my eyes out too. But, this is my favorite poem of all time, so I love it anyway. Why? I think it is beautiful and tragic, and I love how their love is undying even after death. How lovely ♥ However, I would like to make it clear that I don't agree with all the theology in that poem: I really don't think the angels in heaven were jealous, and I am sure they were *way* happier in heaven. ;) What is your favorite poem?
Blessings! 

Life, Literature, and Loveliness ♥ {plus an award}

Where have I been? Frankly, life has whirled around me so quickly, I don't really know. However, duty beckons me, and I must update this blog with all the delicious details begging to be written. :)

I just found a series of photographs from Vogue,
and I am enchanted. The vintage twist, gorgeous
clothes, and lovely hair have inspired me in my
style.... I just love the outfits :)

I know... the length... but ignoring that, this
ensemble is quite gorgeous.

I need this outfit. Anyone have a million dollars
I could use? ;) {uh, please, ignore that guy. What
is up with male models these days?}

The second time watching it actually. What can I say? I
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this movie :) It is a sweet, wholesome
love story. Well, it has two love stories wrapped up in one. :)
I absolutely recommend this movie, it is one of my favorites
now. If you are careful with movies, you can look at plugged
in online for a more thorough review, but I hope you do watch
it, then tell me how you liked it!

I succumbed to the temptation and watched it. :) My reaction?

It was sweet, but I really don't like the end. I have a "thing" for

blonde hair, and although Flynn's act was sweet, I would have

preferred keeping the hair. ;) But other than that, I really enjoyed

it. Flynn was just amazing, and I actually liked how conceited he

was... of course, I preferred him in the end! But his "smolder" look

cracked me up... She had no idea what he was doing :)

Yes, I have been reading "Gone With the Wind". And yes, I have a 

love-hate relationship with this book. I love the south {I mean, hello! My 

name is Southern Belle}, but Scarlett is beyond annoying. I admit, I love

how human she is, but it is getting to the point where I wish she would 

just show a bit of compassion and human decency. But Melanie is amazing, 

and Rhett is so.... ..... ..... .... epic? Really, I cannot find words to describe

him. But I *love* the ending of the book. However, I won't spoil it for 

those of you who haven't read it. :) Altogether, it is a phenomenal read. 

I think I have a new fascination.... Frankly,
I like this movie a lot. But I know a lot of
people don't. So let me explain why I do:

1. Because of....

Raoul. He is my new favorite hero. :) He wasn't that great in
the book, but in the movie he was a protecting, caring, strong,
powerful, loving, sacrificing, faithful man. On top of that,
he is amazingly handsome, and a young man ought to be so,
right Miss Elizabeth Bennet? ;) As proof of his devotion and love,
just listen to these lines he sings to Christine:
Raoul:
Let me be your shelter
let me be your light
You're safe, No one will find you
your fears are far behind you...

Christine:
All I want is freedom,
a world with no more night
and you, always beside me, to hold me and to hide me...

Raoul:
Then say you'll share with me
one love, one lifetime
let me lead you from your solitude
Say you need me with you here, beside you...
anywhere you go, let me go too
Christine, that's all I ask of you...

Christine:
Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime...
say the word and I will follow you...
Share each day with me,
each night, each morning...
Say you love me...

Ooh... the words combined with the music creates
such beauty. Please go and listen to it right now!
{the version with steve barton and sarah brightman}
I don't like the theology, but it is truly a 
beautiful love song. :)

~I also like it because....

the clothes are beautiful and lovely. Especially Christine's
dresses. *swoon* There is a pink one I especially love ♥
I hope to wear one like it someday :)

~Lastly, because.... {all right, there are thousands more reasons, but I have to keep it to 3}

The end is the best ending EVER. Huge emphasis on ever. I
just love the end. I won't spoil it, but the end is a beautiful
one of sacrifice and how light prevails over darkness. The
music at the very end completely emphasizes this, weaving
different themes together. But if you watch the movie, I would
recommend having the lyrics on hand to know what they are
singing. Especially for the "Phantom of the Opera", "All I ask
of You," and the song from the final lair. I *love* the end more
than any other fictional book I have read or movie I have seen.
It is truly beautiful.

Do I recommend you watching it? If you like pyscho-horror movies with an emphasis on love, then I think you should. But, some parts were inappropriate for young audiences, and I really wouldn't recommend anyone younger than 14 watching it. On top of that, most people HATE the ending with as much fervor as I love it. So, it is not for everyone. :) But I would still watch it at least once in your life. It is worth the risk if you end up loving it as much as I do! {for a more thorough review, you can check plugged in online}

Oh, yes. I am re-watching 1985 P&P. I really love the Lizzie in this
version, and Mr. Darcy is so handsome and regal; he interprets his
character very well. Jane is perfectly gorgeous, and I love how
Mr. Bingley isn't better looking than Mr. Darcy, unlike some versions.
*cough* 19 *cough* 95 

Now we get to the place you are all waiting for! :) I was awarded the Most Stylish Blogger Award by Ashley! Do go look at her blog, it is very lovely and she is introducing me to many new books. :)

The rules:

1. Thank the person who awarded you.

Thank you so much Ashley! I am so honored to be awarded this, and glad to have found your blog :)

2. Write seven things about yourself.

~I love hats :) I follow hat blogs, collect them, wear them, try them on, and obviously swoon uncontrollably over them. 

~I hate getting tan. Yes, I am revolutionary and countercultural. Even in small details :)

~I love Japanese food more than any other in the world. It is just amazing. Oh it is so delicious! Suki-yaki, oyako-don, onigiri, curry rice, ramen, tako-yaki... the list goes on and on. 

~I try not to be, but I am prone to vanity. 

~I hardly ever wear jeans or pants.

~I hate cake.

~I very much want to see Les Miserables in any form. {movie, play, or youtube} Any suggestions?

3. Pass it onto seven bloggers. {and tell them about it}

Ooh, so hard! But here goes:

~Anna from Roman Holiday.
~Marie from The Joy of Fashion.
~Michaela from The Last Rose of Summer.
~Alexandra from Of Trims and Frills and Furbelows.

~Miss Laurie from Old-Fashioned Charm.
~Mary from Sue Sue's Stories.
~Gabrielle from Cinderbella's Diary.

I hope all of you will take a look at their beautiful blogs, and be inspired as I always am. :)
Blessings!