Lazy summer nights offer the perfect excuse to curl up with a good book or a beautiful movie. Here’s what we’re loving this week.

We’re reading …

Set against the back drop of smoky New York jazz clubs of the 1930s, this debut novel by Amor Towles features a fun-loving trio trying to find their way in The Big Apple.

In the dog days of the Depression, some girls knew how to have fun. Kate Kontent and Eve Ross, roommates in a New York boardinghouse, have mastered the knack of going out on virtually no money. Our kind of duo. Although they don’t rely on male generosity, when they meet an apparent swell on New Year’s Eve in 1937, they’re happy to take him around to their favorite jazz dives – and to let him buy rounds – and an odd threesome is formed.

As they sneak into Marx Brothers movies and nurse their cheap gin, the world is gearing up for both renewed prosperity and, ultimately, war.

Towel has captured the ambiance of 1938 New York in such a way, it was all we could do not to don the Pink Shells Twisted Maxi Dress – with all of its jazz club glamour – and hot foot to New York. After all, if the main characters can do High Society on a budget, we’re pretty sure we can too!

We’re watching … Who loves Audrey Tautou? We do! We do! Her latest flick is called Beautiful Lies and we’ve already pre-popped the popcorn so that we can race right into the theatre to watch it.

An anonymous love letter leads to a slew of misunderstandings in this lighthearted comedy starring Audrey Tautou (who we’re still in love with after Amelie). When Emilie opens a heartfelt love letter from a secret admirer, her first instinct is to throw it in the trash. The skeptical salon owner has a change of heart, however, when she realizes what such a sentiment would mean to her lonely, despondent mother Maddie (Nathalie Baye). On a whim, Emilie forwards the letter, and goes on with her day. But later, when Maddie happens across Jean (Sami Bouajila) – a smitten Arab handyman and the original author of the amorous note – the mother and daughter find themselves in a heated competition for the same man.

Audrey’s darling little outfits are distinctly Parisian in this visual feast. You can get the look with our Birds of a Feather dress.

We’re listening to …



British singer/songwriter Eliza Doolittle — who took the name from Audrey Hepburn’s My Fair Lady character — has finally released her gorgeous, gorgeous  eponymous debut album. Not only does she sound amazing, her fashion sense makes us drool.

For something distinctly Doolittle, try our Think Pink Pencil Dress on for size.

What are you reading, watching and listening to this week? We’re always on the look our for recommendations!

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During JFK’s presidency in the 1960s, Jacqueline Kennedy quickly became a style icon, and it was during this time that French-born designer Oleg Cassini was hired to create her original wardrobe. From 1961 to late 1963, Cassini dressed Jackie in many of her signature looks, including wardrobe staples like A-line dresses, pillbox hats, trapeze coats, elegant jewelry, evening gowns, and of course her infamous colorful suits.

One of the reasons Jackie Kennedy’s style struck a chord with so many American women is that the looks were easy to copy and something nearly anyone could pull off. Unlike the fashions of the 1950s that included large circle skirts, tight waists, and petticoats with yards of expensive fabric, the First Lady’s A-line dresses and pillbox hats were something everyday women could emulate–and her style seemed new and fresh in comparison. Rather than opting for over-the-top intricate designs, Kennedy’s look was minimal, modern, and understated–the casually glamorous girl next door.

Jackie Kennedy gained the favor of the American people not only for her elegant style, but also for her tact and social grace. One way this was evident was in how she chose to dress on international trips. While visiting foreign countries, Jackie always dressed according to the cultures and customs of the country she’d be in. By showing respect for other nations and cultures, Kennedy fostered her own sense of style and gained admiration from all over the world.

A prime example of this was on a trip to India in 1962, throughout which Kennedy showed off a more conservative style than what she would normally wear in the United States. One of the most iconic looks from the trip was a peach A-line Oleg Cassini dress with a bow in the front:

This famous dress was widely photographed and featured in Life magazine. It is currently on display at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum:

It’s always interesting to see how a style from decades ago can withstand the test of time, and Jackie Kennedy’s peach bow dress is no exception. The classic A-line cut, bold peach color, and bow are just as pretty today as they were 50 years ago.

If you’re a fan of this classic style and want to recreate the look, Lily Boutique has a similar style called the Lauren Bow Front A-Line Dress:

This dress retails for just $40 at lilyboutique and features a V neckline and princess seams at the bust. The attached skirt has an A-line cut with subtle pleating–and the bow in the center of the waist adds a playful touch reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy. This dress would look nice paired with wedges or nude pumps– or go full out Jackie-style and wear it with ivory pumps, pearls, and gloves. However you choose to wear it, we think Jackie O would certainly have approved!

Having a mouth full of bright, white teeth will instantly make you look and feel more beautiful and confident–who can resist a gorgeous smile? Unfortunately, dark food and beverages can yellow and darken your teeth over time. Expensive teeth bleaching procedures and over-the-counter whitening strips, toothpastes, gels, and creams can give you the brighter smile you desire–but did you know that there is a simple and inexpensive do it yourself option using ingredients you probably already have in your home?

Next time you are at the store, look at the list of ingredients on the back of those expensive whitening products and you will likely find that peroxide is the main active ingredient–yes, the same hydrogen peroxide you can buy at the pharmacy for less than $5 a bottle. Hydrogen peroxide in a bottle or in a whitening strip is still the same ingredient, and there are several ways you can use it to whiten your teeth:

First and foremost, make sure that the peroxide you are using is the 3% solution. Anything higher and you are accidentally using industrial strength peroxide, which is definitely NOT safe to use in your mouth. Secondly, be careful not to swallow peroxide as it is very dangerous to consume.  If you accidentally swallow peroxide, call poison control.  Finally, as with most health-related things, check with your dentist before using and discontinue use if you experience any redness or discomfort in your mouth or on your gums.

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Whitening Paste

1. Mix together 2 teaspoons of peroxide and 3 teaspoons of baking soda until it forms a paste. Add a tiny bit of mint toothpaste or a drop of peppermint extract to give your paste a minty flavor.
2. Apply it to the surface of your teeth using your toothbrush or finger, avoiding the gum line.
3. Let it sit on your teeth for 1-2 minutes.
4. Rinse with water and brush with a fluoride toothpaste.

Please note: This method can be a bit harsh for some people starting out.  Use with caution.

Another method is to use peroxide as a mouthwash, which may be more gentle for some people.  If you look on the side of some of the peroxide bottles, it will even give you instructions on how to use it as mouthwash.  Here is an effective method:

Hydrogen Peroxide Whitening Mouthwash

1. Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste.
2. Rinse with a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide for 30-60 seconds . There are dilution directions on the bottle, but it is usually half water and half hydrogen peroxide. When the hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with your mouth, a chemical reaction will take place and it will begin to foam.  Start by swishing with a small amount so you don’t end up foaming at the mouth.
3. Spit out the rinse, do not swallow hydrogen peroxide.
4. Don’t eat or drink for 30 minutes.

There you have it–a cheap and easy way to whiten your teeth using ingredients you probably already have in your home!  Do you have any helpful do it yourself beauty tips and tricks?  Feel free to share them with us in the comments!

Be sure to follow our Beauty Tips and Tricks board on for more helpful ideas.

neo-gothic castle on the Black Sea in the Ukraine

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